Composite Veneers: What You Need to Know

Composite veneers have transformed the field of cosmetic dentistry. It offers a less invasive cosmetic procedure to achieve and enhance the aesthetics of a smile. Composite veneers provide an effective solution for discoloured or minimally misaligned teeth. In the article below, we will discuss a detail account on composite veneers that includes understanding on benefits, procedure, maintenance and drawbacks of composite veneers. This article will meet all the queries and prove useful for making your decision on going for composite veneers for dental needs.

Composite Veneers – What is it?

Composite veneers are shells composed of composite resin material. These are thin shells and applied to the frontal aspect of the teeth. Composite resin material is similar to the one used in fillings that are modifiable into various shapes and polished to give a natural and clean finish. Composite veneers are applied directly onto the teeth and does not require multiple visits to the dentist.

What are the Benefits of Composite Veneers?

Composite veneers are a useful addition to the cosmetic dentistry for its multiple benefits, as enlisted below.

1. Minimal Invasive Procedure

Application of composite veneers is a minimally invasive procedure, as compared to its counterpart porcelain veneers. It does not involve removal of any part of the tooth and aims to preserve the natural tooth throughout the process.

2. Swift Application

The process of opting for and applying composite veneers is remarkably quick. It does not involve multiple visits to the dentist and the procedure of application also takes minimal time. It is a significant benefit of composite veneers as porcelain veneers often take multiple visits along with longer duration of procedure during these visits.

3. Appearance Enhancement

Composite veneers are an excellent choice to mask the stained teeth and cover the minor imperfections. It also helps with covering minor misalignment and adds significantly to the aesthetics of an individual’s smile.

4. Reversible

Application of composite veneers is a non-invasive procedure that does not aim to alter the original shape and structure of the teeth. This is a huge benefit for individuals who would prefer to remove the composite veneers or go for alternate options. The reversibility offered by composite veneers is an advantage that allows its users to be independent of composite veneers, that is the natural teeth must remain the same during and after use of composite veneers.

5. Cost-Efficient

Composite veneers are more affordable than its alternative such as porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are also cost efficient such that it provides aesthetic and natural looking teeth with minimal invasion and rapid application without the hustle of multiple visits to the dentist and getting charged on each.

6. Adaptable and Adjustable

Dentists often match the composite veneers to the natural teeth colour of an individual so that a throughout and uniform look is achieved. The size and shape of composite veneers is also adjustable as per needs of an individual.

What is the Procedure for getting Composite Veneers?

Enlisted below is the step-wise approach to getting composite veneers for the dental needs.

#1 – Consultation with Dentist

It is important to opt for expert dentist instead of going to a beauty or cosmetics expert for getting composite veneers. A consultation with dentist will help you understand the need of composite veneers along with costs and its maintenance for a better outcome. To plan the next step, the dentist will examine the teeth and take an X-ray for better visual examination of the teeth. The examination determines the dental needs of an individual and decides whether this individual can be considered a candidate for composite veneers. Once examination and planning is done, the dentist will proceed towards getting the right shade and shape of composite veneers that matches most with a natural and aesthetically pleasing look.

#2 – Teeth Preparation

This step involves gentle etching of the teeth to remove any stains or a buildup plaque to mediate strengthened adherence of the composite resin material to the front of teeth. This process require minimal preparation than that required for porcelain veneers and gets done without the need of anaesthesia.

#3 – Material Application

The dentist then proceeds towards the main step which is applying the composite resin material over the frontal aspect of the teeth. It is applied in multiple layers while carefully moulding it to give a proper look. Amid the layering, the dentist also applies curing light over the teeth to harden and strengthen the material over the teeth. This process of layering and strengthening continues until adequate thickness and desired shape is achieved.

#4 – Final Touch

Once the composite resin is fixed, the dentist then proceeds to trimming and polishing the composite to smoothen its edges. This process adds a final touch and effort to achieve natural-looking and healthy teeth. The purpose of this step is to compare and uniformly blend the composite with the surrounding teeth.

What are Ways to Enhance the Maintenance and Longevity of Composite Veneers?

Porcelain Veneers are known best for their easy maintenance and better longevity. Composite veneers, on the other hand, are not as durable and can last long only with proper caring methods. Enlisted below are some of the points you need to know about the maintenance and longevity of composite veneers.

1. Longevity

Composite veneers last for 6-7 years at their best care and proper handling. The longevity of composite veneers depends on individual treatment and their oral hygiene maintenance, diet and habits of teeth grinding or jaw clenching.

2. Maintenance

To enhance and prolong the life and durability of composite veneers, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and give up on practices that may damage the veneers. The maintenance methods include gently brushing your teeth twice a day with flossing, regular dental checkups to examine the teeth, avoid teeth staining beverages such as tea and coffee. It is also important to put effort in giving up of certain habits such as nail biting, jaw clenching and teeth grinding so that the adherence and shape of composite veneers stay safe from damages.

