Composite Veneers: Useful Things You Should Know
What are Composite Veneers? What are the advantages and disadvantages of Composite Veneers compared to Porcelain Veneers? And which will be the best choice for you? Suppose you feel uncomfortable smiling brightly because of discolored, chipped, or misaligned teeth, and you want treatment but are afraid of invasive dental procedures, long waiting times, and high costs. In that case, Composite Veneers will be the perfect solution to help you feel more confident and improve your smile affordably.
What Is Composite Veneers?
Composite Veneers are thin shells made from ceramic and acrylic resin designed to improve the appearance of teeth. They may be directly placed (built up in the mouth), or indirectly fabricated by a dental technician in a dental lab. These Veneers are directly bonded to the teeth in a minimally invasive manner, retaining as much of the natural tooth as possible to conceal imperfections such as chipped teeth, wide gaps, uneven teeth, or discolored teeth that other whitening methods cannot correct. (source link)
Types Of Composite Veneers
Classification By Veneer Placement Method
Direct Composite Veneers The dentist will apply the composite material directly to the teeth, which hardens under a special light and bonds securely to the enamel. The composite is then smoothed and polished to give the teeth a natural appearance.
Indirect Composite Veneers Instead of composite resin being applied directly to the teeth like direct composite veneers, the veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory and customized for the patient. They are then securely bonded to the teeth using adhesive.
Classification By Material And Usage Properties
Condensable composite veneers are high-strength Composite Veneers that are dense and easy to shape for detailed work, but their aesthetics are not the most ideal. Therefore, their use is limited in the front teeth area, where high aesthetics are required.
Hybrid composite veneers are a flexible choice for most cases because they are made from various types of composite resins, allowing them to meet both aesthetic and high durability requirements.
Flowable resin-based composite veneers are made from synthetic microplastic particles and liquid components, making them easy to mold. This makes them ideal for small, minimally invasive cases, but also makes them more fragile compared to other types of Veneers.
Microhybrid composite veneers are one of the latest developments in restorative dentistry. They are made from fillers that are smaller than those used in other types of veneers, making them easy to polish for a natural tooth-like appearance while also providing superior durability that is often hard to find in other veneers made from the same materials.
Nanocomposite resin veneers use nanotechnology to create extremely small fillers, enhancing the aesthetics and durability of the teeth.
The Application Process For Composite Veneers
1. Examination, Consultation, And Treatment Planning
The dentist will examine and assess the patient’s oral health to determine if they are suitable for using composite veneers. After discussing the aesthetic goals and desires of the patient, the dentist will shape and select the color of the Composite Veneers to match the natural teeth.
2. Prepare The Teeth And Proceed With Tooth Shaping
The tooth surface may be lightly filed (or not) to create space for the composite veneers, helping them adhere better and appear more natural. Then, the composite will be directly bonded to the teeth, and the Dentist will shape and adjust it to achieve the desired form and color. Finally, a special light will be used to harden and secure the material on the teeth.
3. Shaping, Polishing, And Final Adjustments
After the material has hardened, the Dentist will shape and polish the veneers to ensure they are smooth, shiny, and natural-looking like real teeth. Finally, they will check and adjust them properly to ensure comfort and harmony.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Composite Veneers Compared To Porcelain Veneers
Advantages
The lower cost The first advantage is that they are significantly cheaper compared to porcelain veneers, making them a suitable option for patients who want to save money.
Quick completion time can be completed in a single visit, while porcelain veneers typically require at least two appointments and additional time for the fabrication of the porcelain.
Less invasive typically requires minimal or no preparation before application, involving less tooth reduction and preserving more of the natural tooth compared to Porcelain Veneers.
Easy to repair can be easily repaired if they chip or become damaged, without the need for a complete replacement as with Porcelain Veneers.
Disadvantages
Lower durability Composite veneers generally wear down and chip more easily, requiring replacement after about 4-8 years, compared to Porcelain Veneers which last approximately 10-20 years.
Lower aesthetics Although Composite Veneers initially look quite natural and closely match the color of real teeth, they can stain over time. Additionally, they do not have the same level of shine and natural appearance as Zirconia layered in general and Porcelain Veneers in particular.
Summary
Despite their notable advantages, such as low cost, quick turnaround time, minimal invasiveness, and ease of repair, composite veneers are becoming less popular as cosmetic dentistry continues to advance. Customers are now demanding higher standards of both aesthetics and durability, making porcelain veneers a preferred choice as they meet both requirements. If you are looking for a laboratory that provides high-quality veneers for your practice, VTA confidently stands as a leading dental lab in the U.S., capable of meeting most requirements for porcelain veneers in general and IPS emax veneers in particular. Contact us today via email at info@vtadentallab.com or call our hotline at 1-714-882-4026.