Composite Veneers: Common Questions Answered
There are several different types of veneers to choose from when considering this dental procedure. In this article, Dr. DesRosiers of Lane Family Dentistry will be answering all the questions you may have about composite veneers.
We have provided many of our patients with composite veneers. Here are some of the most common questions that are asked by our patients. We believe that it will be a necessary resource for you in deciding whether or not you would like to have a composite veneer procedure done.
What are Composite Veneers?
Many patients ask about the different kinds of veneers and how they are different from one another. There are several different types of veneers including porcelain, composite, press-on, and others. The main differences between the different types of veneers is in the material that they are made of and how they are applied. Dr. DesRosiers explains how composite veneers are different from other kinds.
“Composite veneers are made directly in your mouth using a composite resin material, as you would do a filling. They can be a very cosmetically nice restoration, used to basically correct the contours of teeth, to make them fit better cosmetically into the big picture. They bond to the teeth directly, you shape the material in the mouth, polish them, choose the shade, and everything. It’s done very, very quickly in most cases, and very conservatively, so those are some of the benefits of composite veneers.”
How to take care of composite veneers?
When you get a set of brand new composite veneers, you will want to make sure that they last. So what are the best practices in keeping composite veneers in their best shape for years to come? The answer that Dr. DesRosiers gives is a simple way to keep your smile shining.
“Just keeping up with hygiene, watching kind of certain things in your diet, and just kind of maintaining them through good hygiene practices, and functional practices that are pretty much the same that you would do with any other veneer.”
How are composite veneers applied?
As mentioned previously, one of the most distinctive factors between the different types of veneers is how they are applied in your mouth. Dr. DesRosiers talks about specific ways that composite veneers are made and applied into the patient’s mouth.
“Composite veneers are directly applied using a composite resin type filling material, and they’re actually bonded directly to the teeth. So the material is a putty-like substance that we shape into exactly what we want, then it’s set directly, stuck to the teeth, and shaped and polished in place.”
How much are composite veneers?
As Dr. DesRosiers has already explained, the physical differences between the different types of veneers is in the material and application. What about the price tag? A very common question that we get from our patients is what the difference in price is when it comes to veneers.
“There typically is a price difference between composite veneers and other types of veneers. Composite resin veneers are typically a little less expensive because they are made directly in the mouth, and so there’s not a lab expense associated with them. They’re also a single visit instead of two visits because we can get everything ready to go and restore it directly in place. So that helps to keep costs down on that restoration.”
Can you stain composite veneers?
After you have had the procedure to get composite veneers, you probably want to know how to take care of them and keep them looking brand new. So, is it possible for composite veneers to stain over time and how can you prevent this?
“You can absolutely stain composite veneers. Certain things that will stain any other teeth will also stain veneers. So pigmented things, like red wine, or even coffee, or certainly cigarette smoke will change the shade of those over time. Most of the time, they can be polished back to their original shade, but sometimes there are deeper kinds of intrinsic staining things that would necessitate replacement.”
Can you whiten composite veneers?
After having your composite veneers for several years, it is inevitable that they are not going to look as white as when you first got them. Even if this is only a shade darker than they were originally. Is it possible to return them to their original whiteness level?
“Composite veneers will whiten slightly, but not to the same extent as natural tooth structure will. Because they only cover the front of the tooth, you can theoretically lighten the inside some, and get some of that translucent effect to brighten that tooth. But they will typically not whiten at the same rate as the rest of your teeth.”
How long do composite veneers last?
“So composite veneers won’t typically last as long as the porcelain veneers or pressed ceramic veneers, just because the material is just not quite as strong. So it bonds the tooth nicely, but it just doesn’t have the resistance to fracture that the other veneers do. So they will not, in most cases, will not last quite as long as the others.”
If you would like to learn more about veneers and cosmetic dentistry, visit our veneers education center page. We have had several Lane dentists answer the most commonly asked questions about cosmetic dentistry and posted them on these pages.
Choose Lane and Associates for Cosmetic Dentistry
If you are located in North Carolina, consider letting us bring you a new smile through composite veneers! We have many locations all over the state, many providing cosmetic dentistry services. If you have thought about getting composite veneers, please fill out the contact form below so that we can answer any more questions you may have about composite veneers!
