When it comes to improving the appearance of a patient’s smile, there are few treatments quite as effective as veneers. There are various different kinds of veneers available, with an often substantial difference in the price of the treatment. While porcelain veneers tend to be the most expensive option, composite veneers cost much less while achieving largely similar cosmetic results.
What Are Composite Veneers?
Composite veneers help improve the shape, size, and colour of the patient’s teeth to help improve their overall appearance. They are used as an effective treatment for various dental ailments such as discolouration and minor chips and cracks in the patient’s teeth.
One of the main differences between composite veneers and porcelain is the preparation time, as composites require little to no drilling of the tooth. This means that in most cases the treatment can be completed in a single visit.
While they are often substantially cheaper than porcelain veneers, composite veneers don’t tend to last as long and are prone to staining and discolouration over time. This can be remedied through proper dental care and regular polishing, but you won’t get quite the same effect as with porcelain veneers.
The treatment itself involves the application of the composite material to the front surface of the teeth, after which the dentist will sculpt the material to the desired shape and finish. This means the result is largely determined by the skill of the dentist, so there are fewer cosmetic dentists that offer composites instead of porcelain veneers.
What Are Composite Veneers Used For?
Composite veneers are used as an affordable alternative to traditional veneers, and can be used to treat a wide range of dental issues, including:
Damaged Teeth – There are a number of common causes of damaged teeth, although the main two are acidic erosion (via fizzy drinks etc) and accidental chips or cracks. Composite veneers are the ideal solution as the treatment is relatively inexpensive and can be done quickly.
Crooked Teeth – Composite veneers can help improve the appearance of crooked teeth; however this will depend on the scale of the work required. A longer-term solution, such as Invisalign or braces, may be required if substantial changes are needed.
Discolouration – If there has been significant staining or other discolouration of the teeth and it cannot be treated using teeth whitening or a dental clean, veneers are the best way of getting your teeth back to their whitest.
Fixing Gaps – Composite veneers are most commonly used to fix small gaps between teeth, primarily the teeth at the front of the mouth. It provides a fast and more affordable alternative to longer-term orthodontic treatments.
Composite Veneers Prices
While the cost will vary depending on the dentist you visit and where you live, the cost of composite veneers will range from £200 to £600 per tooth at most cosmetic dental practices. The cost will vary depending on what teeth need work and how long the treatment will take, so your dentist will advise on the expected treatment time and cost.
When you consider that a single porcelain veneer can be as much as £1000 per tooth, composite veneers are a far more affordable alternative for most patients. While they aren’t quite as long-lasting as porcelain, the cosmetic effects are largely similar and can make a huge difference to the appearance of your smile.
| Type | Approximate price (per tooth) |
|---|---|
| Composite | £200 - £600 |
| Porcelain | £500 - £1000 |