Composite Veneers: A quick effective solution for a perfect smile

Composite Veneers: A quick, effective solution for a perfect smile

We are living in times where we crave instant gratification. As individuals we are busier than ever and society has become exponentially faster, just within the last decade. If Amazon can’t deliver within the day, if we can’t download the latest movie in minutes or if a webpage doesn’t load in seconds, we quickly lose interest and move on. We have become increasingly impatient. We know what we want and we want it now!

It’s no different when it comes to our teeth. You may have set your mind on exactly how you want your teeth to look, but why does it seem that the process takes forever? The end results look spectacular, you are desperate for that stunning smile, but you are limited in time. The prospect of multiple dentist appointments, moulds, treatments and injections feel like a long term commitment. Is this the reason you have never bothered looking into it? Or maybe you started to make enquiries, but gave up after the first consultation?

If someone could wave a magic wand and grant you the perfect teeth you have always dreamed of, it would certainly be worth getting to the front of the queue right? Whilst dentists are not magicians, they can certainly work wonders and it needn’t take as long or cost as much as you originally thought. If you are sick to the back teeth of the appearance of your front teeth, then composite veneers might be the speedy solution for you.

What are Composite Veneers?

Whilst the science behind this treatment emerged back in the 1970’s, it was first introduced as an aesthetically pleasing alternative to metal-based fillings. As advances in materials and treatments have evolved, the scope for it’s use has expanded, now making its way to the forefront of our mouths. The treatment has become increasingly popular as a quick, non-invasive, pain-free and cost-effective means of transforming the appearance of your teeth.

The material used in Cosmetic Veneers, is a mouldable resin which can be matched to your existing tooth colour. It is easily shaped and applied to directly to the tooth, without need for alteration.

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Lengthening short teeth
• Improving the shape of a tooth
• Closing gaps between teeth
• Ironing out unevenness
• Squaring off teeth
• Disguising discoloured teeth

If your mouth and teeth are otherwise healthy, Composite Veneers provide a solution to resolve any cosmetic issues that might bother you without a huge commitment in time or money. Since it is a cosmetic rather than medical oral procedure, this treatment is not available on the NHS.

How do Composite Veneers Work?

The technique required for bonding is a highly skilled craft. Not all dentists are able to offer composites as they may not have training or expertise in this field. Therefore, it is important that you consult with a cosmetic dentistry specialist rather than a general practitioner as this treatment may not be in their repertoire. At Banning Dental Group clinics, we provide all dental specialisms under one roof and are in a position to advise on the pro’s and con’s of all suitable treatments.

In the case of Composite Veneers, the process usually works as follows:

Step 1
Your dental bonding specialist will take images of your teeth and discuss which teeth you would like to improve and how. Your teeth will be measured and you will be able to decide the shape and size adjustments. You will also be asked to select your ideal tooth colour from a range. If you are not happy with the colour of your surrounding teeth, we would recommend having them whitened before your bonds are applied.

Step 2
Your teeth will be prepared by roughening the surface to provide a grip for the bonding to adhere to. This is a completely non-invasive process and does not usually require an anaesthetic. A liquid bonding agent will be applied for the composite to stick to

Step 3
The resin is carefully applied to the tooth. Once the bonding has been applied, it can be shaped like putty until the desired appearance is achieved. This requires great skill, technique and artistry to ensure the form of the resin is complementary to the contours of your mouth and exactly as you requested at the beginning of your consultation.

Step 4
The final step in the process is to harden the resin bond using a powerful blue light. This process is essentially curing the bond to give it strength and securely attach it to your underlying teeth.

Since the resins are applied and shaped in the chair, the process from start to finish can be completed in a single visit. If teeth whitening or any other procedures are required or desired, they would need to be carried out prior to fitting your Composite Veneers.

This makes Dental Bonds a very quick, very effective process while delivering a radical transformation to the look of your teeth.

What is the difference between Composite Veneers and Porcelain Veneers?

There are some key differences between Composite Bonding vs Porcelain Veneers which are important to consider when deciding which procedure is more suitable: