COMPOSITE VENEERS
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Composite Veneers: Advantages, Process, & Aftercare
Composite veneers are a cosmetic dentistry treatment we use to improve the appearance of your teeth and to give you a brighter, more confident smile. They are thin covers made of composite resin material that is applied directly to the surface of your teeth. They are custom-made for each individual. We use them to correct a variety of aesthetic issues, such as discoloration, chips, gaps, and misalignment. In addition, composite veneers can also be used to restore worn down or broken teeth. The process is relatively quick and painless. In fact, we can usually complete the process in as little as one visit to our office. Aftercare for composite veneers is minimal but important; with proper care and maintenance they can last up to five years or longer.
What Are Composite Veneers?
Composite veneers are a great way to enhance your smile and improve its appearance in as little as one visit. Made from a combination of composite resin and porcelain, composite veneers are applied directly to the surface of the tooth. This thin layer of material is highly durable but also
lightweight, making it ideal for covering up imperfections like discoloration, chipped or broken teeth, gaps between teeth, or other minor dental imperfections. All without drilling or damaging your existing tooth structure.
The Advantages of Composite Veneers
Affordable, No Drilling, Minimally-Invasive, Quick
If you’re looking for a more affordable and minimally-invasive way to improve the look of your smile, composite veneers may be just what you need. Not only are they less expensive than porcelain veneers, but we can normally complete the entire process in one office visit. They require no anesthesia or drilling because they’re a non-invasive procedure.
And since the material used for composite veneers is easily molded to match the shape and size of your natural teeth, you don’t have to worry about an unnatural smile when it’s all said and done. It’s important to note that proper aftercare is required in order to keep composite veneers looking great for years to come.
Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers
It Depends…
Porcelain and composite veneers are both popular options for improving the appearance of teeth but, they have different advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, the type of veneers you get depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and the specific issues you want to address. Select a tab to explore each.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Superior Aesthetics: They provide a more natural and lifelike appearance, closely resembling natural teeth.
- Highly Stain-resistant: Porcelain is much less porous than composite, making it more resistant to stains and discoloration overtime.
- Durability: Porcelain veneers are exceptionally strong and can last anywhere from 10 – 20 years. And, with proper care and maintenance, they can last even longer.
- Minimal Maintenance: Once placed, they require little maintenance beyond regular oral hygiene practices.
Disadvantages:
- Higher Cost: They are more expensive than composite veneers due to their superior aesthetic qualities and durability.
- Indirect Application: Porcelain veneers involve a more complex process and usually require two visits, as they need to be fabricated in a dental lab before being bonded to the teeth.
- Irreversible Procedure: Before placing them, a thin layer of enamel must be removed from the surface of the tooth, which is irreversible.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Cost-effective: Composite veneers are more affordable than porcelain ones, making them a budget-friendly option for improving your smile.
- Direct Application: They can be directly applied to the teeth in a single visit, which means the process is faster compared to porcelain ones that require multiple visits.
- Minimal Enamel Removal: Less enamel needs to be removed from the surface of the tooth before placing them, preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
- Repairable: If one is damaged or stained, it can repaired or replaced.
- Versatility: They can address a variety of cosmetic issues, such as chipped, discolored, or misshapen teeth.
Disadvantages:
- Less Durable: They are not as strong as porcelain and may have a shorter lifespan, typically lasting around 5-9 years with proper care.
- Prone to Staining: While composite materials have improved in stain resistance, they are still more susceptible to staining and discoloration compared to porcelain.
- Less Natural Appearance: Although they can look quite natural, they may not match the translucency and light-reflecting properties of porcelain, potentially resulting in a slightly less lifelike appearance.
How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?
Composite veneers are one of the most popular options for cosmetic dentistry, as they offer a natural-looking smile with minimal preparation time. Although they are not as strong as porcelain veneers, with proper care they can last anywhere from 5 to 9 years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Veneers are not painful and they do not hurt your teeth, in fact most patients report no pain or discomfort at all during treatment. Read our reviews or watch our video testimonials to see what our patients think.
Porcelain veneers can last from 10 – 20 years, while composite veneers can last from 5 – 9 year. Both types of dental veneers can last even longer if you address issues like teeth grinding or clenching first. Aside from this, the material and how well you care for them impacts their longevity. By addressing any issues with your bite, the lifespan of your dental veneers increases substantially.
Yes! But first, we need to evaluate what’s causing you to grind your teeth and address that first. That’s because teeth grinding is one of the main reasons why people damage their veneers. By resolving the issue first, your veneers will last ensuring you don’t spend money fixing them when they break.
Crowns cover your teeth like a cap. A veneer is a thin shell that is applied to the front of your tooth with less damage to the tooth meaning you retain more of your natural tooth structure.
Yes, veneers can break for various reasons including: forceful impact, chewing hard objects, bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), inadequate bonding of the veneers, veneers are too thin or improperly fabricated are just a few reasons dental veneers break.
