When it comes to restoring or enhancing your smile, the choice of material isn’t just a technical detail — it’s a defining factor in how your smile looks, feels, and functions for years to come. At Aesthetik Dental, we work with both composite and ceramic restorations, but we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we focus on what best suits your goals, lifestyle, and long-term vision for your smile.
Understanding the Basics
Composite is a tooth-coloured resin that can be sculpted directly onto the tooth. It’s often used for minor chips, reshaping, or small gaps. Ceramic (often porcelain) is crafted in a dental lab and then bonded to the tooth. It’s typically used for veneers, crowns, and more comprehensive aesthetic work.
Both materials can deliver beautiful results — but they serve different purposes, and each has its own strengths.
The Aesthetic Factor
Ceramic restorations are known for their lifelike translucency and polish. They reflect light similarly to natural enamel, making them nearly indistinguishable from real teeth. They also retain their surface gloss over time, resisting staining and dulling.
Composite, while highly aesthetic in the right hands, can lose its lustre more quickly. It is more prone to discolouration, especially for patients who drink coffee, tea, or red wine. However, it remains a popular choice for patients seeking a lower-cost or more conservative treatment option.
Durability and Longevity
Ceramic is the clear leader when it comes to long-term durability. Properly bonded ceramic veneers or crowns can last 10–15 years or more with good care. Composite, by comparison, tends to need refreshing or replacing every 4–7 years, depending on the area of the mouth and how well it’s maintained.
This difference often comes down to wear resistance. Ceramic holds its shape and polish far better over time. Composite is softer and more susceptible to chipping or surface breakdown under repeated bite pressure.
Function and Placement
We always consider where in the mouth the restoration will be placed. For front teeth where aesthetics are critical and the bite pressure is lower, composite may be suitable. For back teeth, where function and longevity are more important, ceramic is generally the more appropriate choice.
In some cases, a blended approach works best — for example, ceramic veneers for upper front teeth and composite reshaping for lower edges. It all comes down to personalised planning.
Treatment Time and Process
Composite restorations can usually be completed in a single visit, which is ideal for quick fixes or minor adjustments. Ceramic restorations involve more planning and lab time, typically requiring two visits — one for preparation and one for placement. But the results are often more precise and longer lasting.
At Aesthetik, we often use Digital Smile Design to preview both composite and ceramic treatment options. This allows you to visualise the outcome before committing to either pathway.
Investment and Value
Composite is less expensive upfront, but may require more frequent maintenance. Ceramic has a higher initial cost but is a longer-term investment in durability and appearance. When we recommend ceramic, it’s because we believe it will deliver more value and satisfaction over time — especially for patients seeking a refined, enduring result.
We’re also mindful of your budget and goals. If composite is the better fit for your current stage of life, we’ll create a solution that’s beautiful, functional, and future-proof — with the option to upgrade to ceramic down the track if desired.
Why the Right Material Matters
The choice between ceramic and composite is never just about material — it’s about outcomes. It’s about choosing a solution that respects your time, suits your lifestyle, and supports your vision for your smile long after you leave our chair.
At Aesthetik, we don’t just treat teeth. We design results that last — and materials that match.
