Composite Veneers
When you want to make changes to your smile in terms of shape, colour, length and width of your teeth, our Dentists may go through a few Cosmetic Dentistry procedures with you including Composite Veneers, also known as "Dental Bonding".
What are Dental Veneers?
There are two types of Veneers: Porcelain Veneers and Composite Veneers (also known as Dental Bonding). They are different in materials and methods of placement but essentially, they are placed over an existing front tooth or teeth to improve a more uniform look.
What are Composite Veneers?
Composite Veneers, also known as “Dental Bonding”, is when composite resin is glued/bonded onto the surface of a tooth. The process is easy and convenient and one of the many alternatives to enhance your smile.
What are the differences between Composite and Porcelain Veneers?
Composite Veneers are less expensive and less timely compared to that of Porcelain Veneers. While Porcelain Veneers require a few appointments and the assistance of the specialist ceramists to help make the final product, Dental Bonding only requires one visit to the Dentist to complete the final product. By providing the right shape and shade, the final polishing of the Composite Veneer can produce a high lustre appearance that is beautiful and pleasing to the eyes.
Another advantage of Composite Veneers is that the procedure is more comfortable. The main reason for this is because unlike Porcelain Veneers, Dental Bonding requires minimal to no tooth shaping/ tooth resizing. Everything is kept conservative and simple.
Unfortunately, Composite Veneers do have its limitations. The downside is the life span, they do not last as long as Porcelain Veneers. Eventually over time, they will stain and chip no matter how well it was completed initially. This is due to the core structure and material differences between Dental Bonding and Porcelain Veneers. Repairs or touch ups may be required to maintain the Composite Veneers every few years.
Typically, Dental Bonding is very good short-term treatment option and great at masking teeth imperfections. Some patients tend to request Dental Bonding for now until they have the funds to transition to Porcelain Veneers.
In summary when comparing Composite to Porcelain Veneers, Composite Veneers are:
- Less expensive
- Require less visits to the Dentist
- Less durable than Porcelain
- Life span is shorter than Porcelain Veneers
- Requires touch ups every couple of years
- Great short term option to change the aesthetics of your teeth
- More comfortable procedure than Porcelain Veneers
What can Composite Veneers do for me?
- Restore decayed teeth
- Restore fractures and minor chips
- Closing gaps between front teeth
- Improving teeth straightness
- Improving teeth shape
- Cover exposed root surfaces
- Mask discoloured teeth
How much do Composite Veneers cost?
Compared to Porcelain Veneers they are roughly a third of the cost – about $350 to $500 each depending on the complexity of the case.
Composite Veneers Treatment Process
1. Book a consultation
The first appointment is a smile consultation appointment with our friendly Dentists so that they can understand your needs and expectations.
You can set up a smile consultation appointment by booking online or calling us on 03 9748 7271.
After your initial consultation, the entire process only takes 30-60 minutes.
2. Photos
Photographs may be taken of your smile and teeth, these images help us with the planning process. We also like to show you some before and after shots of your smile transformation.
3. Shade selection
We'll go through the shade selection process with you which involves choosing the desired colour of the Composite Veneer.
4. Fitting your new Composite Veneers
Our Dentists will coat the surface or roughen the teeth slightly by applying a liquid to help the composite resin stick onto your teeth.
The composite resin is shaped onto the surfaces of the teeth and hardened by a small ultra violet light – this entire process is pain free and most patients do not need anaesthetic for this.
After the resin is set, we will add finishing touches to the Composite Veneer by polishing and trimming it, this ensure that the teeth are of a good shape and appear natural and smooth.
5. Smile away!
Voila! Your smile is transformed immediately, and you can go about your day as normal. We do advise patients to avoid drinks and foods with heavy stains for the first 48 hours.
Caring for your Composite Veneers
As Composite Veneers are not as durable as high end Porcelain Veneers, we recommend patients take good care of the them so that they can stay natural and chip free for as long as possible. This involves:
- Reduce food and drinks that are known to stain teeth and resin material (for example coffee, tea, red wines etc).
- Quit smoking, this not only helps with maintaining the colour of the Veneers but also prevents gum disease and other health issues.
- Break habits that involve chewing on hard objects e.g. chewing on pens, munching on bones and so on.
- Ensure good oral health with regular brushing and flossing.
- 6 monthly visits to the Dentist for professional Check up and Cleans.
