Growing up, you’ve always wanted to improve your smile but didn’t know what to do. We’re here to tell you today that dental veneers might be a good choice. What are dental veneers? Dental Veneers are thin shells that bond over the front of your existing teeth to improve their appearance. Dental veneers are just one of several ways to alter or enhance the appearance of your teeth. 

Other ways include bonding and enameloplasty or applying a more permanent solution like crowns.

Types of Dental Veneers

There are two main types of dental veneers: porcelain veneers and composite veneers.

• Porcelain Veneers: As the name implies, these are custom porcelain applied to fit your teeth. 
• Composite veneers: This type of dental veneer is often made from a tooth-colored resin, the same material used with tooth bonding. 

Directly from Dentakay experts, we managed to focus this post on composite veneers and everything about them, so let’s dive in.

What Are Composite Veneers?

To put it in a nutshell, Composite Veneers are thin layers used to cover up discoloration/ heavy stains and close unaesthetic gaps between the teeth. Composite veneers take on the color and shape of your natural teeth to improve your smile. They provide the same functions as any other dental veneer. Composite veneers are one of the most cost-effective cosmetic dental products you can easily get to improve or fix your smile. This is one of the main reasons why people prefer composite veneers to porcelain veneers. Because composite veneers are much more affordable compared to porcelain veneers, they are preferred among patients. Though people opting for composite veneers to save on their costs is a valid reason, there are many other essential points to consider before getting these veneers.

When To Get Composite Veneers?

• Dental veneers can give you a beautiful smile by masking various imperfections on your teeth.

   

• Crooked or misshapen teeth are another reason for using dental veneers. It is one of the more common complaints that has made people less confident about their smiles. In some cases, there may be nothing wrong with the teeth, but the surface of the teeth could be chipped or eroded due to a lack of oral care. While in other cases, your teeth may be suffering from severe stains or discoloration, and in cases like these, simply brushing or bleaching them would not help. This is where dental veneers mask your tooth’s imperfections and give you a brilliant smile. 
• Veneers can be a good choice if your teeth are in relatively good condition and you want to change their appearance, including shape or color.

Are Crowns A Better Option?

If one or more of the problems mentioned above apply to you or someone you know, you should seriously consider dental veneer. However, in some cases, dental crowns may be another alternative used to solve similar problems. Crowns are usually only used for more damaged teeth, like broken teeth, or those that need root canal treatment for your teeth.
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These are when crowns may be a better solution for you. 

Veneers cover some of your teeth but differ from crowns, which are thicker and cover the entire back and front tooth. Crowns also tend to require tooth cutting, which you may or may not need in veneers. If you are already pleased with the overall shape of your teeth and want to add a minor touch, you can go for dental veneers. This also applies if you are unsatisfied with the colouring or stains on your teeth.

Types of Composite Veneers

When in the process of getting composite veneers, the dentist may offer you a choice between two types of veneers:  direct composite veneers and indirect composite veneers.

• Direct Composite Veneers 

Direct composite veneers are dental veneers made of a composite resin material bonded directly to your teeth. Its application takes little time. The dentist would first prepare your teeth for the application of the veneers, followed by the application process, which does not take long and is considered minimally invasive.

• Indirect Composite Veneers

In the case of indirect composite veneers, your teeth are prepped as usual. Still, the veneers are custom-made ‘indirectly’ outside of the mouth in your dentist’s office or a dental laboratory. It is because of this indirect application that draws the line between the two composite veneers is. While you wait for your new veneers to be moulded, you receive a set of temporary veneers until the indirect veneers are made. At the next appointment, the indirect composite veneers are then applied to your teeth with a layer of adhesive. Indirect composite veneers can withstand more abrasions and resist fractures better than the direct version; however, they tend to cost more than direct composite veneers.

Direct Composite Veneers vs Indirect Composite Veneers

When getting composite veneers, it is normal for your dentist to ask which type you’d prefer. However, they may also decide which is best for you, either direct or indirect. You are advised to discuss these options regardless with your dentist. Scientists have discovered more innovative solutions and techniques today, so an elaborate discussion with your dentist is on the cards. 

In the case of direct composite veneers, your enamel is shaved, and a bonding material/adhesive is put on the hard surface. This allows the composite resin material to apply to the glued tooth surface directly. 

While for indirect composite veneers, veneers are manufactured in a laboratory after the dentist has taken impressions of your tooth. You are given temporary veneers while you wait for your new veneers. Once they are ready, you will be notified of a second appointment where the dentist will remove the temporary veneers and place your new composite veneers over your tooth.

In many of these cases, anesthesia is not required.

