A smile can be the first impression you make when meeting someone for the first time. If you intend to improve your smile, you could always consider composite veneers, a nonsurgical dental cosmetic option.
What are Composite Veneers?
Composite veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are carefully fitted to the front of your teeth. They are primarily made of a composite resin that a dentist can shape to match the appearance of your teeth, enhancing your smile. These veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth to address issues, such as recurring discolouration, chipped teeth, or eroded enamel.
Composite veneers can be made directly or indirectly, differing mainly in how the veneers are prepared.
Direct Veneers
Direct composite veneers are applied directly to the teeth via a minimally invasive procedure. The dentist will carefully sculpt and shape the veneers to the desired aesthetic. The application process does not take very long, with results typically lasting 4 to 8 years (or longer), depending on how well you take care of your dental health.
Indirect Veneers
Indirect composite veneers are prepared “indirectly” at the dentist’s office or a dental laboratory. You will need to wear temporary veneers while the indirect veneers are being prepared. Once they are ready, they can be permanently applied to your teeth. Indirect veneers are more resistant to abrasions and fractures, but typically cost more.
The Benefits of Composite Veneers
Using composite veneers can offer several benefits to help enhance your smile at a fair price.
Cost-Effective
Composite resin is a more affordable material than porcelain, allowing you to spend far less to enhance the appearance of your teeth without needing braces or invasive treatments.
Smooth Application
Direct composite veneer application is a same-day procedure performed by a qualified dental team, meaning you can walk out with a bright, new smile in a single appointment. There is no need for any drilling or surgery to apply them.
Versatile Uses
Composite veneers can address mild dental concerns, including stubborn staining or discolouration, chipped or cracked enamel, and even mild tooth crowding.
Hassle-Free Results
There is minimal preparation required to apply veneers to your teeth, making the process relatively smooth, simple, and straightforward. If necessary, the veneers are also reversible (depending on the type of veneers), allowing them to be removed or repaired fairly easily.
A Step-by-step Guide to the Composite Veneers Procedure
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Your dentist will first discuss the composite veneers you would like to use, including their shade, shape, and other considerations based on your dental condition.
Step 2: Initial Preparations
Your dentist will first need to clean your teeth to prepare for the application of the veneers, including smoothing uneven surfaces and rough edges. They may also need to remove a thin layer of your enamel to allow the composite resin to adhere to your teeth, though this will differ from person to person depending on the veneers needed.
Step 3: Trial Run
You may also undergo a trial run with temporary veneers, enabling the dentist to further refine your permanent set based on your feedback. Once you are satisfied, the permanent set can then be applied to your teeth.
Step 4: Application
If you are getting direct veneers, the dentist will use an adhesive to help the composite resin stick to the teeth. From there, they apply a very thin layer of composite resin to the surface of your teeth. They will then shape the veneers by hand or with dental tools to achieve the correct proportions for your comfort.
With indirect veneers, the dentist takes a mould of your teeth and sends it to an external provider to create custom-fit veneers. Once the indirect veneers are ready, they will be permanently fitted to your teeth using the direct veneer procedure.
Step 5: Curing and Polishing
The dentist cures the applied veneers with a curing light before polishing them. This process helps the veneers blend in and look like your natural teeth.
Comparing Composite and Porcelain Veneers
Composite veneers are a cost-effective alternative to costly but durable porcelain veneers. If you are deciding between the two, this handy comparison will help you decide on the ideal option for your dental needs.
Procedure Time
Direct composite veneers are typically a same-day treatment, while porcelain veneers are a more involved process that requires multiple appointments. Much like indirect composite veneers, porcelain veneers are usually prepared by a dental laboratory based on a mould of your teeth. However, because it is made of porcelain, it may take slightly longer than indirect composite veneers.
Overall Durability
Composite veneers are not as durable as their porcelain counterparts, and they may wear out faster. Composite veneers have a shorter lifespan of 4 to 8 years, while porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years with proper care.
Pricing
Composite veneers are typically more affordable than porcelain veneers, making them a suitable choice for those who want to try veneers. Composite veneers may cost between SGD 250 and SGD 1,500 per tooth, while porcelain veneers may cost between SGD 1,000 and SGD 2,500 per tooth. Some may find that porcelain veneers are more cost-effective over the long term, despite the upfront costs, because their longer lifespan improves overall value.
Note that veneers are considered an aesthetic treatment and are therefore not covered under Medisave.
Aesthetic Value
The glass-ceramic aesthetic of porcelain helps endow the veneers with a translucent quality that closely resembles the appearance of your natural teeth and enamel. Composite veneers can be good substitutes as well, but the resin is more porous than porcelain, making it more susceptible to stains. The staining can reduce the impact of your veneers in resembling your natural teeth.
Maintenance
Composite veneers are easier to repair because the dentist only needs to add composite resin to reshape them when damaged or defective. In contrast, porcelain veneers require significant time and effort to repair due to the material’s properties and may even be a very costly endeavour.
If you would like to know more about composite veneers, feel free to visit the dental clinic in Singapore at An Dental today to speak to our dedicated dental team.
