Cosmetic dentistry can make a huge difference to your appearance and is a pathway chosen by many wanting to attain a beautiful smile. But with so many great solutions, choosing from the options can get a little overwhelming. Veneers are a versatile and multifunctional enhancement for a brighter and whiter smile. So if you’re set on this particular type of treatment, let’s explore the best veneers for teeth so you can decide where to go next.
Veneer treatments share a common function and that is to leave you with a perfect smile. Whether it’s purely for teeth whitening or to correct misaligned and crooked teeth, dental veneers are an effective way to quickly transform your smile.
The two main types of veneers are porcelain veneers and composite veneers, also known as composite bonding. We’ll explore the differences between the two, looking at longevity to price for dental veneers with a cosmetic dentist expert.
Book a free online consultation for more information about dental veneers in London or Manchester. Call the clinic on 020 7770 6441 or email info@old.theoliverclinic.co.uk at your earliest convenience, and a member of our friendly team will be in touch shortly.
Dr Joe Oliver is London’s leading cosmetic dentist with over 30 years’ experience in providing veneer treatment. He operates two private clinics on London and in Manchester’s city centre. You may recognise him from appearances on GM-TV, This Morning and Channel 4’s Ten Years Younger. He regularly offers expert advice in cosmetic dentistry for many popular publications including The Sunday Times, Vogue, Grazia and OK magazine to name a few.
What is the difference between composite veneers and porcelain veneers?
Veneers provide a brighter, whiter and straighter smile. But what sets them apart from one another is the veneer materials used in each procedure. Explore all the different benefits of veneers including the ability to fix overcrowding, repair cracked and chipped teeth, hiding gaps and straightening for misaligned teeth.
In their simplest form, veneers are covers for the teeth which not only provide an enhanced smile, but they also can help to protect the natural teeth too.
Traditional veneers made from porcelain are very thin, custom-made shells that are fixed to the front of the natural tooth. Since they are a mould of your natural teeth, regular porcelain veneers look and feel like the real thing.
Composite resin veneers on the other hand, are non-prep veneers which can be fixed in a single appointment and involve bonding composite resin to the front of the natural tooth enamel. The resin is applied directly and then expertly shaped to resemble the look and feel of natural teeth.
The main differences between these particular veneers is the treatment time, cost and durability. So let’s take a look at these factors for comparison.
How long do composite and porcelain veneers last?
Due to the durability of the veneer material, porcelain veneers tend to be longer-lasting than composite veneers. Expect porcelain veneers to last in excess of 15 years, with some cases , whereas composite veneers offer roughly half the longevity, and may last between 4 – 8 years. Dr Oliver has treated patients whose veneers have lasted for more than 25 years, which is testament to his meticulous approach in fitting strong veneers.
Traditional veneers are considered to be permanent, since some preparation to the natural tooth is required for the veneers to fit precisely onto your teeth. Treatment is carried out over a number of sessions, since moulds are needed and fitting the porcelain shells takes time and precision. During preparation for veneers, an expert dentist would fit temporary veneers, so you can see what your new smile would look like before the veneers are made.
Composite veneers are a much quicker alternative to porcelain crowns and veneers. These veneers take less time to fit and treatment can be completed in a single session. During fitting, the natural tooth will be coated with a composite material to mask damaged or discoloured enamel, before being reshaped to resemble the natural tooth.
How much do dental veneers cost?
Since porcelain veneers are handcrafted in very fine detail at a dental laboratory, they do come with a higher price tag. However, the true cost comparison between porcelain veneers and composite veneers depends on how you view it.
When weighing up these types of veneers, consider whether you’d prefer to spend more upfront for longer-lasting veneers, or choose more affordable, temporary veneers which may need to be repaired more often.
Veneers are usually priced on a case-by-case basis since some patients will require more treatment than others. But as a guide, composite veneers with Dr Joe Oliver start at £395 and porcelain veneers start at £925. See the full price list here.
Advantages of veneers for natural teeth
All types of veneers come with various degrees of pros and cons. Porcelain veneers are an excellent smile-enhancing treatment that mimic the natural teeth. Contrary to what some people believe, porcelain veneers do not make the teeth weak.
As long as they are fitted by an expert dentist, strong veneers provide protection and durability for the natural tooth and there will be very little chance of the veneers detaching. They are also highly stain resistant, so will stay looking white and bright for a very long time.
The procedure for composite veneers tends to be less invasive for the natural tooth and is a much quicker process than fitting porcelain veneers. And while some patients may occasionally have issues with their veneers chipping, composite resin veneers can be repaired easily, whereas porcelain veneers would need to be entirely replaced.
Composite resin can be removed from the natural tooth and is therefore reversible unlike permanent veneers. Permanent veneers have many benefits, but commitment can also be a factor for many people choosing to go for composite veneers instead. Composite veneers are a type of temporary veneer, and therefore may be more suitable for some patients.
Other types of veneers
You may see advertisements for clip on veneers or snap on veneers, and while they may seem like a good option, removable veneers are rarely a safe alternative to professional dental treatment.
Even the best snap on veneers may pose risk to oral health and could impact the condition of your natural tooth enamel. Since these types of veneers can be removed easily, there is a high chance of bacteria getting trapped between the temporary veneers and your teeth for long periods of time, which may lead to tooth decay.
About Dr Joe Oliver
Dr Oliver is unrivalled in his first class cosmetic dental treatment. With over 30 years’ experience fitting more than 40,000 veneers, he has become a firm favourite with patients and celebrities alike. Dr Oliver includes celebrities such as Helena Bonham Carter, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Tamsin Outhwaite among his clientele.
If you are still considering the best types of veneers for you, read more about the pros and cons for veneers and check out some of Dr Oliver’s 5-star reviews.
Ready to get started? For more information about porcelain and composite veneers with Dr Oliver, book an initial no-obligation consultation.
You can also call the clinic on 020 7770 6441 or email info@old.theoliverclinic.co.uk at your earliest convenience.
