Composite Veneers

What are Composite Veneers?

Composite veneers are used to improve the colour, shape, size and texture of teeth to make them more attractive. They can be used to fix minor chips and cracks in teeth. They are different from porcelain veneers in that they require little if any tooth reduction (drilling) and the treatment can be completed in a single visit.
However unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers can be prone to staining and may not last as long. To create composite veneers, composite material is applied to the front surfaces of the teeth and sculpted to the desired shape and finish under the hands of an experienced cosmetic dentist.

What are composite veneers used for?

Composite veneers can be used for treating a wide range of cosmetic dental problems in the same way as porcelain veneers are used. Common problems include:

• Crooked teeth: If your teeth are crooked, an ideal way to achieve a straight white smile would be to undergo rapid orthodontic treatment with something like the Inman Aligner, 6 month smiles or invisalign followed be teeth whitening and composite veneers.


• Stained teeth: When there are undesirable stains, white patches, and/or discoulouration of the teeth which cannot be treated with a dental clean or teeth whitening alone, them composite veneers are an ideal solution.


• Damaged teeth: When your teeth have been damaged by acid erosion (bulimia or fizzy drinks) or chipped by accident, composite veneers (cosmetic bonding) are often the most ideal, minimally invasive and cost effective solution.


• Closing gaps between teeth: One of the most common cosmetic complaints that composite bonding is used for is to close gaps between the front teeth (diastema) or other teeth.

What is the procedure for bonding of composite veneers?

A consultation and examination with a cosmetic dentist will determine if you are suitable for composite veneers. It is important that you do not have any active gum disease / inflamation prior to commencing any cosmetic treatment.
Before undergoing any veneer procedure the desired colour of the final teeth needs to be decided during a consultation. If a patient wants to have whiter teeth then teeth whitening must be carried out prior to placing the veneers and then the veneers can be colour matched to the surrounding natural teeth. It must be noted that in order to maintain a white smile you may need to top up your teeth whitening periodically.
Your teeth will first be thoroughly cleaned to remove any surface build up of calucus / plaque and provide a clean surface for the veneers.
Your teeth are thoroughly dried and isolated using a rubber dam to ensure there isn't any moisture / saliva present that could interfere with the bonding material. The front surfaces of the teeth are then etched with acid to chemic
Then, bonding agent (glue) is applied to the surface of the etched teeth, and composite material is added slowly in layers to build up the tooth. A repeated process of addition, removal and sculpting of composite martial followed by polishing is used to create the final veneer.