Last updated on August 16th, 2023
Composite veneers, similar to composite bonding, are thin layers that mimic the color and shape of your natural teeth to make your smile better. Many people prefer composite veneers to porcelain veneers since composite veneers are much more affordable compared to porcelain veneers.
Though many people opt for composite veneers to lower their costs, there are many other important points to consider before getting them.
In this post, you will learn about composite veneers by reading through the QAs below. The questions involve some of the most common concerns that patients want to learn about the treatment.
What Are Composite Veneers?
Like other veneer types, composite veneers are thin layers that are used to mask the discoloration and heavy stains and close unaesthetic gaps between the teeth. Composite veneers are one of the most cost-effective cosmetic dentistry products that you can get easily to improve your smile.
Who Can Get Veneers?
Veneers can give you a beautiful smile by covering up various imperfections on your teeth.
Crooked or misshapen teeth is one of those common complaints that lead people to be worried about their smile. Sometimes, the teeth may be in good shape, but the surface of the front teeth can be chipped or eroded due to poor oral care. Also, some serious cases of stain or discoloration can’t be cleaned just by brushing or bleaching. If you have one or more of the problems mentioned above, you should consider veneers seriously. In some cases, dental crowns can be another alternative used to solve similar problems. However, it is better to use crowns for more seriously damaged teeth like cracked teeth or root canal treated teeth.
If you are already pleased with the overall shape of your teeth, and you just want to add a minor touch, or you are not happy with the color or stains on them, you can prefer veneers since it is a minimally invasive dental treatment compared to dental crowns.
Composite Veneers Procedure
Composite veneers are easy to apply if your dentist is an experienced and competent one. Though there might be slight procedural differences in particular cases, the common steps in composite veneers treatment are here.
Step-1: Preparation
The preparation involves cleaning and removing a thin enamel on your tooth or teeth. If the veneer is applied to a very small area and is clean enough, your dentist might skip enamel removal.
Step-2: Adhesive Glue
Once your tooth is ready for the composite veneers, your dentist puts a special adhesive on the tooth surface. Then, depending on whether you are getting direct or indirect veneers, the process moves forward.
Step-3: Applying The Veneers
Depending on your case, the composite resin material or outsourced indirect veneers are placed on your tooth. The application of composite veneers needs great care; that’s why you should get your treatment at a high-quality dental clinic from a competent dentist.
Direct Composite Veneers vs Indirect Composite Veneers
Your dentist may prefer to do your composite veneers either by direct veneers or indirect veneers. Since the scientist constantly researches the existing and innovative techniques, you should elaborately discuss the options with your dentist.
Your enamel is etched in the direct composite veneer technique, and adhesive material is put on the problematic surface. Then, the composite resin material is directly applied to the glued tooth surface. The resin material gets harder and stronger on the tooth surface by using a special light.
As for indirect composite veneers, the veneers are manufactured in a laboratory according to the impressions of your tooth. Once they are ready, you go for a second appointment, and the dentist places the composite veneer on your tooth. Then, the dentist deals with the edges and polishes the veneer surface.
Anesthesia is not needed in many cases, but if you still get it for some reason, you will still be able to go back to your work or school after a couple hours from the anesthesia.
How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?
In the past, composite veneers were not that effective. However, today, composite veneers can last up to 10 years if you care about your oral hygiene and what you eat and drink. In addition, since they are easily removed or renewed, you can renew or remove your composite veneers after 5 years, for example.
Composite Veneers Before And After
Though veneer is a minimally invasive treatment, the results are just amazing. You will be astonished by the beautiful smiles after the large gaps between the teeth are closed, broken or chipped teeth are refaced, or discolored teeth surface is improved professionally.
Composite Veneers Cost
Location is one of the most significant factors affecting composite veneers’ cost. If you ask how much composite veneers in the UK are priced, you will see really high prices. However, if you are on a budget, you can consider dental treatment abroad and get your composite veneers in Turkey for 2-3 times less than you will pay in the UK. You should also take travel and accommodation costs into account.
Some other factors affect the composite veneer prices, like the technique used for your teeth or the number and size of the problematic teeth surface that veneers are applied to.
Unfortunately, whether you have insurance or not doesn’t make any difference, most probably. Since some dental treatments are considered as part of cosmetic dentistry, many insurance plans will not pay for the expenses.
Composite Veneers Vs. Porcelain Veneers
Patients are to make a decision between composite veneers and porcelain veneers. They carefully consider price, durability, application procedure, and some other points to get the most suitable treatment for them.
Composite veneers are outstanding with their relatively lower price and easy procedure. Though veneers- regardless of the type- is an expensive treatment, you can still decrease the cost by composite veneers. In addition, since the procedural steps are less complicated in the direct composite veneer process, you can also save a great deal of time.
On the other hand, porcelain veneers are more expensive than the composite alternative. Also, it requires a longer preparation time, which will make the whole process a bit longer. However, if you seek durability and strength, your choice should be porcelain veneers because you can comfortably use porcelain veneers for more than 10-15 years.
Bottom Line
Composite veneers are a practical and less expensive way to solve various aesthetic problems on your teeth. Direct and indirect composite veneer techniques are available, and you can decide on the exact technique by discussing it with your dentist.
If you take good care of your teeth, you can make use of your veneers for up to 10 years. If you want to get a better smile but just can’t do it due to aesthetic reasons, veneers can be a smart choice for you.
