Veneers
Composite veneers in Vietnam — same-day results for Australian patients
Composite veneers for Australian patients at Picasso Dental Clinic — AUD 170 per tooth, minimal preparation, same-day results, and when to choose composite over porcelain.
Composite veneers at Picasso Dental Clinic cost AUD 170 per tooth with a 6-month warranty and typically last 5–7 years. They require less tooth preparation than porcelain and can be placed in a single appointment — making them the faster, more conservative, and lower-cost option for a smile upgrade. The main trade-off is longevity and stain resistance: composite requires more maintenance than ceramic.
What composite veneers are
Composite veneers are built up from tooth-coloured resin material applied directly to the tooth surface, shaped by the dentist, and cured with a light. No laboratory is involved — the dentist is the sculptor. This is faster, less expensive, and reversible compared to porcelain.
Composite veneer prices at Picasso (AUD)
| Type | Price per tooth (AUD) | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Composite veneer | AUD 170 | 6 months |
| Emax Press porcelain (for comparison) | AUD 510 | 7 years |
A 10-tooth composite case is AUD 1,700. The same case in Emax porcelain is AUD 5,100.
Australia vs Picasso — composite veneer cost
| Scenario | AU private (AUD) | Picasso Vietnam (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single composite veneer | AUD 400 – AUD 800 | AUD 170 |
| 6-tooth composite case | AUD 2,400 – AUD 4,800 | AUD 1,020 |
| 10-tooth composite case | AUD 4,000 – AUD 8,000 | AUD 1,700 |
Composite vs porcelain — the real comparison
| Factor | Composite | Porcelain (Emax) |
|---|---|---|
| Price per tooth | AUD 170 | AUD 510–680 |
| Warranty | 6 months | 7 years |
| Lifespan | 5–7 years | 10–15+ years |
| Stain resistance | Moderate — stains over time | Very good |
| Preparation required | Little or none | Minimal (0.3–0.7mm) |
| Reversibility | Yes — can be removed | No — enamel removal is permanent |
| Lab work | None — chairside | Yes — 3–5 day turnaround |
| Trip length | 3–5 days | 7–10 days |
| Repairability | Yes — easily patched | No — full unit replacement |
| Best for | Shorter-term, reversible, budget-conscious | Long-term, predictable, durable |
When to choose composite
Composite is a good choice when:
- Budget is the primary consideration
- You want to test a shape or colour before committing to porcelain
- You are under 25 and still considering your long-term plan
- You prefer a reversible option
- You want a shorter trip (3–5 days vs 7–10 days)
Porcelain is usually the better choice when:
- You want results that last 10–15+ years
- Stain resistance is a priority (you drink coffee, tea, or red wine)
- You have a heavy bite or mild bruxism
- You are investing in a once-only treatment plan
Many patients treat composite as a transitional step — seeing the result in their mouth before committing to the same shape in porcelain during a future trip.
What composite treatment looks like
Composite veneer placement at Picasso:
- Clinical photos and shade consultation
- Mock-up or direct freehand placement discussion
- Optional enamel etching (light surface preparation)
- Composite applied in layers and shaped by the dentist
- Curing light applied to set each layer
- Final shaping, polishing, and bite check
The entire process for a 10-tooth case is typically 3–5 hours across 1–2 appointments.
Aftercare for composite veneers
Composite is less robust than porcelain and requires more mindful maintenance:
- Avoid staining foods and drinks in the first 48 hours
- Minimise prolonged exposure to coffee, tea, and red wine
- Clean with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste
- Avoid biting hard objects (ice, pens, hard candy)
- Polish at each 6-monthly hygienist visit — the surface can be refreshed
Related pages
- Porcelain veneers — Emax explained
- Veneers hub — all materials and protocols
- Veneer cost: Australia vs Vietnam
- Smile makeover cost
- Free quote
Frequently asked questions
How much do composite veneers cost at Picasso?
Composite veneers are AUD 170 per tooth (May 2026 price). A 10-tooth composite case is AUD 1,700 — substantially less than porcelain veneers at AUD 510–680 per tooth. Composite also carries a shorter warranty: 6 months versus 7 years for porcelain.
What is the difference between composite and porcelain veneers?
Composite is a tooth-coloured resin sculpted directly onto the tooth surface in a single appointment — no lab work required. Porcelain (Emax, Lisi) is a ceramic fabricated in a laboratory to precise specifications. Porcelain is stronger, more stain-resistant, and lasts longer (10–15+ years vs 5–7 years for composite). Composite costs less (AUD 170 vs AUD 510–680 per tooth) and involves less or no enamel removal.
Can composite veneers be repaired?
Yes — one of composite's advantages is repairability. A chipped or stained composite veneer can often be touched up or replaced without redoing the entire case. Porcelain, once chipped, typically requires replacement of the whole veneer.
Do composite veneers need tooth preparation?
Composite veneers typically require little or no enamel removal. In some cases they bond directly to the existing tooth surface — this makes the procedure reversible in a way that porcelain is not. This is a meaningful clinical difference for younger patients or those not yet certain about the commitment.
How long does composite veneer treatment take?
Composite veneers are placed chairside in a single appointment. A full 10-tooth composite case can typically be completed in one long appointment (3–4 hours) or spread over two days. No lab work is required. This is a 3–5 day trip at Picasso, shorter than the 7–10 days needed for porcelain.
Are composite veneers suitable for a full smile makeover?
Yes — composite can be used for a full smile makeover, particularly when the patient wants to test a shape or colour concept before committing to porcelain, when the budget is limited, or when the patient prefers a reversible option. Many patients use composite as a transitional solution before upgrading to porcelain in a later trip.