What are Composite Veneers?

[Johnston]

Hi

I have really small and stubby teeth and have always dreamt of having bigger and more normal size teeth. I knew at some point I will need to have veneers put on my teeth but I always thought that my only option was porcelain veneers. Now I read on your site that you do a new thing called composite veneers.

Can you tell me exactly what is a composite veneer? What is a composite veneer made of? How long does it take to have composite veneers made? Do composite veneers look as good as porcelain veneers? Do you need to shave my teeth down for composite veneers? On average, how long do composite veneers last?

[Dr Vahid Motahar]

Hi,

Composite veneers are done using resin based material. This is very similar, in principal, to the white filling materials. They are a good and conservative way of restoring teeth but have their limits also.

Aesthetically they may not be as good as porcelain veneers but they will be repairable, unlike porcelain veneers. So if a composite veneer is damaged it will be easily repaired but if a porcelain veneer breaks, then it has to be completely replaced as it is not usually possible to repair it. in short they a very good way of restoring teeth aesthetically but they are not suitable for every case.

Another advantage of composite veneers is that they are very cost effective as they are usually much cheaper than porcelain veneers. Like porcelain veneers they last about 7-10 years on average.

The other advanatge of composite veneers is that there is less tooth removal and drilling involved than porcelian veneers. They are quicker than porcelain veneers to complete as they are done directly in the mouth and no need for laboratory wait to make them and no temporaries needed.