What are composite veneers?

What are composite veneers?

You have probably heard of veneers and dreamed of what it would be like to have a full set yourself, but have you ever heard of composite veneers? They are a great alternative material to porcelain veneers that are cost-effective, long-lasting and a perfect solution to imperfect teeth.

Here at the Eye & Dental Clinic, we are experts in veneers, and we have all the information you need to decide whether composite veneers are exactly what you’re looking for. In this post, we discuss what they are, the difference between composite and porcelain veneers, the cost and much more information.

Composite veneers

Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment for people who have imperfect teeth. Veneers are great for covering stained teeth, gaps, cracks, misaligned and gappy teeth to give you a winning smile. Typically, veneers are made out of an eggshell-thin layer of porcelain and placed over the top of your natural teeth like a cap, but there is a second option called composite veneers, which uses a resin instead.

Composite veneers are also referred to as composite bonding or dental bonding, and they are a long-lasting solution to imperfections in your teeth.

The benefits of composite veneers

You may be wondering if veneers are permanent. Well, the answer is yes and no, depending on the type of veneer you choose, but the definitive answer is that they are long-lasting and will see you through around 7-15 years, again depending on which type of veneer you choose and how you look after them.  They aren’t only long-lasting, but there are many other benefits to getting composite veneers, too.

• Increased confidence with the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
• Composite veneers are a budget-friendly option compared to porcelain veneers.
• Composite veneers last around 7-10 years if looked after properly.
• The process is pain-free.
• They provide a significant improvement in the appearance of your teeth.

The cost of getting composite veneers

The cost of veneers in the UK will vary depending on your location and dental practice, but generally speaking, porcelain veneers cost around £400-£800 per tooth, sometimes more. For a full set of veneers, expect to pay hundreds or even thousands of pounds for the perfect smile.

Many people will find the price of porcelain veneers too much, and that’s where composite veneers come in. Composite veneers cost less than porcelain veneers and are, therefore, a great alternative for those on a budget. Composite veneers cost around £200-£400 per tooth, making a full set much more affordable.

Visit us at the Eye & Dental Clinic for a more accurate quote.

Who can get composite veneers?

Most people can get composite veneers, but you may need other treatments first. Many people wonder if they can get veneers with crooked teeth, and the answer is absolutely yes! In fact, veneers are a great way to cover crooked teeth and give the appearance of perfectly straight teeth.

Can a person with gum disease have veneers? If you’re someone who suffers from gum disease, you will need to resolve this issue before getting veneers, but don’t worry, there are a few things you can do to clear gum disease right up in no time. If you’re unsure of what’s best for you, visit your dentist and talk through your options for getting gum disease-free.

To get rid of gum disease, follow this advice:

• Brush twice a day using a new toothbrush and brush for at least 2 minutes, concentrating on every tooth.
• Visit a dental hygienist.
• Use interdental brushes and floss.
• Use mouthwash specific to gum disease.
• Stop smoking.
• Visit your dentist regularly.

How composite veneers are done

The process of getting veneers depends on which type of veneer you choose. For porcelain veneers, the process is a little more invasive as part of the enamel needs to be scraped away. For composite veneers, usually, no scraping is required.

You’ll be glad to know that veneers aren’t painful to get.

If you have missing teeth, you will need to have a different procedure to solve this problem, as both porcelain and composite veneers cover your original teeth. Treatments such as bridges and crowns are great options for missing teeth.

Composite veneers vs porcelain veneers

There are pros and cons to each type of veneer, and the choice comes down to personal preference.

Pros and cons of porcelain veneers

They are longer lasting than composite veneers, custom-made, provide a natural appearance and can fix much darker stained teeth than composite veneers. However, this treatment is expensive, the process requires more than one visit, and they can fall off if they aren’t looked after properly.

Pros and cons of composite veneers

Composite veneers have a short process time, cost less and are perfect for covering minor imperfections. However, the material is weaker than porcelain and could chip.

Porcelain

Porcelain veneers are likely to be the ones you associate with the most when you think about veneers. They are an eggshell-thin, tooth-shaped cover that goes over the entire front surface of the teeth to give the illusion that they are your natural teeth. They are usually made from porcelain, as the name suggests.

At the Eye and Dental Clinic, the porcelain veneer procedure usually requires two or more sessions with your dentist. Firstly, the tooth is prepped, which involves removing a thin layer of enamel, under a local anaesthetic if required, and your dentist will take the initial dental impressions. These impressions are then used to fabricate your veneers.

Once they’re ready, your personal veneers will be bonded and cured using a special light-sensitive resin. The procedure is painless; however, sometimes a local anaesthetic is used (but not always necessary). Generally, veneers involve minimal discomfort. If you’re worried about having veneers fitted, you can always talk to your dentist about the procedure.

Composite

Composite veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure where a composite resin material, the colour of a tooth, is applied to your teeth to repair damage and improve your smile and confidence. It is a cost-effective yet long-lasting solution that improves the appearance of broken, chipped, stained, or cracked teeth.

Composite veneers are a minimally invasive type of tooth covering that sits on top of your teeth, helping to shape and colour your teeth into a more desirable appearance. Composite veneers are ideal for fixing small imperfections, as you don’t need to cover the entire tooth with resin.

Experience fast and effective composite bonding at our dental clinic.

Fix minor cosmetic issues in just one visit, so there’s no need to travel back and forth on several occasions or wait weeks for the final result. The composite is hardened instantly with a curing light, ensuring a comfortable bite by the end of your appointment. Composite veneers keep the integrity of your tooth intact, making it non-invasive and longer lasting.

Eye & Dental Clinic

We are a private eye and dental clinic based in Bury, and we pride ourselves on offering excellent service and care. If you are looking for the perfect place to get your veneers, look no further. Contact us for a consultation today.

Other treatments

As well as veneers, we also offer a range of cosmetic dental treatments such as bridges, crowns and teeth whitening. Have a look at our website for an extensive list of what we can offer to you.

We also provide emergency appointments, so you don’t need to go to urgent care and experience long wait times. So if you’re in need of emergency dental treatment, you know what to do: contact us, and we will see you as soon as possible to resolve the problem.

To learn more about us, have a look at our appointment policies, practice policies and procedures.

To find out more about composite veneers or other treatments that are available to you, contact us, and we will be happy to welcome you to our surgery.

Back to Blog