Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite: What’s the Difference?

If you want to cover up stained or discoloured teeth, to straighten teeth that are slightly crooked or to make other cosmetic changes to your smile, your dentist may suggest veneers. These are thin layers of material that dentists can bond to the front of teeth to change their external appearance.

Dental veneers may be made from porcelain (ceramic) or a composite resin made of plastic and glass. Both types of veneers have their pros and cons and both have clinical risks that your dentist will make sure you understand before you consent to a procedure.

Porcelain veneers

If you choose porcelain veneers, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth that can be used to make your custom veneers. These may be manufactured in an external dental laboratory or in the dental clinic using CEREC technology.

Pros

Some of the main advantages of porcelain veneers are:

  • More natural looking – porcelain has luminescence similar to natural tooth enamel
  • Stronger – porcelain is more durable and more resistant to stains than composite resin
  • Longer lasting – porcelain veneers can last between 7 and 15 years before they need to be replaced

Cons

There can be disadvantages to porcelain veneers, such as:

  • More expensive – porcelain veneers cost more than resin, although they generally last longer
  • Cannot be repaired – if your veneers are damaged, they will need to be replaced
  • Longer treatment time – traditionally, porcelain veneers require at least 2 appointments, with fragile temporary veneers being worn in-between visits. However, CEREC veneers may be designed and fitted on the same day.

Composite veneers

Unlike porcelain veneers that are made externally and bonded into place, composite veneers are built up directly on the tooth surface. This often allows them to be completed in a single visit to the dental clinic.

Pros

Reasons some people prefer composite veneers include:

  • Shorter treatment time – composite veneers can usually be completed in a single appointment, with no need to wear temporary veneers
  • More affordable – composite veneers cost less than porcelain, although they may need to be replaced sooner
  • Can be repaired – if a veneer is damaged, your dentist may be able to repair it rather than having to replace it

Cons

Some of the downsides of composite resin veneers are:

  • Less natural appearance – although the resin can be colour-matched to your teeth or to the shade you want, these veneers lack the realistic luminescence of porcelain
  • More easily damaged – composite resin can chip, crack and stain more easily than porcelain
  • Shorter lifespan – composite veneers don’t usually last as long as porcelain and may need to be replaced sooner

What are the risks of veneers?

The risk of complications and side-effects from veneers is low when the treatment is provided by a qualified and experienced dentist. However, your dentist should inform you about all the possible risks during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.

These risks may include:

  • sensitive teeth if some enamel needs to be removed
  • teeth not biting together normally if veneers are uneven
  • jaw pain or TMJ disorders caused by an uneven bite

If you don’t think veneers are the right choice for you, your dentist may discuss alternatives to whiten teeth or change their shape and appearance. These could include:

Book a consultation for veneers in Balmain

To find out more about porcelain and composite veneers and other cosmetic treatments available at Dentistry by Design, book a consultation with our dentists today. Call 02 9810 5507 or make an appointment online.

Your Balmain Dentist

Book a consultation with our internationally-recognised professionals at Dentistry by Design to discuss your options today. Call us on 02 9810 5507 to book an appointment.
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Dr. Kashmina Farha

Dentist
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Dentistry/Master of Dentistry (LaTrobe University), PGcert (Imp Dent) (The Implant Institute)

Dr. Kashmina Farha is a passionate dentist with a focus on patient education. She takes the time to understand your expectations and clearly communicate treatment options.

Dr. Farha’s professional motto is ‘provide quality treatment with a predictable outcome’ 

Originally from The Hills District in Sydney, Dr Farha graduated from LaTrobe University in Victoria and has since gained extensive clinical experience working in the Hunter Valley and on the Central Coast. She is dedicated to providing exceptional care by bringing the latest in evidence based dentistry to you. Dr. Farha has completed advanced training in tooth replacement with dental implants; use of PRF to accelerate healing post surgical procedures; alignment of teeth with removable orthodontic treatment; and use of muscle relaxants to alleviate pain from bruxism.

Along with the team at Dentistry by Design, Dr. Farha is committed to providing exceptional preventive and ongoing care with patient comfort being her top priority.

Rebecca Silveira

Rebecca Silveira

Practice Manager

Rebecca has over 25 year’s experience in the dental industry. 

Rebecca started her career as a dental assistant/front office coordinator. Through the years, she progressed into treatment coordinating and then practice management. 

She has an eye for detail and is a perfectionist. Her management & people skills allow her to provide support to the Dentistry By Design team day in, day out. 

Rebecca is passionate about dentistry and loves being privileged enough to be part of an amazing team that changes people’s lives!

Marianna Doumanis

Oral Health Therapist

Marianna completed a Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University of Sydney in 2013. With a dual qualification in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy she gained invaluable experience working in both public and private practice.

In July 2022, Marianna completed a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) at Semmelweis University, Budapest Hungary.

Marianna’s aim is to foster a safe and reassuring environment by ensuring that all dental services provided are individually tailored to each patient.

She is a member of the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapist Association, the Australian Dental Association, and a European state Dental Association.

In her spare time, Marianna is an avid rower, having won both state and national titles.

Marianna is currently working as an Oral Health Therapist whilst undertaking the Australian Dental Council Registration.

