Composite Veneer

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers or composite veneers, are thin shells of tooth-coloured, translucent porcelain or composite resin, custom made to fit over teeth and improve their colour, shape and overall appearance. Placement of dental veneers can dramatically improve your smile and appearance.

What types of problems can dental veneers correct?

Placement of dental veneers is sometimes referred to as ‘instant orthodontics’ because they can be used to cover a variety of dental problems involving teeth in the ‘smile zone’ including:
  • Spaces between the teeth
  • Poorly shaped or crooked teeth
  • Broken or chipped teeth
  • Permanently externally stained and/or internally stained teeth
  • Unsightly or stained fillings
Dental veneers can improve the appearance of the teeth but they cannot realign the jaw or correct overbites and underbites. Orthodontics are required to correct these more complicated problems.

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What are the disadvantages of porcelain veneers vs. composite resin veneers?

The major disadvantages of porcelain veneers over composite resin include the following: Porcelain veneers are not made at chairside. Porcelain veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory and therefore require at least two visits. Composite resin veneers are accomplished in one visit. An adequate amount of tooth structure is removed to allow for placement of composite resin in the desired shape without adding tooth bulk. The bonding agent is applied. Composite resin is then added, light cured, then finished and polished. Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers. The placement of veneers requires more time, expertise and resources in order to fabricate and bond; and, therefore, cost more. Porcelain veneers cannot be repaired. If they break, porcelain veneers must be replaced.

Are you a good candidate for dental veneers?

Dental veneers are not appropriate for everyone or every tooth. Case selection is an extremely important factor in the success of this technique. Veneering teeth is not a reversible procedure if tooth structure must be removed to achieve your desired result. Only an examination by your dentist can determine whether dental veneers are appropriate for making the changes you want. Some of the situations where certain teeth or people are not good candidates for dental veneers include: Unhealthy teeth. Dental decay and active gum disease must be treated prior to fabricating and bonding dental veneers. Weakened teeth. If a significant amount of tooth structure is missing or has been replaced by a large filling, the teeth will not be strong enough to function with a dental veneer. Teeth with an inadequate amount of enamel present. Dental veneers are more successfully bonded onto tooth enamel. People who habitually clench or grind their teeth. Habitual clenching and grinding of the teeth can easily chip or break dental veneers. Dental night guards may be a solution for this in some cases. Persons without a stable bite. Severely malpositioned teeth or misaligned teeth. Orthodontic treatment may be required to achieve the desired result.

What care is required to maintain dental veneers?

Dental veneers can chip or come off if not cared for properly. To improve their durability and longevity you need to maintain consistent good oral hygiene and have regular dental examinations and cleanings at least twice each year. In addition, you must avoid using them to bite or crack hard objects like nuts and ice.