Dental Veneers Auckland – Porcelain & Composite
Natural-looking porcelain and composite veneers for chipped, stained, worn or uneven teeth. Our cosmetic dentists are members of the NZ Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Porcelain and composite veneers in Auckland
Dental veneers (sometimes called laminate veneers) are thin, tooth-coloured covers bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their colour, shape and size. At Thompson Dental in Mt Roskill, Auckland, we offer both custom-made porcelain veneers and composite veneers, placed by our cosmetic dentists – all members of the NZ Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
No referral is needed. Every veneer treatment starts with a cosmetic consultation, where we check your teeth and gums, talk through what you’d like to change and recommend the option that suits your teeth and budget.
Chips and Cracks
Cover chipped, cracked or worn edges for a smooth, even smile.
Stains and Discolouration
Brighten teeth with deep or internal stains that don’t respond to whitening.
Gaps and Shape
Close small gaps and improve teeth that are uneven, short or misshapen.
Find the right veneers for you
Have a question about veneers? We’re happy to help.
Spread the cost with Q Card or Afterpay. See payment options
What happens next
- We’ll reply to your enquiry within 1 working day.
- Book a cosmetic consultation.
- Get a treatment plan and cost estimate for your smile.
Prefer to talk?
Call us on 09 620 8066.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted by a dental laboratory and bonded to the front of your teeth. Porcelain reflects light much like natural enamel, so it gives the most natural-looking result. It also resists staining and is very hard-wearing, making it a good choice for a long-lasting change to the colour and shape of your smile.
Porcelain veneers usually need two appointments, about two weeks apart, and a thin layer of enamel is removed so the veneers sit naturally with your other teeth.
Composite veneers
Composite veneers are made from tooth-coloured resin that your dentist shapes and bonds directly onto your teeth. They can often be completed in a single visit, usually need little or no enamel removed, and cost less than porcelain.
Composite isn’t as strong or stain-resistant as porcelain, so it may need polishing or repair over the years – but small chips can usually be repaired in the chair.
Porcelain vs composite veneers
| Porcelain veneers | Composite veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Porcelain (ceramic) | Tooth-coloured resin |
| How they’re made | Custom-made by a dental laboratory | Shaped directly on your teeth |
| Appointments | Usually two, about two weeks apart | Often one |
| Tooth preparation | A thin layer of enamel is removed | Little or no enamel removed |
| Appearance | The most natural-looking, with lifelike translucency | Can look natural, but less lifelike than porcelain |
| Stain resistance | Highly stain-resistant | Can stain over time |
| Typical lifespan | Often 10–15 years or more | Around 5–7 years |
| Repairs | Usually replaced if damaged | Chips can often be repaired |
| Cost | Higher per tooth | Lower per tooth |
Both options can look natural, and porcelain gives the most lifelike result. At your consultation we’ll recommend the one that suits your teeth, the result you want and your budget.
Are veneers right for you?
Veneers can be a good option if your teeth are healthy but you’d like to change their colour, shape or size – for example chipped or worn edges, small gaps, stains that don’t respond to whitening, or teeth that are slightly uneven.
Before veneers, we check for gum disease and decay and treat any problems first. Veneers may not be the best choice if you grind your teeth heavily, have large fillings or have little enamel left – in those cases a crown can be stronger.
Sometimes a simpler treatment gives the result you want: teeth whitening for discolouration, enamel contouring for small chips and uneven edges, or orthodontic treatment for crowded teeth. We’ll talk you through every option at your consultation.
Your veneer journey, step by step
Consultation
We examine your teeth and gums, talk about the look you want, and explain whether porcelain or composite suits you, with a written cost estimate.
Preparation and Design
Porcelain: we prepare your teeth, take impressions for the dental laboratory and fit temporary veneers while yours are made (usually about two weeks).
Composite: we can often shape your veneers directly in one visit.
Fitting and Review
We check the colour, shape and bite, bond your veneers in place and polish them – then check everything feels right at a review visit.
How long do veneers last?
With good care, porcelain veneers often last 10–15 years or more, and composite veneers around 5–7 years before they need polishing, repair or replacement.
Look after veneers like natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up regular check-ups and hygienist visits. Avoid biting hard objects such as ice, pens or fingernails. If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom night guard helps protect your veneers – see our teeth grinding treatments.
Composite veneers can pick up stains from tea, coffee and red wine over time, so they may need occasional polishing.
How much do veneers cost in Auckland?
The cost of veneers depends on how many teeth are involved and whether porcelain or composite is best for you, so every treatment is priced individually. Composite veneers usually cost less per tooth than porcelain. At your consultation we’ll give you a written cost estimate before any treatment begins.
You can spread the cost with a Q Card interest-free payment plan or Afterpay – see our payment options. If you have health insurance, check with your insurer whether your policy covers any of the cost.
Meet the cosmetic dentists who provide veneers
All of our cosmetic dentists are members of the NZ Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and take the time to listen, explain every step, and never rush your care.
Read our 5-star reviews from patients around Auckland
Clinically reviewed by Dr Michael Thompson, BDS (Otago).
Veneers Auckland FAQs
The cost depends on how many teeth are involved and whether porcelain or composite veneers suit you best, so each treatment is priced individually. Composite veneers usually cost less per tooth than porcelain. We’ll give you a written cost estimate at your consultation, and you can spread the cost with Q Card or Afterpay.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made by a dental laboratory, are highly stain-resistant and usually last longer. Composite veneers are shaped directly on your teeth, often in one visit, need little or no enamel removed and cost less, but can stain and may need more upkeep. See our side-by-side comparison.
With good care, porcelain veneers often last 10–15 years or more, and composite veneers around 5–7 years before they need polishing, repair or replacement. Grinding your teeth, biting hard objects and skipping check-ups can shorten their life.
Most people find veneers comfortable. For porcelain veneers we use a local anaesthetic while we prepare your teeth, and composite veneers often need little or no drilling. Your teeth may feel a little sensitive for a few days afterwards.
Porcelain veneers involve removing a thin layer of enamel, so the treated teeth will always need a covering – veneers aren’t reversible. Composite veneers can sometimes be placed with little or no enamel removed. We’ll explain exactly what’s involved for your teeth before you decide.
“Laminate veneers” is another name for veneers – thin, tooth-coloured layers (usually porcelain) bonded to the front of your teeth. At Thompson Dental we offer both porcelain and composite veneers.
No. Stick-on or clip-on veneers are removable covers, often sold online, that sit over your teeth without changing them. Dental veneers are custom-made or custom-shaped and bonded to your teeth by a dentist for a long-lasting result. If you’re considering either, it’s worth having your teeth checked first.
Veneers don’t change colour with whitening, so if you’d like your other teeth brighter, it’s best to have teeth whitening first. We then match your veneers to your new shade.
A veneer covers only the front of a tooth, while a crown covers the whole tooth. Veneers suit healthy teeth that need a cosmetic change; crowns are better for teeth that are heavily filled, cracked or weakened.
Brush twice a day, floss daily and keep up regular check-ups and hygienist visits. Avoid biting hard objects, and if you grind your teeth, wear a custom night guard. Composite veneers may need occasional polishing to remove stains.