Are you looking for a non-invasive option for changing the appearance of your smile? If yes, then composite veneers may be a good choice for you. These are thin coverings, customised by the dentist and bonded to your teeth. The shape, colour and size (within reason) can be agreed between yourself and the dentist. A consultation with the dentist is always recommended to see if you are suitable.

About Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are a type of dental restoration which use safe materials to repair or conceal any imperfections. The veneer is  designed to fit over the existing teeth, and will be individual to each patient.

How long will composite veneers last?

The durability of composite veneers has improved a lot over the years. In general, they are meant to last between five and seven years. It is important to know wear and tear on composite veneers depend on various factors which include:

Your oral health

Composite veneers will not last as long if  you do not look after them properly. It is suggested that you brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. As well as brushing your teeth, flossing is an essential part of maintaining your oral health. Food debris and bacteria can get stuck underneath the gym line. If not appropriately cleaned this can lead to inflammation and eventually potentially gum disease.

Food Choices

Like your natural teeth, the surface of veneers can pick up stains. To help prevent this you can limit staining foods and drinks such as beetroot, red wine, curries, red pasta sauce, black tea and coffee etc. Washing your mouth out with water after consuming these foods and drinks can also help reduce staining.

Frequency with which you have acidic foods and drinks like some fruits, coffee, fizzy drinks or wine

Acidic foods can be damaging when eaten too regularly. If you ensure to keep acidic or sugary snacks to meal times this will reduce the acid attacks on your veneers as well as your natural teeth.

By taking good care of your veneers, they can last for many years without any major repairs or replacements.

How you can prolong the life of your Composite Veneers

Composite dental veneers are a great alternative option to the traditional porcelain veneers. The only drawback is that they require more maintenance in comparison to standard dental restorations.

Some tips to keep composite veneers look their best include the following:

• Brush teeth regularly – Follow routine brushing advice given by your dentist.
• Floss daily - Flossing will help ensure no food is stuck between the veneers or under the gums, which could later cause gum issues which can affect the veneers.
• Use a mouthwash daily – Use a mouthwash to loosen food particles in between the teeth. They can then be brushed away with less force/effort. Mouthwash works well for those who have sensitive gums or teeth.
• Type of Toothpaste – You should not use toothpaste that contains peroxide or baking soda as these ingredients may cause erosion of enamel and can cause cavities below your veneers.

Benefits of composite veneers versus porcelain veneers

Though they both have the same purpose, they are somewhat different in terms of  material and cost, maintenance and lifespan.

Composite Veneers

The biggest advantage of composite veneers is that they can be made without the use of a Dental Laboratory. Meaning the final procedure can usually be completed more quickly. Composite Veneers are cheaper than Porcelain veneers and adjustments can be made very easily. Composite Bonding in London is usually around £300-£400 per tooth.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain Veneers are made out of a strong material which does not chip or stain. They can last for 10-15 years and the shape, style and colour can all be chosen by the individual patient. Porcelain veneers are usually prices between £600-£950 per tooth.

Procedure

Composite veneers can be placed using something called a Stent. A stent is a mould which fits over the natural teeth to help attach the composite material to the teeth. There are two most common ways for placing them. The design of your new teeth may be digitally created meaning the dentist can show you a preview of what the final products will look like. Another method of Composite Bonding is by freehand. Where the dentist adds material to the tooth and shapes it there and then accordingly.

The Method

Cleaning and preparing:

Before the dentist applies composite material, your teeth should be cleaned thoroughly and the surface will be slightly roughened. This helps strengthen the bond between the material and the natural tooth.

Adhesive glue application:

A special glue designed for this purpose will be placed on the tooth and cured using a special kind of light. This helps increase the bonding strength.

Composite material made of layers:

The composite material is built up on the teeth in layers. This again aims to strengthen the bond between the tooth and the added material, aiming to increase their lifespan. A light is used to set and harden the material once it has been roughly shaped.

The Procedure of Indirect Veneers

Oral examination

This involves evaluating your dental health as before placing composite veneers the oral health of the patient must be evaluated.  Any signs of cavities or inflammation will be identified during the examination. If there are any health issues present in the mouth the dentist will advise that these must be dealt with before proceeding with any cosmetic treatment.

Teeth Shaving

The method is painless due to being such a menial amount of adjustment. This involves roughening the surface of the tooth in order to gain a better bonding strength.

Putting Composite Veneers in Place

Hard veneers are placed individually on the teeth by your dentist. By using a glueing agent, the films are held in place. Then your veneers will be illuminated through blue light. When the resin becomes hard, it will be cemented in place.

Can veneers be done in a day?

Yes, composite veneers can be done in a single day. The procedure is very quick and painless and the results are immediate. In some circumstances, however, there may be factors which will extend the process. For example if you wish to whiten your teeth, this must be done prior to the veneer treatment so the dentist can correctly match the shade of the veneers to the rest of your teeth. There must also be a rest period of 2 weeks from the final day of whitening before any composite bonding or porcelain veneers are placed.

Is it possible to remove composite veneers?

Composite veneers are designed to be permanent while they can be removed by the dentist and it is recommended for dental emergency cases only. If you are removing your composite veneers, then you need to consult with the dentist first.

Thus, composite is a common material in the field of dentistry and more people are opting for it due to several reasons. It has good track record in terms of aesthetic and durability. You may search in Google, “composite veneers near me” when looking to perform the treatment successfully in your area. Composite veneers are a great option to porcelain veneers as they can be placed in one appointment, are easy to maintain and affordable in price.