Composite Veneers

Love Your Smile Again with Composite Veneers

Are you ready to smile with confidence again? Rediscover the love you have for your smile with custom composite veneers. Turn your dream smile into reality at Gentle Family Dentistry!

Learn all about this cosmetic dental treatment with our cosmetic dentist in Bakersfield below. Then, give our office a call at 661-664-9900 to schedule an appointment.

What Are Composite Veneers?

Composite veneers, also known as composite resin veneers or direct veneers, are tooth-colored shells applied to the front surface of teeth. They’re a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment as they’re cost-effective, durable, and naturally beautiful.

A composite veneer can correct any of the following dental issues:

• Stained or discolored teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Minor misalignment issues
• Uneven teeth

Direct Composite Veneers

Direct composite veneers are made of composite resin and applied directly to the teeth. It doesn’t take long for a dentist to prepare your teeth for the application of the veneers, and it’s a minimally invasive process.

Indirect Composite Veneers

Indirect composite veneers use the same material as direct composite veneers, but the veneers are custom-created before placement. You’ll wear temporary veneers while you wait for the creation of your permanent dental veneers.

Composite Veneers Benefits

Benefits of composite veneers include:

• Less tooth enamel is removed than porcelain veneers
• The process can be completed in one visit to your dentist
• Cost-effective
• If damaged, they can be repaired easily
• Can correct various aesthetic problems, such as gaps, chips, and discoloration

If you’re curious about your candidacy for dental veneers, contact our dentist in Bakersfield, CA, today to schedule your consultation.

The Composite Veneers Process

The composite veneer procedure can be completed in just one visit to the dentist’s office. You’ll experience the following:

1. Your dentist will start by cleaning your teeth and preparing them for veneer application. Unlike traditional porcelain veneers that necessitate significant enamel removal, composite veneers require minimal preparation. If you’re receiving direct veneers, the dentist will etch the enamel of your teeth to help with adhesion.
2. Then, they’ll apply the adhesive to glue to help the composite material stick to your teeth. Very thin layers of material are added to the surface of the teeth.
3. The dentist will “cure” or quickly harden the layers of composite resin with light. You’ll be able to pick the shade or color you want for your veneers.
4. With indirect veneers, your dentist will take a mold or digital impression of your teeth after the teeth have been prepared. Your veneers will be created in a lab, and in the meantime, you’ll be fitted with temporary veneers.
5. When your permanent veneers are ready, the dentist will apply them by etching your teeth and then applying a type of adhesive material to your teeth. The adhesive will help the veneers stay in place.
6. Your composite veneers will be placed on your teeth, and you’re ready to smile with newfound confidence.

Caring for Your Veneers

Maintaining the condition of your composite veneers is as easy as caring for your natural teeth. To increase the longevity of your veneers, do the following:

• Keep a consistent oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing regularly
• Avoid stain-causing food and drinks
• Consistently visit your dentist for checkups and dental cleanings
• Avoid hard foods and bad habits, such as chewing ice

Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers

Composite veneers and porcelain veneers are different forms of dental veneers, but there are some key differences between the two, including:

• Materials: The most significant difference between composite and porcelain veneers is the material they’re made from. Composite veneers are made from a resin similar to the material used in tooth-colored fillings. Porcelain veneers are made from a ceramic material baked in a lab to create a veneer that’s more durable and resistant to stains.
• Procedures: Composite resin veneers are applied in a single appointment, as the material is directly applied to the tooth and shaped by the dentist. Porcelain veneers are fabricated in a dental lab, which typically requires at least two appointments.
• Aesthetics: Porcelain veneers generally have superior aesthetics, as they have a translucency that closely mimics natural tooth enamel. Composite resin veneers, while still aesthetically pleasing, may not have the same depth of color and translucency.
• Durability: Porcelain veneers are known to be more durable than composite veneers. They resist stains better and can last up to 10 and 15 years, while composite veneers typically last between 5 and 7 years.
• Costs: Composite materials are generally less expensive than porcelain, due to the difference in materials and the number of dental visits required.
• Reversibility: Composite veneers are generally more reversible than porcelain because they require less, if any, removal of tooth structure. If a porcelain veneer needs to be removed, there may not be sufficient enamel remaining for a good cosmetic outcome without a new veneer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reclaim Your Smile Confidence!

Ready to smile and feel good doing it? Learn more about composite veneers and your other cosmetic dentistry options. To schedule a consultation with our Bakersfield cosmetic dentist, contact Gentle Family Dentistry today by calling 661-664-9900.