Pros and Cons of Composite Veneers

Are you considering having composite veneers placed inside your mouth to customize the look of your smile? Before moving ahead with treatment, it is important to have a full understanding of what composite veneers are as well as what you may personally expect from treatment. Continue reading to learn more about the pros and cons of composite veneers.

What are Composite Veneers?

As the name suggests, composite veneers are veneers that are made up of a composite resin material.

Dental veneers are thin sheets of material that are adhered directly to the surface of the natural tooth. They are commonly used to completely change the look of the teeth without necessitating an extensive amount of dental procedures. Dental veneers can also be used to improve the functionality of the teeth and the overall balance of the smile, as a whole.

Dental veneers are used to correct issues and conditions such as:

• Discoloration/stubborn stains
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Slight misalignment
• Irregularly shaped teeth
• Small gaps between the teeth
• Worn teeth
• Mimic the appearance of natural teeth; almost impossible to discern with the naked eye
• Correct or customize the shape, size, color, or length of the teeth
• Correct the look of a “gummy” smile

Dental veneers are commonly used by movie stars and other public figures, as they provide the ability to quickly alter the look of the teeth, and can produce the beautiful and iconic “picture-perfect” smile that many aspire to achieve.

Veneers are ideal for individuals who are looking to change the way their teeth look without undergoing extensive or invasive treatment; with dental veneers, it is possible to completely customize the shape, size, color, and length of the teeth in just a few simple steps.

Dental Veneer Placement Procedure

The procedure that is carried out to ensure the proper placement of dental veneers is surprisingly simple.

Below are the steps involved in placing dental veneers inside the mouth:

• A set of detailed digital scans will be taken of the teeth.
• We use the Digital Smile Design process to design your new teeth, using your natural and unique facial features to design veneers that fit you perfectly.
• If you wish, you have the option of taking your new teeth on a “test drive”, trying them out before your treatment begins.
• To begin the procedure, your dentist will numb you using a local anesthetic to ensure that you do not feel any discomfort throughout the duration of the procedure. This step is not necessary, but it is preferred by most patients.
• Once you are numb, your dentist will use a dental handpiece to remove a very thin layer of enamel from the surface of the teeth that are planned for veneers.
• Using the digital scans that were taken at the beginning of the visit and operating off of the plan that was designed especially for you, your new veneers will be fabricated.
• The teeth will be cleaned and prepped for the placement of your veneers.
• Using permanent cement, your dentist will cement your permanent composite veneers to the surface of the teeth. You will be given a mirror and allowed to confirm the overall look of your new smile. Any required adjustments to your bite will be made. The veneers will be polished, and you will then be free to leave with your beautiful new teeth.

What Happens After Veneer Placement

So, you have just had dental veneers placed inside the mouth. They look fantastic, but now what? Is there anything that needs to be kept in mind about the care and maintenance of veneers?

Thankfully, dental veneers do not require an extensive amount of care or maintenance after they have been permanently cemented inside the mouth.

Below are some tips for caring for dental veneers:

• Brush your teeth thoroughly for two minutes, twice daily
• When possible, thoroughly brush your teeth after eating
• Avoid exceptionally abrasive types of toothpaste
• Floss between all of your teeth at least twice daily
• Use a fluoride mouth rinse at least twice daily
• If possible, quit smoking and other types of tobacco use
• Avoid drinking red wine, tea, dark colas, and coffee
• Avoid chewing ice
• Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy candies and other sweet treats
• Attend all of your professional dental cleaning and check-up appointments
• Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth – if you struggle with bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), be sure to wear a protective mouthguard
• Avoid biting directly into hard foods such as raw vegetables or cuts of meat that contain a bone
• Wear a protective mouthguard when taking part in contact sports or intense physical activity

Properly caring for your dental veneers is the best way to extend their lifetime and get the most out of your treatment. After your veneers are placed inside the mouth, you will receive a set of thorough instructions for properly caring for your dental veneers.

Pros of Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are an exceptionally popular cosmetic dental treatment method that provides patients with the ability to completely customize the look of their smile. Before you choose to pursue this type of treatment, it is important to first consider how you may personally benefit.

