Would you like to enjoy the benefits of dental veneers at only a fraction of the cost? Composite veneers can help you save money while splashing out on yourself for a major smile upgrade.
What exactly are composite veneers, though?
How do they compare with other types of veneers?
Are composite veneers right for you?
We’ve got the answers for you here.
What Are Composite Veneers?
A composite resin veneer is a dental veneer that’s made from composite dental material.
Just like any other type of veneer, composite veneers can cover up tooth flaws such as:
- Yellow teeth and teeth with stubborn stains
- Tooth gaps that show when you smile
- Uneven tooth sizes
- Rough tooth enamel
- Chipped or worn edges of teeth
What Is A “Composite?”
Dental composite is a white material that’s basically a mixture of plastic and microscopic bits of glass. The combination results in a material that’s easy to place and sculpt on a tooth and that bonds to the tooth tissue and hardens quickly when placed under a curing light. Composite material is frequently used for placing tooth-colored fillings.
Veneers made from dental composite function just like other veneers; the only differences are the materials used and the total veneers cost.
Composite Veneers Uses
Composite veneers work just like porcelain veneers. You can use one on any tooth that you could otherwise get a porcelain veneer on.
A composite veneer is a thin shell of material that goes over your natural tooth to cover up flaws. It’s a cosmetic treatment that primarily enhances the look of front teeth. You can get just one veneer or several to make your smile look better and give your confidence a huge boost.
You’d be surprised at the difference even just one veneer can make in your smile.
What about a crown vs veneers made of dental composite? A composite veneer cannot substitute for a crown, where one is indicated. A crown covers a whole tooth and provides it with protection and support after it’s been structurally compromised. Veneers don’t offer any such structural support because they are purely cosmetic in nature.
Composite Veneers Procedure
Getting composite dental veneers is pretty similar to the process of getting porcelain veneers. The difference is that there are actually two methods of applying a composite veneer while there’s only one for porcelain veneers.
The Composite Veneer Process
Method 1: Indirect Composite Veneers
Indirect veneers are any veneer that’s fabricated outside of the mouth and then later bonded to the prepared tooth. This includes both veneers made of porcelain and veneers made of composite dental material.
The process looks like this:
- Visit the dentist to have your teeth prepared and an impression taken
- Your dentist has the veneers made in a dental laboratory
- Come back at a later date to have the completed veneers bonded in place
Method 2: Direct Composite Veneers
The second way you could get composite veneers entails just one dental visit. At this appointment, your dentist will prepare your teeth and then directly create the veneers on them by applying individual layers of composite dental material. The dentist will cure the material between applications by hardening it with a special light and then trim, buff, and polish the veneer after the last coat.
This method is very time- and labor-intensive for the dentist, but it can still produce beautiful results when done by a skilled provider.
One of the obvious benefits of going with composite veneers is that you could potentially get them done in a single day. This would literally give you an instant smile makeover in a day. There would be no need to schedule multiple dental visits. You just have to make sure that you find a dentist who enjoys placing composite veneers this way since he or she would have to be very skilled at this.
Otherwise, you could opt to get affordable and beautiful composite veneers made in the more traditional method.
Once your composite veneers are in place, you’ll want to make them last as long as possible by taking good care of them.
Do this by:
- Brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Using a non-abrasive toothpaste
- Avoiding dark-colored foods and drinks that could stain your composite veneers
- Flossing gently around your veneers daily
- Not using your veneer-covered teeth to bite into hard objects, nibble your nails, or tear open packages
Composite Veneers Cost
Unfortunately, composite veneers constitute a cosmetic treatment which means that they aren’t covered by dental insurance.
This could be a challenge for you since veneers are an expensive treatment.
But the good news is that composite veneers are cheaper than traditional porcelain veneers. They average out to around $250 to $1,500 per tooth, depending on the dentist who does them.
Dentists charge different rates for veneers depending on their experience level and the area where they practice. While composite veneers are made from a more affordable material, placing them requires a level of artistry that not all dentists have. Some who are highly skilled in creating composite veneers that rival porcelain might be able to justify charging higher rates.
As you shop around for affordable composite dental veneers, remember to ask for case photos from each dentist you consult. These will help you get an idea of how comfortable the dentist is with designing and placing composite veneers.
Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers
Are you having a hard time deciding whether to get porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers? This chart should help break down the differences for you.
| Porcelain Veneers | Composite Veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per veneer | $900-2,500 | $250-1,500 |
| Treatment Time | Minimum 2 appointments | 1-2 appointments |
| Lifespan | Up to 15 years | Up to 7 years |
| Easy to repair | ✓ | |
| Best tooth stain coverage | ✓ | |
| Prone to staining | ✓ | |
| Prone to chipping | ✓ | |
| Most natural look | ✓ |
As you can see, both types of veneers have their strong points. It’s up to you to decide which features are most important to you and then choose the veneer that meets your needs.
For example, you might decide that porcelain veneers (such as Lumineers veneers) are worth spending more on because you want the best finish and most natural look. On the other hand, you may be willing to settle for composite veneers simply because they are a more affordable option for you.
Composite Veneers Pros and Cons
Here’s another comparison chart to help you make an informed treatment decision about composite resin veneers.
- Affordable
- Fastest type of dental veneer (direct composite veneers can be done in one appointment)
- Easy to repair and maintain
- Can dramatically transform your smile
- Harder to get the same natural finish that porcelain veneers provide
- More susceptible to damage such as chips and abrasion
- Just as prone to staining as your natural tooth enamel is
Are Composite Resin Veneers Worth It?
Which are the best rated veneers?
We’ll leave that topic for another day.
But for now, we can say that composite veneers are a perfectly legitimate option for enhancing your smile. You just have to keep in mind that each type of dental veneer has its own unique advantages and drawbacks.
Why should you go with composite?
Composite resin veneers are the best option financially speaking. This combined with the fact that they’re easy to repair might make them an ideal choice for a young person. If your child has a flawed tooth that makes them feel self-conscious, then a composite veneer might be a good choice for them until they’re older and responsible enough to get a more expensive restoration.
Additionally, one 2019 study suggests that ultra-thin veneers made from composite resin are more stable than ultra-thin porcelain veneers. The researchers in this study reached this conclusion because of the way composite veneers reduced stress that was placed on the biting edge of the tooth. This means that composite veneers may be less likely to pop off the tooth due to biting forces whereas porcelain veneers are more likely to come off when the edge is under stress.
So that’s another factor you’ll want to keep in mind as you choose between porcelain and composite veneers: composite veneers, although more prone to chipping, are less likely than porcelain veneers to completely come off the tooth.
However, you’ll want to weigh that advantage against the fact that constantly chipping a composite veneer could lead to frequent trips to the dental office for repairs.
One thing we can say for sure is that composite veneers are a nice compromise in the world of dental veneers. If you want something more permanent and realistic than snap-on veneers but less expensive than porcelain veneers, composite veneers are the way to go. What you should never do is try to create your own DIY veneers.
Composite Veneers Before and After
Composite veneers reviews demonstrate that as long as they’re done well, these veneers can produce gorgeous natural-looking results. No one would ever know that you weren’t born with your new smile, much less question whether or not you have porcelain veneers.
Contact your dentist for a consultation to learn more about dental veneer treatment options available in your area.
Sources
- Brown, D. (2020). Direct Composite Veneers: A Viable Treatment Option. Retrieved 4 January 2021, from https://www.dentistrytoday.com/aesthetics/10502-direct-composite-veneers-a-viable-treatment-option
- Composite Veneers Pros & Cons, Procedure, Cost, and Alternatives. (2020). Retrieved 4 January 2021, from https://www.healthline.com/health/composite-veneers#summary
- Darwich, A., Shash, M., Nazha, H., Marouf, A., & Abbas, W. (2020). Numerical study of the influence of ultra-thin veneer materials and its thickness on their biomechanical behavior. Retrieved 4 January 2021, from https://www.alliedacademies.org/articles/numerical-study-of-the-influence-of-ultrathin-veneer-materials-and-its-thickness-on-their-biomechanical-behavior-11718.html
I am quite confused before going through your article, got good idea . Thanks for sharing the informative article
It’s great that you pointed out how composite dental veneers are easy to repair and maintain. Some of my teeth were chipped before and I am finally thinking of having them repaired. I’ll try to see a dentist next Wednesday and maybe ask for some dental veneers.