3. Avoid Potential Damages

Composite veneer requires proper maintenance as it is not as strong as a natural tooth or a porcelain veneer. It is important to avoid biting on hard food items such as ice or cracking an almond to protect the composite veneers from cracking or chipping from its sides. Individuals with habit of teeth grinding while they sleep must opt for wearing a nightguard, so they do not chip or crack their veneers.

4. Regular Dental Visits

Composite veneers are easily repaired when chipped or bitten which is a huge advantage. Thus, it is important to visit the dentist whenever an individual feels like they have damaged the veneers. The dentist handles the situation by applying composite over the dented area to fix it instead of replacing the entire veneer.

What are the Drawbacks of Composite Veneers?

The benefits of composite veneers are numerous, but it is also important to understand its potential drawbacks, as enlisted below.

1. Prone to Staining

Composite veneers are prone to staining and often get discoloured in individuals who do not follow proper hygiene practices. Smoking and consuming beverages such as tea, coffee and red wine also cause staining of the composite veneers. It is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid drinks that lead to discolouration to lower the risk of its staining.

2. Low Durability

Composite veneers have less durability as they do not last as long as porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are prone to repeated chipping and cracking that require frequent repair and multiple visits to the dental clinic.

3. Limitations

Composite veneers have its limitations in terms of achieving remarkable aesthetics. It gives a natural look but the translucency and shine in the outcome is not as aesthetic as that given by porcelain veneers. This is a significant drawback for individuals seeking high aesthetics such as influentials and celebrities.

4. Expert’s Procedure

The application of composite resin material on teeth is an art and only an expert dentist in cosmetic dentistry can give the desired outcomes with composite veneers. The technique of composite veneers is sensitive, and any means of poor technique will give uneven and unnatural looking teeth.

How do Composite Veneers compare to Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are available in two different types based on material used i.e., porcelain and composite. It is important to understand the differences between the two and draw a comparison before proceeding to get these.

Material used – Composite veneers are made of resin material, while porcelain veneers are made from ceramic material that mirrors the translucency and strength of a natural tooth. Porcelain veneers have greater strength and durability, making it last over 15 years when properly cared for and maintained.

Appearance – Strengthened teeth with better aesthetics are given by porcelain veneers. It offers more natural appearance than the composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are known for keeping its colour and shine over the teeth for a long time.

Preparation and Procedure – Porcelain veneers involve invasive procedure and multiple visits to the dentist to get the whole treatment. Getting porcelain veneers also means getting some of the tooth enamel removed. On the other hand, composite veneers are non-invasive cosmetic shells that gets done within a single visit.

Cost – Porcelain veneers are expensive and more costly than the composite veneers due to its extensive and invasive procedure that also ensures strengthened and natural looking teeth. 

Repair and Reuse – When bitten or cracked on a side, porcelain veneers need to be discarded as it cannot be repaired. Individuals must undergo the preparation and procedure again to replace the damaged porcelain veneers. On the contrary, composite veneers are easily repaired and reused after damage and this process won’t cost much.

People Also Ask

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Composite Veneers?

Composite veneers are a good option for many people, but its affordability alone does not make the individual an ideal candidate for getting composite veneers. Individuals with the following mentioned points are good to go for getting composite veneers.

• Having teeth discolouration, minor misalignment of the teeth or gaps in between, chips in teeth or any other minor cosmetic imperfections.
• An ideal candidate must be free of gum disease with a strong enamel of the underlying teeth.
• Individuals looking for a cosmetic dental procedure that is less invasive and reversible.
• Individuals getting composite veneers must have sound understanding of its aesthetic limitations and must know that it certainly won’t give a perfect translucency and shine as that granted by porcelain veneers.

How do composite veneers feel after getting it done?
Composite veneers are made of composite resin material to ensure smooth texture after its proper application and polishing. They are designed so to mimic the feel and look of natural teeth. During the initial days of getting composite veneers, individuals may experience difference in texture and remain conscious of their teeth. However, as the time progresses, individuals quickly get accustomed to composite veneers and do not feel bulk on their teeth. Composite veneers are thin shells that must not hinder eating habits and speech as it grants a comfortable and natural fit.

Conclusion

Composite veneers are shells composed of composite resin material. These are thin shells and applied to the frontal aspect of the teeth. Composite resin material is similar to the one used in fillings that are modifiable into various shapes and polished to give a natural and clean finish. It offers a less invasive cosmetic procedure to achieve and enhance the aesthetics of a smile. It does not involve multiple visits to the dentist and the procedure of application also takes minimal time. Composite veneers are an excellent choice to mask the stained teeth and cover the minor imperfections and this cosmetic procedure is also reversible in case individuals has a change of mind later.

Composite veneers last for 6-7 years at their best care and proper handling. To enhance and prolong the durability of composite veneers, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene. Composite veneers are prone to staining and often get discoloured in individuals who do not follow proper hygiene practices. It is important to opt for expert dentist to get the desired cosmetic outcomes and achieve the aesthetics of a good smile!