Composite Bonding Veneers

A laminate veneer is a thin layer of something. Typically, in dentistry they refer to porcelain veneers where a thin layer of porcelain is applied to the surface of a tooth to change the shape, position or colour of a tooth. Composite can also be applied to a tooth in a thin veneer to achieve similar results. Recently the composite veneer has gained a new name and is now called composite bonding.

Using the shade you want, we shape and mould durable dental material onto the surface of your teeth to fill gaps and create uniformity. Other teeth can be whitened to match your new shade.

The results can be as dramatic or subtle as you want - you will be fully involved in the digital design process, able to see the results in your own mouth before you commence with any permanent treatment.

Before you undertake any treatment, we always ensure your gums and teeth are healthy and suitable for the treatment. We might advise that you need gum treatment, whitening or Invisalign first to achieve the result you want.

No. No injections or local anaesthetics are required. There is typically no pain or sensitivity following treatment.

Composite bonding can be delivered fairly quickly. The process takes place over a six week period involving four visits to the practice. Your first appointment will explore your treatment desires where you will co-design your smile with your dentist.

The second appointment will involve a trial smile for you to approve, using soft material that can easily be removed. The third appointment of around 3-4 hours will involve the placing of the composite bonding. Finally, after you have had chance to try out your new smile, a 30-minute review appointment will be required to make any adjustments.

Composite bonding is a relatively new technique and there are no evidence-based studies to reference. In our experience of carrying out the technique we have seen excellent long lasting results.

We do advise our patients that the composite will need ongoing repair and maintenance. Composite wears at the same rate as natural tooth. Therefore, it may chip and wear like natural teeth and need repairing from time to time.

This is also the beauty of composite. If a porcelain veneer were to chip or fracture it needs completely replacing. Composite sticks to teeth as well as existing composite, and as such can be repaired many years after it was initially placed.

This means ongoing repairs are affordable.

It is not that simple. Porcelain veneers and composite veneers each have their pros and cons.

• Composite veneers (bonding) are non-invasive and affordable but will require ongoing care and maintenance. They are carried out without the need for local anaesthetic and carry almost no risk to the nerve of the tooth. We would not advise composite veneers for heavy smokers as this material is more susceptible to staining than that of a porcelain material.
• Porcelain veneers require less ongoing care and maintenance. They are stronger and will suffer less chipping and fracture. However, they require irreversible preparation to the tooth and carry a risk that the nerve of the tooth may develop symptoms in the future requiring further treatment.

There is no right or wrong answer to which is best. The patient’s needs, concerns and desired outcome will dictate which treatment will suit them best.