Everything You Need to Know About Composite Veneers

The concept of Composite Veneers is the application of a thin restorative material that is applied to the front surface of a tooth to improve the aesthetics of a smile. It is also used to restore a natural tooth from enamel abrasion or trauma.

There are different types of composite veneers and we will explain how they re built step by step.

In Dentistry, there are two types of Dental Laminates, these are:

-Porcelain laminates

-Composite laminates

Composite laminates are divided into two in terms of application method. These are:

-Direct composite veneers

-Indirect composite veneers

Direct composite veneers are veneers that the dentist applies directly to the teeth in a single session.

When the indication for direct composite veneers is determined after the patient’s consultation, treatment can be started in the same session.

1- The dentist first prepares the teeth for composite veneer application by cleaning the tartar and polishing. If there are any composite restorations of the decayed tissues on the relevant teeth required, these are conducted.

2- On the second step, the dentist applies acid to the front surfaces of the teeth where the composite will be applied to strengthen the bonding quality on the relevant teeth.

3- On the third step, dental adhesive is applied to the acidified surfaces and this adhesive is fixed with the help of light. Thus, the teeth are ready for composite application.

4- The fourth step is the application of composite to the tooth’s surfaces. The composite is placed on the tooth. After the composite is shaped according to the desired form, the composite, in a dough-like consistency is hardened and cured with the help of light again and fixed to the teeth.

5- The last step, the form of the teeth is reshaped with the help of burs (dental tool) and polishing is done to achieve a natural appearance.

The main difference between indirect composite veneers and direct composite veneers is that they are prepared in a laboratory environment like porcelain laminates. Therefore, they cannot be applied in a single session.

When the indication for composite veneers is given after the patient’s consultation, treatment can be started in the same session as in direct veneers.

1- The dentist prepares the teeth for composite veneer application by first cleaning the teeth with tartar and polishing. If there are any composite restorations of the decayed tissues in the relevant teeth that are required these would be done before the composite veneer application.

2- The second step in indirect veneer treatment is to take measurements of the teeth and send them to the dental laboratory. Thus, the dental technician can create molds of the patient's teeth. Technicians prepare composite veneers on these molds as a dentist does. The main purpose here is to reduce the time the patient spends in the dental chair, increase their comfort and provide a comfortable working environment by moving the copy of the teeth outside the mouth.

3- The third step is to apply the indirect composite veneers prepared in the dental laboratory to the mouth. This process takes place in the second session. Just like in direct composite veneers, the dentist first micro-roughens the teeth with acid and creates a surface where the indirect composite veneer can adhere too.

4- Then, dental adhesive is applied and cured with light. Then, the composite veneers coming from the laboratory are glued to the teeth and the adhesive residue is cleaned.

5- Finally, the teeth are checked for closure on each other (biting position), small adjustments are made to the composite veneers if necessary and they are polished.

Pros:
-Composite veneers are much more affordable than porcelain veneers.

-It is a practical and fast treatment method that can be applied in a single session.

-Deformities or discolorations on the teeth can be easily covered.

-If there is a fracture in the composite veneer for any reason, it can be repaired in a single session for an affordable fee.

-Even after the application is completed, if desired, additional or shape changes can be easily made.


Cons:
-As they are weaker than other restorations, they may break if used carelessly.

-They require more frequent replacement than porcelain veneers.

-They are more prone to staining and plaque accumulation than porcelain veneers.

-If there are any dark spots on the teeth, these spots may reflect from under the composite. Therefore, these spots can be shaved in spots to prevent aesthetic complications.

-In the presence of slightly crooked teeth, the part of the teeth that is desired to be straightened can be shaved lightly.

In cases other than these, there is no need to shave the teeth in composite veneer cases.

Composite veneers can be easily removed by the dentist, making composite veneers a completely reversible cosmetic treatment.

The answer to this question is directly dependent on the patient. Bruxism, eating habits and poor or inadequate oral hygiene will shorten this period considerably.

Patients do not feel any pain or sensitivity during and after the procedure. 99% of the time, anesthesia is not even needed during the procedure. You can get more info for veneers here.

Please contact us to get your composite veneer/bonding quote.