But if you get it, you will still be able to return to work or school after a couple of hours from the anesthesia.

Composite veneers procedure

Your dentist starts the process by cleaning your teeth thoroughly and prepping them for application. They may have to remove a thin layer of your enamel to assist the resin material sticking to your teeth. When minor changes like shape or colour are needed, your teeth may not need to be cut. After this, the process starts to differ slightly, depending on whether you’re getting direct or indirect veneers.

For Direct Veneers

1. Before applying direct veneers, a dentist will etch the enamel of your teeth to help with adhesion.
2. Next, they’ll apply an adhesive glue to help the composite resin material stick to your teeth.
3. Lastly, very thin layers of the composite material are added to the surface of your teeth. The dentist will then use a special light to harden the layers of the composite resin.

With Indirect Veneers, 

1. After the dentist prepares your teeth, they will take a mold of your teeth. 
2. When the indirect veneers are ready, the dentist will apply them by etching your teeth and then applying a type of adhesive material to your teeth. It is with the aid of this adhesive or bonding agent that your veneers will stay in place.
3. Then the dentist will place the composite veneers onto your teeth using light to harden the adhesive and bond the veneers to your teeth. 
4. Afterwards, the dentist will clean up stray edges and polish everything up. 

Many people don’t need anesthesia during the process. But if you do, after the process is completed and the anesthesia wears off, you should be fine to return to your normal activities.

Cost of Composite Veneers

The thing with dental veneers is the fact that the results of the procedure are glaring to everyone as soon as you open your mouth. So getting it done by a professional is of utmost importance. Although getting composite veneers is less expensive than porcelain veneers, they can still be costly. 

Composite veneers cost an average of $250 to $1,500 per tooth. Sometimes an insurance plan may come to the rescue, but that is rarely the case because this procedure is seen legally as a cosmetic procedure instead of a medical need. If the cost may be too much, you can discuss with your dentist a payment plan. 

Factors Affecting the Purchase of Dental Veneers

• Cost is the first factor that comes to mind, although dental veneers are generally not that expensive.
• The next one is one of the most significant factors affecting composite veneers’ cost, the location of the clinic where you visit for the procedure. Visiting dental clinics in the UK might be hot, with high prices for composite veneers, so if you are on a budget, you are advised to consider getting dental treatment abroad. You can get a set of composite veneers in Turkey for 2-3 times less than what you would’ve paid in the UK. However, travel and accommodation costs should also be taken into account. 
• Some other factors that affect the composite veneer purchase include the technique used for your teeth or the number and size of the issues needing dental veneers to be applied to your teeth.

How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?
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Today, composite veneers are considered more durable than in the past. They are capable of lasting an average lifespan of 5-7 years. Compared to porcelain veneers which last 10 to 15 years at least, they have a very short lifespan.

After that time has elapsed or you are getting close, you will need to schedule a visit to your dentist for a replacement set of veneers. 

However, it is possible to extend the lifespan of your composite veneers by taking good care of them. This is achieved by regularly brushing with a nonabrasive toothpaste and resisting any urge to chew on ice and other hard objects with your front teeth. Some dentists would also go as far as to warn you against taking drinks like coffee or tea that might stain your new veneers.

Composite Veneers Before And After

Getting dental veneers might be a minimally invasive treatment, but the results are more than worth it. One look in the mirror, and you will be left astounded by the beautiful smile that greets you, compared to the previously damaged one with significant gaps between the teeth, broken or chipped teeth, or discoloured teeth surface. All these issues are improved dramatically with the touch of a professional. 

Is This Process Reversible?

Yes, it is completely reversible. Adding new composite resin material can remove or replace your composite veneers.

Should You Go For Composite Veneers or Porcelain Veneers?

Patients are to decide between composite veneers and porcelain veneers. There are many factors to consider, such as price, durability, application procedure, etc. It is essential to consider all these in order to get the most suitable treatment for you.

Composite veneers are outstanding with their relatively lower price and easier procedure. And since the procedural steps are less complicated, especially in the direct composite veneer process, you can save much time.

On the other hand, porcelain veneers are more expensive than alternative composite veneers. They require a longer preparation time, making the whole process seem just a bit longer than composite veneers. However, if you seek durability and strength, your best bet is porcelain veneers because you can comfortably use them for more than 10-15 years. 

Conclusion

Composite veneers are a practical and less expensive way to solve your dental problems. With direct or indirect composite veneer methods available, you can choose the type you prefer. Discuss with your dentist the right option. 

If you take good care of your teeth, you can use your veneers for up to 10 years. If you want a better smile but can’t do it for aesthetic reasons, veneers can be a smart choice for you.