Composite veneers
What are composite veneers?
Composite veneers are a minimally-invasive type of tooth covering made using composite resin. The composite sits on top of your existing teeth, helping to shape the teeth into a more desirable appearance. Composite veneers are ideal for fixing small chips or cracks in the teeth, as you do not need to cover the entire tooth with resin.
To get your teeth ready for composite application, only light preparation is needed. Your dentist will then apply an adhesive glue to help the resin stick to your teeth. Once the resin is applied, it will be sculpted into the desired shape, and polished to a high shine finish.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are essentially tooth-shaped ‘covers’ that go over the entire front surface of the teeth. They are usually made from thin porcelain (as the name suggests), but nowadays they can also be made of a composite material.
For preparation, your dentist will need to file down your existing teeth in order to fit the veneer cover over the front surface. The dentist will then make impressions of your teeth and send them off to a lab to make the veneers. In the meantime, you will be given temporary veneers to wear. Once your veneers are ready, they will be applied with an adhesive glue, in much the same way as composites.
How do you maintain them?
Both composite bonding and porcelain veneers have similar maintenance involved. Firstly, you should always practice proper oral health by brushing twice daily with a dentist-approved toothpaste, flossing, and using mouthwash. You should also make sure to see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Can you remove them?
With composite veneers, the process is minimally-invasive and the composite can be removed in the future, returning the tooth to its original shape. This makes it an ideal solution for those who would like to improve the appearance of their teeth without having to alter the permanent shape or size of them.