Kate Hemmings

Kate Beaumont

Oral Health Therapist

Kate completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University Of Sydney in 2014.  As an Oral Health Therapist, dual-qualified to practice as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist, she has a strong interest in preventative dental care and believes that oral health is an integral part of overall health.

Kate enjoys working with children and adults alike, educating, motivating and assisting in maintaining teeth for life. Her interest in continuing professional education helps her remain consistent with modern dental practices and progressive treatment plans.

Kate enjoys working in a thriving team and works effectively along-side other highly qualified professionals. She has an interest in the growing industry of cosmetic procedures and excels in performing these treatments. Her approachable and reassuring nature creates a positive dental experience for all patients.

In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her family and friends, discovering new restaurants and travelling. She appreciates the simple pleasures of a coffee and a walk but also loves an extravagant day at the races with all her friends.

Nadia Azzi

Nadia Azzi

Oral Health Therapist

Nadia completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University Of Sydney in 2012. With a passion for preventative dentistry and treating children Nadia has a keen focus on providing pain free, thorough treatment for all patients. 

An experienced Oral Health Therapist who values patient care and is committed to ensuring patients receive the best care possible, Nadia is committed to staying up to date with the latest dental practices and treatments available. 

As part of the dental team, Nadia believes that the Oral Health Therapist’s role is of utmost importance in maintaining the oral health of patients of all ages. She has a passion for counselling patients with previous dental trauma and helping them through regular dental treatment as well as setting good foundations in oral health for younger patients and providing them with happy, fun dental experiences. 

Nadia has also served as director and dental mission coordinator for Maronites on Mission, a non-profit which helps the homeless in Australia and runs annual dental and medical mission trips to the Philippines and Lebanon. She enjoys charitable work immensely and is always looking for new ways to use her skills to help those in need. 

Outside of dentistry, Nadia enjoys spending time with and caring for her family, cooking and travelling.

Dr Rebecca Ellis

Dr Rebecca Ellis

Specialist Periodontist
BDS(Distn), DCD(Perio)

Rebecca undertook her dental training at Otago University in New Zealand graduating top of her class with her BDS(Distinction) in 2011. 

Dr Teck Tang

Dr Teck Tang

Specialist Periodontist
BDSc Hons (WA) DClinDent (Perio) (Adel) FRACDS (perio) 

Dr Teck Tang graduated with his Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours at the University of Western Australia. He then completed his specialist training in Periodontics.

Dr Iain Gavan

Dr Iain Gavan

Dentist
BChD (Leeds, UK), MFDS, PGDipDigitalOrtho(UK) 

Dr Iain Gavan has been practicing dentistry for over 10 years and provides the most up to date modern dental care in a calm and empathic manner. He enjoys building long term relationships with his patients.

Iain is dedicated to continuing professional development in a rapidly changing field. In 2020 he completed a diploma in digital orthodontics, increasing his expertise straightening teeth with clear aligners (such as Invisalign).  He also spent time at the world-renowned Kois Institute in Seattle (USA) in 2018, which teaches the most up to date and highly regarded evidence based dentistry. He completed the Master Implant Program in 2022 at the renowned Brener Institiute in Sydney, which is a leading training centre in implant placement and tooth replacement.

Originally from Lancashire in North West England, Iain qualified from Leeds University in the UK. He has spent time working in a Maxillofacial department in Manchester (UK), gaining experience in oral surgery, facial injury reconstruction, head and neck cancer and dental emergencies.

Iain moved to Australia in 2014 and became an Australian Citizen in 2018. He has worked at distinguished private practices in Forster (NSW), Melbourne and Ballarat. Iain has worked at a state of the art clinic, that specialises in using advanced technology to digitally design smiles and replace teeth using the Allon4 implant system, gaining valuable experience in complex full mouth rehabilitations and the development of new smiles.

He is a member of the Australian Dental Association, The Faculty of Dental Surgery (UK) and was a member of Royal College of Surgeons Glasgow. He also carried out dental charity work in Southern India, providing dental care to remote communities.

In 2021 he welcomed his first daughter and is enjoying parenthood. In his spare time Iain enjoys spending time with his photography, travelling, walking his dog Murphy and exploring Sydney.

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Dr Jemima Kalos

Dr Jemima Kalos

Dentist
Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours I), Bachelor of Dentistry (Honours I), Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants) 

Dr Jemima Kalos is committed to excellence in Dentistry and the provision of outstanding dental care to her patients. Dr Kalos graduated with a Bachelor of Dentistry with First Class Honours after completing a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours I) at the University of Sydney.

Dr. Kalos has also completed extensive continuing education in Dentistry in Australia and the USA including obtaining the highest mark and a distinction in the selective Post graduate Diploma in Oral Implants through the University of Sydney. She has also successfully completed her Primary examinations for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

Dr Kalos has been presented with numerous awards for clinical and academic excellence in Dentistry including the prestigious Rudolf Gunz University Medal, The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Prize, The Martin Halas Prize and The John Stephen Hill Memorial Prize. Her special interests include restorative and cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics and implants and provision of dental treatment to anxious patients.

She is past Treasurer of the Australian Prosthodontic Society (NSW) and also a member of the respected American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Outside of dentistry, Jemima has enjoys cooking, staying fit and spending time with her husband and three small children.

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