Veneers · Comparison
Composite vs porcelain veneers: which is better for you?
Toothi London, Edgware · Last reviewed 25 October 2026
Composite veneers are built directly onto the teeth in one visit, need little or no drilling and can be repaired. Porcelain veneers are made in a lab, resist staining better and typically last 10–15 years with care. At Toothi in Edgware, composite veneers are £295 per tooth and porcelain E.max veneers £895 per tooth. Which suits you comes down to your teeth, your habits and what you care about most.
At a Glance
What is the difference between composite and porcelain veneers?
Both cover the front surface of the teeth to change their shape, size or colour. Where they differ is in how they’re made, how much tooth is prepared and how they age.
| Composite veneers | Porcelain veneers (E.max) | |
|---|---|---|
| How they are made | Built and shaped by hand directly on the tooth | Made in a dental lab from a scan or impression |
| Visits | Usually one | Usually two or more |
| Tooth preparation | Little or none in most cases | A thin layer of enamel is usually removed |
| Reversible | Often, as little tooth is removed | No, once enamel is removed the tooth needs covering |
| Staining | Can stain over time; polishable | Highly stain-resistant |
| If one chips | Usually repaired chairside | Usually replaced |
| Lifespan | Can last several years with care; polishing and touch-ups expected | Typically 10–15 years with care |
Prices
Composite vs porcelain veneers: what do they cost?
At Toothi, a composite veneer is £295 per tooth and a porcelain E.max veneer is £895 per tooth. Both veneer consultations are free, and you get a written quote before any treatment.
| Number of teeth | Composite veneers | Porcelain veneers (E.max) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tooth | £295 | £895 |
| 4 teeth | £1,095 | — |
| 6 teeth | £1,595 | £5,195 |
| 8 teeth | £1,995 | £6,895 |
| 10 teeth | £2,395 | £8,595 |
Prices are fixed and taken from our fees page. See the full breakdown in composite veneers cost and our veneers cost UK guide.
Over Time
Composite bonding results from our patients
Chips, gaps and worn edges rebuilt in tooth-coloured composite at Toothi in Edgware.
Photos of our own patients, shared with their consent. Individual results vary.
What do composite veneers look like after 5 years?
Well-maintained composite veneers can still look good after five years, but they rarely look exactly as they did on day one. Expect some loss of shine and possibly some edge staining or small chips, most of which can be polished or repaired.
A lot depends on you. Tea, coffee, red wine and smoking stain composite faster, and grinding or nail biting chips the edges. Regular hygiene visits (£70, or £125 with Airflow) help a lot, as does a nightguard (£195) if you grind. Porcelain keeps its colour and gloss better over the same period. That’s part of what the extra cost buys. Read more in how long composite bonding lasts.
Decision Guide
Which veneers are better for me?
There’s no single “better” veneer. Composite suits people who want a conservative, repairable result. Porcelain suits people who want the most colour-stable, long-lasting finish and are comfortable with more tooth preparation.
- ✓ Composite is often the better fit if your teeth are healthy and you want to keep as much natural tooth as possible. It’s done in one visit, and you’ll need to look after it.
- ✓ Porcelain makes more sense for heavily discoloured teeth, or if stain resistance and a result that typically lasts 10–15 years with care are your priorities.
- ✓ Straighten first if your teeth are crowded or rotated. Invisalign before veneers usually means less preparation and a more natural result. Go Express is £1,495.
- ✓ Whiten first if you want a lighter shade. Neither composite nor porcelain changes colour with whitening.
Related
What about edge bonding?
If you only want to fix chipped corners, small gaps or uneven edges, you may not need a full veneer at all. Edge bonding adds composite to part of the tooth and is £195 per tooth at Toothi.
For how bonding compares with veneers more broadly, read composite bonding vs veneers. For treatment details, see our composite veneers page, our veneers page and our composite bonding page.
Common Questions
Composite vs porcelain FAQs
Which is better, composite or porcelain veneers?
Neither is better for everyone. Composite is more conservative, done in one visit and repairable. Porcelain is more stain-resistant and typically lasts 10–15 years with care, but usually needs some enamel removed.
How much are composite and porcelain veneers?
At Toothi in Edgware, composite veneers are £295 per tooth (6 teeth £1,595) and porcelain E.max veneers are £895 per tooth (6 teeth £5,195).
How long do composite veneers last compared with porcelain?
Composite veneers can last several years with care and can be polished or repaired. Porcelain veneers typically last 10–15 years with care.
Do porcelain veneers ruin your teeth?
They don’t ruin teeth, but a thin layer of enamel is usually removed so they sit flush, and that can’t be undone. So we only recommend them when the benefit is clear.
Can composite veneers be replaced with porcelain later?
Often yes. Because composite usually needs little or no preparation, many people start with composite and move to porcelain later if they want to.
Do veneers stain?
Composite can stain over time; we polish it at hygiene visits. Porcelain is highly stain-resistant. Neither can be whitened.
Call 020 3148 2444 or WhatsApp us · 1 Handel Parade, Whitchurch Lane, Edgware, HA8 6LD · Open seven days.
All treatment is subject to clinical assessment. Prices correct as of October 2026.