Below are some of the most notable benefits (pros) of composite veneers:

• Lower overall cost when compared with porcelain veneers; much more affordable
• Easy to quickly and successfully repair if they become chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged
• Less tooth enamel is removed prior to placement (as compared with porcelain veneers)
• Shorter application process when compared with the process for applying porcelain veneers
• No special care or maintenance is needed; simply make sure that you are practicing proper oral care and attend all of your dental cleaning and check-up appointments.
• Less invasive when compared with dental crowns or braces
• Easy and simple to adjust as needed
• Can be fabricated and permanently applied in just one visit
• Less sensitivity (as there is less natural tooth enamel removed prior to placement)
• Mimic the look of a natural tooth; almost impossible to discern with the naked eye or without professional dental knowledge/ training

Of course, every case is different. To determine how you may personally benefit from composite veneers, be sure to consult your trusted dentist.

Cons of Composite Veneers

Being fully informed about your treatment means considering not only the positive aspects but the negative aspects, as well. While there are certainly a good amount of benefits that come along with pursuing composite veneers, there are some drawbacks to consider, as well.

Below are some of the most notable drawbacks (cons) of composite veneers:

• Composite material is a bit weaker than porcelain and may be more prone to chipping
• Composite is more porous than porcelain veneers; this may increase the risk of staining or discoloration (especially if you regularly use tobacco or drink red wine, tea, or coffee)
• Composite veneers typically last anywhere between 4-8 years before they must be replaced; they typically need to be replaced more often than porcelain veneers do
• Veneers are not typically covered by most dental insurance plans, as they are usually deemed “aesthetic” and not medically necessary. If you are not sure if you can handle paying out of pocket for your dental veneers, it is important to contact your dental insurance company to discuss the details of your plan before seriously considering this method of treatment.
• Composite veneers may not be as realistic looking as porcelain veneers, as they are not able to catch and reflect light like porcelain does.
• A thin layer of natural tooth enamel must be removed for the placement of dental veneers; this enamel can not be replaced

As previously mentioned, every patient is different. What works for one patient may not necessarily work for another. To determine what sort of drawbacks you may personally expect from pursuing composite veneers, it is best to consult your dentist.

Am I a Candidate for Composite Veneers?

After reading through the information above, you may be wondering if you qualify as an ideal candidate for the placement of composite veneers.

Below are some factors that may negatively affect an individual’s candidacy for composite veneers:

• Pre-existing gum disease (periodontitis)
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Poor oral hygiene (failure to brush and floss twice daily for two minutes)
• Failure to attend professional dental cleaning appointments
• Inability to follow a proper diet (avoid biting directly into hard, sticky, or chewy foods)
• Extensive decay or damage to the natural tooth structure
• Severe crowding or crookedness
• Large gaps between the teeth
• Insufficient tooth enamel present on the teeth

Alternatively, if you find that none of the above information applies to you, it is likely that you may be a candidate for dental veneers. Of course, the best way to determine if this type of cosmetic dental treatment is right for you is to consult a dental professional and undergo a dental veneer consultation.

Still having a bit of trouble trying to determine if you are an ideal candidate for composite veneers? No worries, the FY Smile team is here to help; we will conduct a thorough examination and consultation before discussing your options with you at length. We are here to help you understand your treatment options and achieve the smile of your dreams.

FY Smile: Best Dental Veneers in Sydney

As your trusted dental professionals, we strive to ensure that you are as informed about your treatment options as possible. With the information you have learned here, you should have a solid understanding of the various pros and cons of composite veneers.

Here at FY Smile, we strive to provide our patients with an unparalleled level of dental care; that is why we are proud to offer comprehensive dental and orthodontic treatment in beautiful Sydney.

Whether you are interested in dental veneers, Invisalign, traditional braces, a complete smile makeover, or a routine dental cleaning, you are in good hands. Our team of caring dental professionals is here to provide the treatment you need to create the beautiful and healthy smile that you have always dreamt of.

Your journey towards optimal dental health begins here. In addition to offering braces and Invisalign in Sydney, FY Smile is proud to offer a wide range of dental services. From basic tooth fillings to dental implants to deep cleanings and more, we’ve got you covered.

For more information about all-on-four treatment in Sydney or to get scheduled in our Double Bay dental clinic, feel free to give us a call anytime at 02 8319 5557.

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