If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to enhance the look of your natural teeth while preserving as much tooth structure as possible, and you want a quick procedure that leaves you with a new smile as you walk out of the office, the technique of creating composite veneers may be a good option for you.
In addition to the extensive prosthetic rehabilitations that give us a “WOW” effect, we are particularly fond of seemingly small changes to teeth that help achieve the harmony of our patients’ faces and smiles. This is especially true when the teeth are healthy but slightly rotated, irregularly shaped or positioned, marked by congenital white spots, or often damaged by bad habits. At Nova Dental Clinic, we opt for a method which we particularly love in order to correct these irregularities — the fabrication of composite veneers.
What are veneers?
Veneers, or laminates, are thin shells made from aesthetic material that are placed on the front or a visible surface of the teeth to correct minor imperfections on the surface, such as stains, tooth discoloration, small cracks, chipping, atypical tooth shape, or mild orthodontic irregularities in individual teeth. Compared to crowns or caps, which require extensive grinding of the natural tooth, veneers are a minimally invasive solution that avoids this step.
Depending on the material they are made from, veneers can be composite or ceramic.
What are veneers?
Veneers, or laminates, are thin shells made from aesthetic material that are placed on the front or a visible surface of the teeth to correct minor imperfections on the surface, such as stains, tooth discoloration, small cracks, chipping, atypical tooth shape, or mild orthodontic irregularities in individual teeth. Compared to crowns or caps, which require extensive grinding of the natural tooth, veneers are a minimally invasive solution that avoids this step.
Depending on the material they are made from, veneers can be composite or ceramic.
Which type of veneer should I choose?
There are several factors patients should consider when making a decision. The main advantages of composite veneers over ceramic ones include:
- Non-invasiveness. The placement of composite veneers requires minimal or no removal of the tooth substance, compared to the more extensive grinding of the tooth before placing ceramic veneers.
- Affordability. Their creation does not require cooperation with a dental laboratory, making them almost half the cost of ceramic veneers.
- Shorter creation time. The creation of direct composite veneers is done on-site in the clinic, while ceramic veneers are made in a dental laboratory, often requiring temporary restorations and more visits before the final product is ready.
- Simple corrections. If they get damaged, composite veneers can be repaired on the spot, unlike ceramic veneers, whose breakage or cracking requires complete removal and remaking.
The main drawback of composite veneers compared to ceramic ones is their shorter lifespan and lower resistance of the composite material to cracking. Ceramic veneers also have a slightly more natural appearance, as they are made from highly aesthetic feldspar ceramics and are less prone to absorbing color from food and drinks. It is important to note that neither composite nor ceramic veneers can be whitened, which should be taken into account before placing them on the teeth.
What is the procedure for making composite veneers? The placement of these restorations is carried out in one or more visits, depending on the patient’s preference.
During the first visit to our clinic, the dentist performs a detailed clinical examination of the teeth, analyzes the X-ray, and suggests the optimal therapeutic solution. If composite veneers are chosen, the next process requires photographing the teeth and face, taking impressions or scanning the teeth for a digital smile design (based on the characteristics of your face and the aesthetic parameters). After the smile design is created, the next phase is the trial fitting of the design in the mouth, where temporary material is applied to the teeth, transferring the digital smile design directly to the teeth, allowing for a visualization of the final appearance of the veneers.
During this phase, the patient provides feedback and suggests corrections to any element of their new smile, which allows for the fulfillment of the patient’s requests on-site, after which the production process begins.
Since the process of creating composite veneers is non-invasive, the patient can return to their daily activities immediately after the treatment.
“How long will my veneers last?”
Although composite veneers do not have the durability of ceramic veneers, the proper technique used to create the veneers, and adequate oral hygiene maintenance by the patient ensure the longevity of composite veneers and the preservation of their highly aesthetic appearance, making them a lasting solution for the patient’s teeth.
To sum up…
Due to their non-invasive nature, simple creation process, and highly aesthetic appearance, composite veneers have become the optimal path to a beautiful and natural therapeutic result, which is why they are increasingly chosen by our patients. Proper hygiene maintenance, including the use of dental floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser, along with frequent dental check-ups, will help ensure that your healthy, beautiful, and wide smile lasts for many years.
Our patients know that at Nova Dental Clinic, they will receive the optimal solution for the health and beauty of their teeth. Schedule your first appointment at Nova Dental Clinic today!
