Composite Veneers An Overview
Dental veneers can be both a restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatment option for patients with damaged, misshapen teeth or gaps between the teeth. Dr. Paulen may also recommend dental veneers for teeth with discoloration or stains that will not respond to a teeth whitening treatment.
Many dental veneers are available today, each with different benefits, costs, and durability. Understanding your personal concerns, dental health goals, and budget is important in making the right treatment choice.
For patients seeking an economical or interim dental veneer solution, Dr. Paulen offers composite resin dental veneers in her Sandy Springs dentist office. Composite veneers are ideal for younger patients who have not yet finished growing. They’re also ideal for adult patients who are not ready for the permanent and more expensive option of porcelain veneers.
What Do Composite Veneers Treat?
Like porcelain veneers, composite veneers treat a variety of cosmetic dental concerns. One of the most common dental concerns we see is discolored teeth. Professional teeth whitening is usually the solution for this problem. But it can’t treat all discoloration. If you have discoloration caused by trauma or deeper staining, you need another solution. We color-match veneers to the shade you desire.
Since they cover the front and sides of a tooth, veneers can mask cosmetic chips and cracks in the teeth. It also helps to stabilize them and keep them together. Kids especially can chip or break a tooth while running around and playing. Composite veneers offer a solution to restore the look of a perfect tooth again.
Each composite veneer is made custom, making them a great choice to close gaps in your teeth. This is great for children and teens in awkward periods as their mouths continue to grow and change. As long as the problem is minor, we can use composite veneers to close the gaps while giving you the look of a balanced, natural smile.
Composite Veneers Vs. Porcelain Veneers
Both of these are great options to treat cosmetic concerns. The biggest difference between the two is that porcelain veneers are more permanent than composite. Porcelain veneers last around 10-15 years, while composite can last wound 4-8. Once you get porcelain veneers, you’ll always have to have a restoration on your teeth because of the preparation needed.
Composite veneers require far less tooth prep than porcelain. With porcelain, they need more room, so your teeth are permanently altered so that the veneers fit properly. Composite ones don’t require all of this removal. They’re a reversible restoration, which is why they’re safe for children and mouths that are still changing and growing.
Composite veneers are more cost-effective, too. They’re a good way to try out if you like the look and want the permanent restoration that porcelain offers. Composite veneers are done more quickly, too. They don’t have to be specially made in a lab. Usually, they’re sculpted right onto your teeth and are crafted while you wait in the office.