Are you considering dental veneers but not sure where to start? If so, you’re not alone! With different veneer options and dental clinics out there to choose from, plus the fact that this isn’t a decision to be taken lightly, it’s no wonder it can get confusing. The great news is that you’ve already begun the journey towards enhancing your smile, and now it’s time to assess which type of veneer is best for you – composite or porcelain.
One thing we think everyone can agree on, is that these days, it’s not so much about looking for those perfect, Hollywood, pearly whites anymore. Australians are looking for subtlety and a natural look – while still desiring to be noticed, of course! Too often, you see smiles that look incredibly fake, and that’s not what we’re about at The Dental Room.
Many clients opt for our veneers as it’s a practical and realistic solution for their teeth – discolouration, chipped teeth, tooth loss, cracked teeth, and ageing are just part of life. And those things can’t be fixed instantly with whitening toothpaste or at-home DIY whitening kits! Clients may be at a certain time in life when they are looking for a change, or perhaps they are looking for a smile that better compliments their facial structures. Whatever the reason, veneers are a great way to enhance your smile.
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Let’s take a look at firstly what veneers are, and the differences of composite vs. porcelain veneers, to allow you to make a decision on the type of veneer best suited to you.
What are dental veneers
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells designed to permanently cover and correct imperfections for a beautifully flawless and natural look. They can be used to cover just one tooth, or multiple teeth for a more complete look, plus they are versatile enough to be customised to suit both teeth and budget.
In the last few years, demand in porcelain veneers as part of cosmetic enhancement work has risen dramatically. The Dental Room offers a bespoke and unique smile designed for each client, and one that doesn’t take the cookie cutter, ‘one size fits all’ approach. We have an in-house ceramist – Ms Chloe Park – who carefully hand-makes each ceramic veneer with complete detail and to the highest standard.
Composite veneers are made from resin, the same material used for dental fillings. Similar to porcelain veneers, they are bonded to the outer surface of your tooth. If opting for composite veneers, it is important to visit an expert with a proven track record as getting the perfect tooth shape will rely heavily on the skill of the dentist – this isn’t a decision to make lightly!
Composite veneers are prone to stains and discolouration, so for those that enjoy a coffee or red wine, these things will need to be considered. And with composite veneers, the ‘two minutes, twice a day’ rule is even more key – impeccable hygiene habits are required to keep them in check.
While both porcelain and composite veneers are designed to improve the appearance of your smile, there are some noticeable differences between the two. At The Dental Room, we specialise in porcelain veneers. While these take longer to create, they can appear more natural and long lasting, with proper care and regular check-ups.
How Long Do Veneers Take to Install?
Composite resin is hassle-free and quick to install, during just one visit to the dental clinic. The process is simple as the bonding uses a plastic material that is tacked onto the tooth, the tooth is then carefully shaped and hardened with light, making it virtually painless.
With porcelain veneers, the procedure is more involved (as reshaping of your natural teeth is needed), and you are often required to wear temporaries while you wait for your veneers to be sculpted in a lab. However, the process is feedback-driven over a series of appointments with both a dental professional and our master ceramist, and therefore it gives you a chance to have your input taken into account along the way, to help achieve the desired result.
How Long do Veneers Last?
Composite veneers last from five to seven years on average. So, an important factor in deciding if resin is for you, is to weigh up the cost and length of time they will stay put, in comparison to well-maintained porcelain veneers which can last from 10 to 15 years (but do cost twice as much – it’s a trade off!). Value is a big consideration when deciding which veneer option is right for you, so ensure you make a consultation with your dentist to discuss.
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All About the Aesthetics
Porcelain veneers give you the most natural, tooth-like aesthetics, as they are individually hand-layered with at least five different shades of porcelain powder and artistically created to form a level of depth and translucent quality that is similar to the tooth enamel. The goal of any cosmetic treatment is to achieve that natural look, and the fact we have our own master ceramist who hand-creates each and every one of our veneers, means that our veneers stand out from other clinics you may have visited. We pride ourselves on delivering that customised smile – with face mapping techniques, we are able to work closely with the client to achieve the best outcome.
The Cost Of Veneers
The cost of veneers varies based on a number of factors, but composites cost (on average) between $250 and $650 per tooth. Of course, if you take into consideration that they last between five and seven years, and replacements will be needed. Many treatments are not covered by health insurance, so composite veneers may seem a more appealing option at the time. However, it’s important to take into consideration the longevity of each option before making a decision.
As you may have guessed, the key is to select the right dentist for the procedure, and to book in a cosmetic consultation to discuss your options. The best in aesthetic dentistry are always willing to take you through the pros and cons, and to work in partnership with you to design that willing smile.
About Dr Shawn Rama
Dr Shawn Rama is the Principal Dentist and Founder of The Dental Room with over 20 years’ experience in his field. Over the years, he has steadily raised his profile as one of Australia’s elite dentists in the field of aesthetic dentistry, and along with his top in-house ceramist, is adept at designing customised, bespoke, porcelain veneers that transform smiles. Dr Shawn has created a unique clinic where as soon as you step in the door, you are greeted by warm and friendly dental professionals that put you first as the client, delivering an exceptional experience every time.
Contact us on (03) 9857 3988 or book an appointment with us online here.
*A $170 pre-payment is required to secure this appointment with Dr Shawn Rama. Please call the clinic at (03) 9857 3988.
Disclaimer: Results, potential risks, complications, and recovery times can differ for each individual and each procedure. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. Refer to thedentalroom.com.au/risks for more information on risks and potential complications.
Before starting any treatment, we recommend seeking independent advice from an AHPRA-registered health practitioner and considering a second opinion. This content is intended for adults, is general in nature, and should not be regarded as medical advice. Individual results cannot be guaranteed.
Images and videos featured on this page are shared with our clients’ consent and have not been altered with filters, editing, or AI tools.
NEXT: What are composite veneers?
About Dr Shawn Rama
Dr Shawn Rama is the Principal Dentist and Founder of The Dental Room, with more than 20 years of experience in general and aesthetic dentistry. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2003 and has undertaken further training in aesthetic dentistry, complex restorative dentistry and dental implants. Dr Shawn is also an accredited Invisalign® Platinum Provider and a member of the Australian Dental Association. He founded The Dental Room in Balwyn North in 2016, creating a boutique practice centred around personalised, considered dental care.
