While you may desire a flawless smile, you may also wish to avoid the expense and inconvenience of conventional dental veneers. In that case, you may be interested in a relatively new option: composite veneers. These thin layers of composite resin can be applied directly to your teeth to hide imperfections, discoloration, or other cosmetic issues.
What Are Composite Veneers?
Composite veneers are thin custom-made shells that dentists can adhere directly to your teeth to improve the look and shape of your smile. They are made from a unique resin material that matches one’s natural tooth shade and texture.
Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, which require some drilling on the existing teeth, composite veneers can be applied with minimal or no drilling. As such, they provide an easy way for individuals looking for quick cosmetic improvement without painful surgery. Dentakay dentist listed some composite veneers procedures as being: consultation, oral exam, x-ray imaging, shaving down your teeth, and making your veneers.
Benefits Of Composite Veneers
There are several benefits associated with using composite veneers for cosmetic improvements:
- Painless application – Unlike traditional dental procedures that require drilling or grinding down teeth, applying composite veneers does not involve any pain or discomfort for you. It’s a painless procedure that results in a clean white smile.
- Quick procedure – The entire process from start to finish only takes about an hour, making it much faster than having traditional porcelain dental work done, which could take several hours over multiple appointments spread out over days or even weeks.
- Reversible – If you choose not to keep your new look or don’t like it as much as you thought, your dentist can easily remove it without damaging your natural teeth. This is because composite veneers involve no drilling in the initial application process.
Types Of Composite Veneers
There are a few different types of composite veneer available:
- Traditional Laminate Veneer – This type is usually made from solid plastic layers that are shaped onto a model before being bonded onto your tooth’s surface using an adhesive cementing agent. They offer good durability and long-lasting results if taken care of properly with regular brushing two times daily and regular checkups at least once every six months.
- Resin Infiltration – This type involves your dentist using a two-stage technique to whiten and smooth the appearance of teeth. The process involves using a resin material consisting of nanoparticles, monomers, and water penetrating deep into the surface with tiny capillary action. With this method, it can be possible to solve common issues such as discoloration, enamel damage, rough surfaces, or even decalcification without any invasive procedures.
Cost Of Composite Veneers
As with any cosmetic procedure, there’s typically an associated cost. The cost of composite veneers will vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the amount of work necessary.
Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $300-$1,000 per tooth for composite veneers, although some cases may be cheaper or more expensive. Even with these prices, they cost far less than porcelain and can change your smile significantly. It’s essential to speak with your dentist to get an accurate estimate of your costs before agreeing to proceed with treatment.
Factors That Affect Cost
Multiple factors can affect the cost of composite veneers. These include the complexity of the procedure, the dentist’s experience, the quality and type of materials used, and the geographic location. Additionally, whether or not insurance will cover any portion of the procedure may also influence the price.
Maintenance and Care of Composite Veneers
If you’ve been considering a smile enhancement with veneers, it’s essential to care for them properly to ensure they last long-term while maintaining the great look you’ve achieved. Here are five tips to follow for proper maintenance and care of your composite veneers:
- Brush and Floss Twice a Day: You must brush and floss twice a day to remove any food particles or debris from between your teeth and prevent gum disease, which can lead to premature wear and tear of your composite veneers.
- Avoid Hard Foods: You should avoid hard foods that could chip or break your composite veneers, such as ice cubes, nuts, hard candy, or lollipops, amongst others.
- See Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dentist visits will help track the condition of your composite veneer by checking for discoloration, chipping, or other signs of wear and tear over time.
- Don’t Chew Hard Objects: You should also avoid chewing on hard objects like pens or pencils to prevent chips and cracks in the material that could damage them irreparably.
Conclusion
Overall, composite veneers can be a great option if you want to improve the appearance and shape of your teeth while staying within your budget. They provide a long-lasting, natural-looking smile without the high cost of porcelain veneers.
With proper care and regular dental checkups, you can expect your composite veneers to last for up to six or seven years before needing any further treatment. If you’re considering composite veneers for yourself, be sure to discuss all the options with your dentist so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you.