Composite veneers

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.

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Who can get composite veneers?

Most people can get composite veneers, as they can be used to:

• Protect the surface of the teeth
• Improve the appearance and look of the teeth
• Make the teeth look aligned or straight
• Change the teeth' colour, usually to a whiter shade
• Repair broken or chipped part of a tooth
• Close gaps between teeth or increase the teeth' size

What are the advantages of composite veneers?

Composite veneers are one of the least invasive treatments for improving the smile. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers offer the following benefits.

• There is no need to drill the teeth in most cases, making composite veneer more desirable. The no drilling makes the treatment reversible.
• Composite veneers do not cover all tooth surfaces. This makes them ideal for reducing or closing gaps between teeth, like gaps between the top front teeth.
• Composite veneers are easily repairable, unlike other options. When porcelain veneers chip or break, you need a new one made in the lab for a replacement. With composite veneers, the dentist can easily repair them, so composite veneers are a faster and cheaper solution.
• Treatment can be completed in one visit because the dentist will directly place the composite veneer on the teeth. This gives an instant transformation.
• Composite veneers are cheaper than porcelain crowns or veneers.
• Most people can get composite veneers.

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How much is a composite veneer?

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.

What are the downsides of composite veneers?

• Composite veneers usually stain more easily than porcelain veneers, but you can clean and polish them regularly. Your habit and diet can contribute to the level of staining.
• The look and quality of composite veneers depend on the dentist's experience and skill. Ensure you get a skilled dentist to achieve a natural-looking result.
• You cannot whiten composite veneers, just like other dental restorations. Before fitting composite veneer, you have to whiten your teeth, then choose the colour that matches your whitened teeth.

Can composite veneers last as long as porcelain veneers?

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.

Do composite veneers break easily?

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.

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What is the procedure for a composite veneer?

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.