What Are They?
Composite bonded veneers use an aesthetic, tooth-coloured resin material to partially or fully cover the visible part of your tooth. They can be applied to individual chipped or broken teeth, or across many teeth to produce a wider uniform improvement.
How Are They Applied?
Usually the tooth surface is initially cleaned and polished. Any existing visible fillings may have to be removed or reduced. We can sometime improve adhesion with an air abrasion of the enamel. Once polished, a gel is applied to the enamel before the dental bond (glue) is placed. This bond is set using a strong blue light, before the composite material is built on to the tooth enamel, often in layers with each layer being set individually with the light. Each veneer is then shaped and polished before the process continues on the next tooth.
Is The Tooth Enamel Drilled?
In most instances composite veneers are applied with no obvious drilling to the natural tooth enamel. In the case that there is existing large tooth position problems, the option of some tooth adjustment will be discussed with you at your consultation if it results in an improved final alignment. For cases that require tooth adjustment you will be advised beforehand and any alternative solutions (braces) will be suggested as an option.
How Many Appointments are Needed?
In many cases, the Composite Bonding itself can often be completed in one visit, depending on how many teeth are involved. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled one week later for tweaks, polishing and refinement. Your teeth and gums will need to be in good health before Composite Bonding can proceed. Depending on your oral health, some additional treatment may be required in advance, including hygiene visits to improve your periodontal (gum) health if necessary.
Will You Need Anaesthetic?
The majority of all cases are completed pain-free and without the need for local anaesthetic. Exceptions to this are when we are combining treatment with some filling replacements or situations requiring gum contouring.
How Will It Feels Afterwards?
As with any changes to the teeth, the composite veneers will feel new and you may feel aware of the surfaces for a few days. Take extra care on biting during this period until you are used to chewing with your new smile. The composite resin is fully hardened instantly on placement and no extra care need be taken in this respect. You should be able to eat, drink, brush and floss with confidence the same day!
Should you Whiten Teeth First ?
Tooth whitening is often carried out before Composite Bonding, so that the composite can be colour-matched to the whitened natural teeth. This takes about one month, after which we need to wait two weeks before Composite Bonding. We use high quality composite resin materials in a range of shades (including super-bright) to match the colour of your natural teeth. This includes the whitest materials available. There is always a limit to how white your teeth can become with tooth whitening treatment. After a course of whitening, we can review your results and see if further whitening is possible. If you are happy with your existing shade, we also have natural-looking composites. We aim to get the result that’s right for you, using dental photography and artistic judgment as well as your feedback.
Teeth Whitening / Can You Whiten Composite Veneers?
Although composite cannot actually be whitened, stain reduction is improved with careful daily cleaning and the occasional use of dental whitening products. Teeth whitening on any teeth planned to be left untreated is usually carried out before the bonding appointment, and the veneer shade can be chosen later. The most suitable system to whiten your teeth will be discussed at your consultation. All whitening results WILL NATURALLY FADE, and occasional whitening top-ups may be required using at home use products.
Any tooth whitening products MUST BE AVOIDED on teeth that are to be bonded FOR AT LEAST 10 DAYS leading up to your veneer placement as the whitening products may affect the strength of the bond. This would result in early failure of the veneer.
How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?
As with any cosmetic dental procedure composite veneers will not last forever, and will eventually need to be replaced. Reasons for replacement may include chipping, colour fade, natural underlying tooth movement or veneer loss. Composite veneer removal must be carried out carefully and using magnification to prevent any damage to the natural enamel. Further veneers may then be placed or other treatment choices sought at that stage. According to, the mean time of service for the veneers was 3.5 years, with a general survival rate of 80.1%. The annual failure rates (AFR) were 4.9% for veneers in vital teeth and 9.8% for non-vital teeth , so For non vital teeth I recommend an RCT and a crown.( Coelho-de-Souza.et.al - 2015)
What are the potential Risks and Complications of Composite Veneers?
Tooth Preparation: May involve reducing or roughening tooth surface, committing the patient to ongoing treatment.
Sensitivity: Possible development of tooth sensitivity after modification, usually temporary but occasionally permanent.
Durability: Risk of chipping, breaking, or loosening due to various factors like chewing hard materials or trauma.
Speech Alteration: Initial changes in speech, generally temporary and adjustable.
Allergic Reactions: Rare sensitivity to materials or anesthetics used.
Aesthetic Limitations: Challenges in perfectly matching natural teeth in color and shape.
Longevity: Composite veneers typically last 5-7 years, susceptible to damage or staining.
Staining: Higher staining propensity compared to porcelain, may require regular polishing or replacement.
Night Guard: May be recommended for protection against damage from nighttime clenching or grinding.
Nerve Risk: Small risk to tooth nerve, potentially necessitating further treatment.
Are composite veneers reversible?
Composite veneers are often viewed as reversible due to minimal tooth preparation, and the filling material can be removed with minimal damage to underlying eamel ( with appropriate burs and techniques). Although there's minimal change to the tooth surface, returning to the original tooth appearance can be difficult once accustomed to the improved look with veneers. So I would say composite veneers are irreversible and they do commit a person to lifelong maintenance and potential redoing these potentially every 4-5 years
What are the alternatives To Composite Veneers?
No Treatment
Although an unusual option, you may choose not to go ahead with any treatment choice. You can always contact the clinic at a later date if you wish to reconsider.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain can be used in a similar fashion to composite. Modern techniques rarely need to heavily adjust the teeth to ‘stumps’, as many people are worried about. We carry out many NO-PREPARATION porcelain veneers. Porcelain provides a stronger, more stain-resistant surface, which will tend to survive 10-15 years. Although usually more expensive, porcelain is often the cheaper long-term solution for larger smile makeovers.
Orthodontic Braces
Braces have improved enormously in recent years, and often treatment is completed in just a few weeks. Ultra-cosmetic systems are now available. Braces are used to correct tooth position problems and will be discussed as an option at your consultation if appropriate.
Early replacement risk factors include tooth grinding, accidental damage, poor daily hygiene routines or tooth movement due to retainer not being worn.
What are the aftercare instructions?
Typically we see good results of up to 5 years, dependent upon care. Any problems encountered during the life of the veneers should be brought to our attention as soon as is practical to allow advice and necessary action to resolve the issue.
We ask that you arrange a follow-up appointment within the next month after having your veneers placed. This will allow us to confirm you have had no difficulties and advise you on any ongoing home care. At this appointment there may be small adjustments requested or required before a final polish is carried out.
You should brush your veneers as normal the same day, and at least twice daily from then on. Take extra care to ensure the edges at the gum line are cleaned well to prevent any staining or gum irritation. Flossing is advised, as is the use of a routine daily mouthwash . We recommend brushing with a good electric toothbrush together with a main brand fluoride toothpaste.
If you have been advised and provided with a night-time protector against tooth grinding this should be routinely worn, and should be brought with you at any subsequent appointments to allow us to review any potential problems.
Many cases may be provided with a ‘retainer’ after treatment. This is a very thin, clear plastic night-time appliance worn to prevent any movement of your underlying natural teeth. If not regularly worn, your veneered teeth will move out of alignment. The retainer will also help prevent against any damage caused by sleep tooth grinding. It is usual to need a new retainer every couple of years.
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