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What Do You Need To Know About Composite Veneers?

composite veneers
Dental

Have you been hiding your smile and thinking of a change? There’s no need to be self-concious about your smile, you can get a cosmetic smile makeover instantly with Composite resin veneers!

What Are Composite Veneers?

Composite veneers also referred to as bonded veneers are minimally-invasive cosmetic dental services wherein the damaged front surfaces of the existing teeth are covered by tooth-colored resin material and cured by a special light to shape them into a more desirable aesthetic appearance. This technique provides a coating over the whole tooth surface with a thin layer of composite resin which is directly bonded to The Tooth.

What Issues Can be Addressed by Composite Veneers?

Composite veneers are used to fix dental concerns like crooked, stained/discolored, badly shaped, gapped, and chipped teeth.

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Composite Veneers?

Composite veneers are recommended in the following cases:

  • Straight teeth with no misalignment, crowding, or crooked teeth
  • Healthy teeth and gums
  • At least 18 years old to have fully-developed adult teeth set with no substantial gaps between the teeth
  • No lost teeth, existing crowns or porcelain veneers, and considerably damaged teeth
  • Before the bonding of veneers, the patient had a bi-annual dental check-up, OPG X-ray, and maintained oral-hygiene
  • Having realistic expectations for the treatment and wanting to achieve a straight, white, and radiant smile.

What to Expect From Composite Veneers Treatment?

The process of composite veneers treatment involves the following steps-

  • Initial Consultation: During your first meeting with a cosmetic dentist at The Dental specialist (TDS), your eligibility for the veneer is determined. This is done by taking dental X-rays, inter-oral photographs, and by performing a complete oral examination. After confirming the candidacy, the dentist discusses procedure details, pros, and cons, and determines which composite veneer option would suit you best. Photographs of teeth imperfections can be taken and compared to the results later.
  • During The Procedure: First, the dentist thoroughly cleans and prepares the teeth for application. After this, the procedure may vary slightly based on which type of composite veneer placement method is chosen: direct or indirect.
  • Direct Veneers: Before the direct composite veneers are applied, a thin layer of your teeth’ enamel may be removed or etched with a gel so that the resin material can better bond to the rough surface of the teeth. This is done after the teeth are numbed with a local anesthetic. However, the shaving down of the teeth is not done if minor changes to the color or shape of teeth are required.    

Next, the dentist applies adhesive glue over the front teeth surfaces to help with the adhesion of the composite resin material. The resin material is either applied on the surface of the teeth in a putty-like state or painted on as liquid multiple times in very thin layers. It is shaped properly and meticulously sculpted. Lastly, the applied composite resin is hardened using a special curing light and polished to get the desired shine.

The color or shade of the veneers can be picked by you or your dentist for a more natural look.

  • Indirect Veneers- After your teeth are prepared for dental veneer placement, the dentist takes a mold of your teeth. The mold is sent to the dental laboratory to fabricate the indirect composite veneers. Once they are ready, they are placed on your front teeth surface by first etching the teeth and then applying an adhesive material to it to secure the dental veneer in its place. After placing the composite veneers, your bite is checked. When they are properly adjusted, the adhesive used to bond veneers to the teeth is hardened with a special light so the veneers are strongly glued to the teeth. Finally, the dentist cleans up the stray edges of the veneers and polishes them.

Pros of Composite Veneers

  • Unlike traditional porcelain veneers which require some preparation (removal of some portion of enamel), composite veneers require minimal or no removal of enamel.
  • They are more affordable and often pursued by patients for financial reasons. 
  • They can easily be replaced if damaged as the procedure is completely performed inside the mouth using dental filling materials- composite resin.
  • They can provide you same-day results as the dentist designs them directly on the teeth using both dental techniques and an artist’s eye.
  • There is no need for injections or needles.
  • They significantly improve the shape, color, and overall look of the existing damaged teeth surface.   
  • The procedure is quick, simple, effective, and pain-free.  

To avail of the benefits of composite veneers and to know more about composite veneers cost in Chicago. Consult now with the dental experts at The Dental Specialist (TDS).