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If you’ve ever wished for a brighter, more even smile but felt unsure about your options, you might want to consider composite veneers. They’re a popular choice for many people looking to improve the appearance of their teeth without going through extensive dental procedures. But what exactly are composite veneers? Let’s break it down and look at it in simple terms.
What is a composite?
A composite, in general terms, is a mixture of different substances put together to form a new distinct material. When we talk about composites in dentistry, we’re referring to a special tooth-coloured material that is used to fix or fill teeth. This dental composite is composed of tiny filler particles embedded in a resin matrix. Hence, it is also known as composite resin in dentistry.
Composite resins exist as a viscous material which can be molded or shaped as required by the dentist, much like molding clay into the perfect design. When the desired shape is reached, the dentist will set it using a blue light for a few seconds. The composite material will then harden to become solid to attach securely to your tooth.
What are composite veneers?
When your dentist uses this composite resin to cover the front of your teeth to enhance their look—whether by changing the colour, shape or overall appearance—they’re creating what’s known as composite veneers.
Veneers are thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin that are designed to cover the front surface of natural teeth. By applying thin layers of resin onto tooth, they cover up imperfections like stains, chips, misshapen teeth or gaps, giving you a more polished and uniform smile. What’s great about them is that they don’t require a lot of prep work or drilling, making them a minimally invasive option compared to porcelain veneers.
Types of composite veneers
There are two types of composite resin veneers.
1) Direct composite resin veneers
They are applied directly onto the tooth by the dentist, often in just a single visit. They are used to restore minor cosmetic concerns quickly, such as chipped-off tooth. Since the veneers are shaped directly onto your teeth, you dentist has complete control over the appearance, allowing them to make adjustments on the spot.
2) Indirect composite resin veneers
Instead of being molded directly onto teeth, indirect composite veneers are made in a dental laboratory. This allows for stronger composite veneers and can be used for addressing more complex cosmetic concerns. Although the added customisation and lab work often result in a more refined final product, it takes more appointments to complete compared to direct veneers.
Composite resin veneers, whether direct or indirect, are designed to mimic the natural appearance of teeth. At first glance, they blend well with your existing teeth, providing a seamless enhancement to your smile. However, it’s worth noting that composite resin tends to be more uniform in colour, which can result in a slightly more monochromatic look. This is typically not an issue if your natural teeth have an even colour but for those with more variation in tooth shade, it might be less ideal compared to other materials like porcelain.
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How do composite resin veneers differ from porcelain veneers?
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What is the process of getting composite veneers?
The process of getting composite veneers is minimally invasive, straightforward and usually pain-free. Here’s what typically happens:
Consultation and Planning
An initial consultation appointment is important as it allows you to discuss your goals and see if composite veneers are right for you. This is your chance to talk about what you’d like to change about your smile, whether it’s the colour, shape or alignment of your teeth. Your dentist will also be able to advise you on the best treatment option for you based on your dental needs and budget. Once you have decided on the treatment, your dentist will create a personalised treatment plan for you.
Preparation
The preparation of teeth usually involves rounding off any sharp edges or making space for the material and lightly etching the surface of your teeth to help the composite resin adhere better. Unlike porcelain veneers, which require more of the tooth’s surface to be removed, composite veneers involve minimal preparation, so more of your natural tooth structure is preserved.
Application
Next, your dentist will apply the composite resin to your teeth. They’ll carefully mold and shape it to achieve the desired look. They might do it freehand or utilise an index/stent. This step requires skill and precision, as the dentist will sculpt the material directly onto your teeth, ensuring that the final result looks natural and blends seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. For a more durable option, indirect composite veneers may be advised. They are created outside the mouth and then bonded to the teeth.
For the indirect method, the veneers are crafted in a dental laboratory where they are also cured and polished. We have our own in-house dental lab at Dental Designs, which makes everything so much easier as well as faster. Check them out here!
Curing and Polishing
Once the composite veneer is in place, a blue light is used to set the material. After it hardens, your dentist will polish the veneers to give them a smooth, glossy finish that mimics the appearance of natural teeth.
How long do composite veneers last?
Composite veneers are durable but not as long-lasting as porcelain veneers. On average, they last between 5 to 7 years, depending on how well you care for them. Factors such as your oral hygiene, diet and habits like teeth grinding can affect their longevity. Temporary veneers may be used during the veneer application process until the final veneers are ready. With proper care, both porcelain and composite veneers can provide a long-lasting, natural-looking smile.
A study conducted in 2013 evaluated the survival rates of indirect composite veneers and porcelain veneers. The research found that after three years, both types of veneers had similar survival rates. However, indirect composite veneers showed more wear and tear on their surfaces over time. Click here to read more about dental porcelain veneers.
One thing to consider is that composite resin is more prone to staining compared to porcelain. Drinks like coffee, tea and red wine can cause discolouration over time. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for polishing can help keep your veneers looking their best.
Ready to book a consultation appointment for composite veneers? Just leave us a message here and we will be right with you!
References
- Gresnigt, M. M., Kalk, W., & Özcan, M. (2013). Randomized clinical trial of indirect resin composite and ceramic veneers: up to 3-year follow-up. Journal of Adhesive Dentistry, 15(2), 181-190.
- Korkut B. Smile makeover with direct composite veneers: A two-year follow-up report. J Dent Res Dent Clin Dent Prospects. 2018 Spring;12(2):146-151. doi: 10.15171/joddd.2018.023. Epub 2018 Jun 20. PMID: 30087767; PMCID: PMC6076883.