Composite veneers are used to improve the colour, shape, size and texture of teeth to make them more attractive. They can be used to fix minor chips and cracks in teeth. They are different from porcelain veneers in that they require little if any tooth reduction (drilling) and the treatment can be completed in a singlevisit. However unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers can be prone to staining and may not last as long. To create composite veneers, composite material is applied to the front surfaces of the teeth and sculpted to the desired shape and finish under the hands of an experienced cosmetic dentist.

Can any dentist provide composite veneers?

The short answer is no. In order to achieve natural looking composite veneers your dentist must have an artistic flair and the technical skills required to carry out this type of treatment. A cosmetic dentist experienced in composite veneers will have a clear understanding of the properties of dental materials and experience in hand-crafting and replicating the shape, texture and characteristics of teeth. Every individual is unique and has a different tooth shape, smile line and symmetry, an experienced dentist will take all these factors into account when creating composite veneers.

How will i know if my dentist is capable of creating a good composite veneer ?

If you are unsure if your dentist is experienced in providing composite veneers it is always advisable to ask to see a portfolio of their composite veneers, most experienced cosmetic dentists will keep a record of before and after photos of work that they have carried out.

What are composite veneers used for ?

Composite veneers can be used for treating a wide range of cosmetic dental problems in the same way as porcelain veneers are used. Common problems include:

Crooked teeth-

if your teeth are crooked an ideal way to achieve a straight white smile would be to undergo rapid orthodontic treatment with something like the Inman Aligner, 6 month smiles or invisalign followed be teeth whitening and composite veneers. This combination of treatments is known as Align, Bleach and Bond (ABB) and is a technique that has been pioneered by Dr Tif Qureshi.

Stained teeth -

When there are undesirable stains, white patches, and/or discoulouration of the teeth which cannot be treated with a dental clean or teeth whitening alone, them composite veneers are an ideal solution.

Damaged teeth -

When your teeth have been damaged by acid erosion (bulimia or fizzy drinks) or chipped by accident, composite veneers (cosmetic bonding) are often the most ideal, minimally invasive and cost effective solution.

Closing gaps between teeth -

One of the most common cosmetic complaints that composite bonding is used for is to close gaps between the front teeth (diastema) or other teeth. This treatment can be completed in a single visits and is a very cost effective alternative to orthodontic treatment or porcelain veneers.

Use a Fluoride mouthwash, several times a day for the week following the bleaching. Avoid tobacco, coffee, tea and dark colored sodas and staining types of foods. If you must indulge, drink a glass of water immediately afterwards to minimize the staining effects.