The core veneer material decision

Porcelain suits a decision focused on a custom-made front surface with greater stain and wear resistance. Placement includes removing a small amount of enamel, making an impression or 3D model, laboratory fabrication, fit checks and bonding.

Composite can suit a smaller cosmetic change such as changing tooth shape, closing a gap, concealing a chip or minor crack, masking discolouration, or making a tooth look longer. Resin is hardened with a curing light and polished after adjustment.

Porcelain tends to be the more expensive veneer option. Composite bonding is among the least expensive cosmetic dental procedures, but its material may need touch-up or replacement after three to 10 years.

Composite is easier to repair when damaged, yet it is less stain-resistant and less wear-resistant than porcelain. Dental bonding can chip over time; oral habits and the number of teeth treated affect how long it lasts.

A veneer can chip, crack, wear down or loosen, then require re-bonding, repair or replacement. Veneers placed over untreated decay or gum disease can worsen those problems, and veneers may be unsuitable with clenching, grinding or a deep overbite.

No-preparation ceramic veneers are sometimes considered conservative, but long-term outcomes and predictable clinical protocols still need further controlled research. A crown may cover a tooth that is discoloured or badly shaped and can strengthen a weak or broken tooth.

The tooth is assessed for decay or gum disease before veneer placement. For porcelain, the shade is selected, enamel is prepared, a model is made, and the finished veneer is checked for fit and shape before it is bonded.