Composite Veneers

If you've always desired to have straight teeth, you can get it done with any of the available dental treatments such as enameloplasty and tooth bonding, amongst others. There are several teeth straightening options, depending on the severity of the misalignment, you can get one or a combination of different treatments.

One of the popular dental treatments for correcting crooked or misaligned teeth is dental veneers. Most people can use dental veneers because it is a safe treatment option.

What are composite veneers?
Who is suitable for dental veneers?
Types of veneers
Composite vs porcelain veneers
Procedure for fitting composite veneers
How long do composite veneers last?
Can I remove composite veneers?
What is the cost of composite veneers?
Conclusion

What are composite veneers?

Veneers are dental restorations made of thin shells which the dentist fits over a damaged teeth's front to mask imperfections and improve the teeth's appearance.

They are available in two variants — porcelain veneers and composite veneers. The porcelain variants are created from porcelain materials. In contrast, composite veneers usually come as tooth-coloured resin materials, similar to tooth bonding material which the dentist fits over the teeth. The two types of dental veneers have their pros and cons, so it is vital to consider them before opting for any of them.

Invisalign aligners makes my daughter daily life much easier, it also help her in oral hygiene, reduced the risk of bacteria infections that prevents tooth decay and gum disease as well. Invisalign clear aligners changed her friend circle life style and give her a confidence smile. Thanks to dental surgeon and the staff for friendly treatment. highly recommend!

Stefen Truker

Truly Thank you to all the London Braces team. Already recommended my one friend to them for Invisalign.

Thank you so much for all your professional process. highly recommended!

Lisa Martin

Who is suitable for dental veneers?

People use dental veneers to cover imperfections on their teeth. These imperfections include crooked, misshapen, stained, or discoloured teeth and eroded enamel. Veneers are different from a dental crown. Veneers cover only a part of the teeth, while dental crowns are thicker which cover the entire tooth. Fitting crowns may need the dentist to trim the teeth, but you do not requiretrimming when fitting veneers

Veneers are generally suitable for anyone with relatively healthy teeth but want to alter the way they look by altering the shape or colour of the teeth. Crowns are ideal for fixing broken teeth or replacing the root canal.

Types of veneers

There are three different types of veneers, namely, indirect composite,direct composite, and porcelain veneers.

Direct composite veneers

A direct composite veneer is made from composite resin materials which the dentist applies directly to the teeth. The procedure for the application of this type of veneer is quick, and it is less invasive. The dentist only needs a short time to prepare the teeth to apply the composite resin material.

Indirect composite veneers

The indirect and direct variants of composite veneer materials are the same, but the procedure for application differs. To fit indirect composite veneers on the teeth, your dentist will prep your teeth first just like in placing direct veneers, but you use custom-made veneers created in your dentist's laboratory or office. While you wait for the permanent veneers, your dentist will place temporary veneers on the surface of your teeth, then fit the permanent ones using an adhesive material during your next appointment.

The advantage of indirect composite veneers over direct veneers is that indirect composite veneers are more durable, resist fractures, and abrasions. However, they are more expensive compared to direct composite veneers.

Porcelain veneers

A porcelain veneer is also custom-made like an indirect veneer but made from porcelain material. To fit porcelain veneers, the dentist will take impressions of the teeth, to make the veneers in the lab. This might take about one week or more, but during this waiting period, you would receive temporary veneers.

When the permanent porcelain veneers are available, your dentist will attach it to the front surface of your teeth then shape the porcelain material to resemble your natural teeth.

Composite vs porcelain veneers

These pros of both composite and porcelain veneers and their cons should help you decide which is best for you.

Pros of composite veneers

They cost less
The procedure is faster as composite veneers require shorter application time
They cover misshapen, discoloured, crooked and chipped teeth to make them look more aesthetic.

Cons of composite veneers

Composite materials are not as strong as porcelain materials so composite veneers may chip faster than porcelain veneers
Composite veneers need more frequent replacements and repairs than the ones made of porcelain

Pros of porcelain veneers

They last longer because porcelain material is stronger
They are custom-made, so they fit the teeth better
They give a better and natural look
Porcelain veneers can fix more complex imperfections like darker teeth

Cons of porcelain veneers

They are more expensive
Fitting porcelain veneers requires more than a dental visit
The veneers can come off at any time and will need re-glueing

Procedure for fitting composite veneers

First, your dental professional will clean your teeth then prepare them to apply the composite material.

During the teeth preparation, your dentist will remove a part of your tooth enamel so the composite material will stick better to the teeth. If you require only minor alterations, your dentist may not need to remove any part of your enamel.

The next procedure depends on whether you want to get a direct or an indirect veneer. If you are getting direct veneers, the dentist will make a pattern on the enamel for the direct composite material to stick better, then apply an adhesive glue before placing the composite resin on your teeth's surface.

Finally, your dentist will harden the composite material using a special light, but before the session for placing the composite, you will choose a composite material that matches the shade of your teeth. Your dentist may use a mixture of different composite resin material to get the right shade of your teeth.

For indirect veneers, your dentist will make your teeth mould after the teeth prepping, then send it to the lab to create the veneers. When the lab makes your composite veneer, your dentist will etch your teeth, then apply an adhesive material which helps the veneers fit better.

Your dentist will putthe composite material on the teeth and apply a light which hardens them on your teeth, then finally polish the edges and clean up your teeth. You may not need anaesthesia for indirect or direct composite veneers placement so you can go back to your regular daily activities after the procedure.

I got my smile back and thanks to the dental surgeon for best fit Invisible clear braces. Thank you!

Rick Arthur

I have been keeping my eyes open for offers on Invisalign treatment and saw that London-Braces had an offer. I have now been assessed and measurements taken for my braces and I’m hoping to get going soon. Everyone at the clinic is lovely.

Carlos Lianos

How long do composite veneers last?

A composite veneer is now durable and can last for about 5 – 7 years, which is less than porcelain veneers. You may need to replace the veneers when you damage the composite veneers.

Your veneers can last longer if you care for them properly by carrying our routine teeth cleaning with a non-abrasive toothpaste, avoid chewing hard objects and limiting your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks like tea.

Can I remove composite veneers?

If you choose to you can remove your composite veneers to either replace or repair them.

What is the cost of composite veneers?

Several factors affect the cost of composite veneers. These factors include the length of time required for the placement, your location, the number of veneers you need, and the quality of the composite material.

Generally, composite veneers are not as expensive as porcelain veneers, and they cost starts from £399 for a tooth. Most insurance plans do not cover composite veneers, so you may need to pay for the complete treatment

Most dental practices offer various payment plans to make the treatment affordable. Some even offer discounts for placing several composite veneers.

Conclusion

If you do not like your smile, you could opt for composite veneers to improve your teeth and smile. Getting a composite veneer is more affordable, but you may decide to go for porcelain veneers, depending on what you think suits you best.

Contact London Braces today on 020 37457520 to book an appointment to get composite veneers.