Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are an alternative to porcelain veneers, and can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or misarranged.How Do Composite Veneers Work?
The tooth is prepared for the composite veneers procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance.
Considerations
This procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Composite veneers typically lasts three to five years before need of repair.
Are Composite Veneers Right for You?
Composite veneers are a fantastic option to address certain esthetic issues with one or more teeth, but they are not the best solution for every dental problem, as they can be pricey and some amount of natural enamel must be scraped away to make room for them. The best candidates for veneers are patients with:
- Worn down, chipped, or broken teeth
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Uneven or irregularly shaped teeth
- Gaps between teeth
Whether we are helping fill in a gap, lengthening a worn-down tooth, or covering cracks or chips, veneers can give you a fuller, more symmetrical smile — one that you can show the world with confidence. For patients with alignment issues or less severe discoloration, orthodontic and whitening treatment will usually be preferable to veneers. More severe damage to a tooth would likely benefit better from a crown.
Taking Care of Your Composite Veneers
It’s important to take good care of your veneers once you have them so that they will last as long as they should before they need replacement. This mainly consists of the same good brushing and flossing habits you maintain for your natural teeth, and you can minimize the risk of the veneers becoming stained by avoiding foods and drinks that stain, such as coffee and red wine. In some cases, damaged composite veneers can be repaired without needing to be fully replaced.
Veneers Can Be Part of a Smile Makeover
A smile makeover goes beyond responding to dental problems as they arise. A smile makeover is a comprehensive cosmetic dentistry plan that’s uniquely suited to your own facial features and aesthetic preferences. We also offer Botox and Juvederm if you want to go beyond improving the appearance of your teeth alone.
Our caring team and doctors focus on transforming ordinary smiles into brilliant, stunning smiles through our smile makeover process, often including composite veneers. Regardless of what your smile looks like today, we are confident that we can improve your smile.
How We Can Help With Veneers
You greet the world with your smile, and if you have discolored, uneven, or cracked teeth, it may be difficult to do so confidently. The good news is that we have a solution for you. Using composite veneers, we can help you change the color, shape, length, alignment, and spacing of your teeth. Make sure to get directions before heading to our Beckley office.