Dental veneers, or laminates, are a thin layer of material placed over the teeth. Composite veneers or composite bonding are a layer of resin material directly applied to the teeth.
An advantage of composite veneers is they don't need to completely cover the teeth. Besides the two front teeth, only the upper half of the teeth close to the gums get covered with composite veneers to cover discolouration. This technique isn't possible with porcelain veneers.
Most people can get composite veneers, as they can be used to:
Composite veneers are one of the least invasive treatments for improving the smile. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers offer the following benefits.
The cost of composite veneer depends on the dentist's experience and skill, the composite bonding duration and the case's complexity. A composite veneer costs about £250 - £350.
On average, composite veneers last about 3 – 5 years, while porcelain veneers can last for 7 – 10 years. Some people have had composite veneers for over ten years, while others with porcelain veneers needed a replacement after a few years.
A good oral hygiene and maintenance routine will ensure your composite or dental veneers last longer.
No, they don't. Composite veneers do not break easily, like porcelain veneers. Composite veneers may chip for different reasons, commonly chewing or biting hard food or clenching and grinding teeth.
If composite veneers break, they are easy to repair in one visit, unlike porcelain veneers, which take a while to replace since they are made in the lab.
After you consult with the dentist to determine your suitability for treatment, you will have your first trial smile. A trial smile involves making changes to the cast model of your teeth. Depending on the design and shape of the composite veneers you need and your teeth, the dental technician will make veneers in wax on the cast model of your teeth. This mock build-up of the veneer allows you to see how your teeth will look.
The dentist will take your teeth impressions and send them to the lab, where the dental technician will modify your teeth on the cast model. You may undergo teeth whitening to improve your teeth' colour before composite veneers. If you are happy with your teeth whitening result, the dentist will apply composite veneers directly to your teeth, polish, shape and contour the composite material.
You can call McKenneell Dental Practice on 020 7834 8802 to book a consultation with our cosmetic dentist for your composite veneers.