What are composite veneers?

Composite veneers are carried out using composite resin, which is a tooth-coloured filling material. Composite comes in a number of shades and therefore can be used to make teeth look whiter. The composite is artistically built directly onto the tooth surface then shaped and polished to improve the shape and/or colour of a tooth or teeth. Composite veneers can be altered (adding to them or taking away from them) as many times as you like until you are happy with the appearance.

What are the advantages of composite veneers over porcelain veneers?

Less costly.

Require little or no tooth preparation (i.e. little or not damage to your natural tooth).

Can be completed in one visit.

Can be easily repaired if the composite chips or stains.

What do I need to do if I want to have composite veneers?

You will first need to come in for a consultation with our treatment coordinator, who will be able to discuss composite veneers as well as other options with you.  Sometimes composite veneers are not the best option and alternative solutions such as braces may be best. This is why it is important to have an initial consultation. The treatment coordinator will also be able to answer any other questions you may have as well as discuss cost and payment plans.  All our initial cosmetic consultations are complimentary and you can book this by calling our team

Do they differ from porcelain veneers?

Composite veneers can be built directly onto the tooth surface. Whereas porcelain veneers, require a mould to be taken off the prepared teeth, which is sent to a laboratory to make the veneers. The porcelain veneers are then cemented (glued) onto the teeth in a subsequent appointment.

Very often porcelain veneers will require some tooth preparation. however, composite veneers in many cases can be carried out with little or no tooth preparation. So your healthy tooth is preserved and not destroyed.

Composite veneers are also much less costly than porcelain veneers.

What are the disadvantages of composite veneers?

Stain build up. However, this depends on the diet and if the patient smokes or not. In any case, the staining can usually be polished off. However, it is worth noting that stain build up can also occur around the margins of porcelain veneers.

Composite veneers can chip or break. However, this is also a risk for porcelain veneers. If the composite veneers chip or break, they can be repaired. If porcelain veneers chip or break, you will usually need a new veneer.

Although composite veneers can look amazing, the appearance of porcelain veneers is usually more superior as the porcelain has a higher shine and polish to it. However, the advancement of composites these days as well as composite polishing instruments and materials still give composite veneers an excellent polish and appearance. It is often difficult to tell the difference between composite and porcelain veneers.