How Long Do Composite Veneers Last on Average

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If you are not satisfied with the color of your teeth or smile, you may want to consider composite veneers. Still, you are unsure about long they will last. Composite veneers are a popular choice among dental patients because they offer several benefits over other types of veneers. They are durable, natural-looking, and easy to care for.

Veneers are being widely used in cosmetic dentistry with the advent of new materials and bonding techniques. In this blog post, we’ll answer the question, ‘How long do composite veneers last?’ and cover everything about composite veneers – their composition, purpose, lifespan, post-care, and much more. Visit Riverlands Dental in Richmond, NSW today if you need help in restoring your beautiful smile.

What are composite veneers?

Composite veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells made of resin that fit over the front of someone’s teeth and can be easily attached. They allow dentists to correct several cosmetic dental problems.

They cover the teeth to conceal stains and damage caused by biting and chewing. Veneers allow people to have whiter, straighter-looking teeth without wearing braces or clear aligners.

Composite veneers come in various shades and can be made to match a patient’s natural tooth color quite closely.

When are dental veneers used?

Veneers are suitable for patients worried about tooth discoloration because they can be made in several shades to match someone’s natural teeth. Furthermore, they are an excellent choice when it comes to fixing the appearance of the teeth that are:

Cracked
Chipped
Misaligned
Fractured
Gapped
Undersized

Please note that veneers are cosmetic solutions; they are not the procedure of choice to correct malocclusion or tooth fracture. If you have a broken tooth that needs further treatment, or you want to correct your teeth alignment, call or visit your dentist so he can recommend the best dental treatment for your condition.

How long do composite veneers last?

It is important for anyone who plans to get composite veneers to consider how long they will last.

Composite veneers are now thought to be more durable than in the past. On average, they can last 5 to 7 years. That’s a much shorter lifespan than a set of porcelain veneers, which could last at least 10 or 15 years. However, by taking good care of your composite veneers, you may be able to extend their life.

What can affect the lifespan of dental veneers?

Some of the common things that can affect how long veneers last include: how good your oral hygiene is, how often you chew on something hard, how frequently you get your veneers polished, and how disciplined you are when avoiding bad habits that affect your teeth (smoking, opening hard objects such as bottles, cans, etc. with your teeth, grinding, etc.)

How to get dental veneers?

The dentist will begin the procedure by properly cleaning and prepping your teeth for the application.

To assist the material in adhering to your teeth, your dentist will need to remove a thin enamel layer. If only small alterations in form or color are required, your teeth may not need to be trimmed.

Following that, the procedure will vary significantly depending on whether you have direct or indirect veneers.

Direct veneer application

A dentist will etch the enamel of your teeth before installing direct veneers to aid with adherence. He will then apply an adhesive glue to your teeth to assist the composite resin material in adhering to them.

Finally, thin layers of composite material are applied to the surface of your teeth.

The dentist will use a light to “cure,” or swiftly harden, the layers of composite resin.

You and your dentist can choose the tint or color of your veneers. Your dentist might combine different composite resin hues to make your veneers appear more natural.

Indirect veneer application

After the dentist has prepared your teeth for indirect veneers, a mold of your teeth will be taken. Outside of your mouth, indirect veneers are created.

When the indirect veneers are finished, the dentist will put them to your teeth by etching them and then adding a form of adhesive substance to them. This glue or bonding chemical will aid in the retention of the veneers.

The composite veneers will next be applied to your teeth. A light will be used to solidify the adhesive and adhere the veneers to the teeth. Following that, the dentist will polish everything and smooth out any stray edges.

Whether it’s direct or indirect veneers, many patients do not require the use of anesthesia throughout the procedure. However, if you do, you should be able to return to work or other usual activities as the anesthetic wears off.

How much do they cost?

Cost is an important element to consider. And it’s true; veneers can be expensive. But let us explain.

For one, applying veneers is a time-consuming operation. Another consideration is that you want high-quality materials and craftsmanship that will last. After all, the consequences will be visible to everyone as soon as you open your lips.

Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers. Their cost varies depending on where you reside, where your dental procedure is done, and how many veneers you require.

We cannot give you an accurate cost computation of this procedure because every patient has different needs and preferences that affect the price they have to pay. The cost of getting dental veneers will depend on how many teeth need to be worked on, how extensive the dental work is, and how much your insurance covers (if it does). But just to give you a price estimate, a composite resin veneer cost ranges between $500-1,000 per tooth.

One of the best things about composite veneers is how quickly they can be made following an impression of your teeth- usually within two weeks. However, some dental clinics and dental providers can introduce you to Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC), a procedure for receiving and fitting veneers in a more comfortable and convenient way. CEREC technology is truly remarkable and enables you to have perfect fitting veneers on the very same day.

Is there any risk in getting your teeth whitened after having composite veneers?

Veneers, like dental implants, may only be whitened before being installed in your mouth. If you’re interested in whitening and veneers, talk to your dentist about a personalized plan.

We suggest that you have a whitening procedure first and then have veneers that match your whiter smile.

Composite veneers are resistant to most stains, but you should still be cautious with dark-colored meals and drinks while using veneers to preserve the desired degree of brightness.

While you won’t get them any whiter than their original hue, your dentist can properly clean your veneers to help restore their whiteness.

Porcelain veneers versus composite resin veneers

Composite veneers can bond directly with the tooth’s surface without any significant damage to the dental enamel. Though they are not as shiny as porcelain veneers, they can successfully mimic the look of your teeth, making them natural-looking teeth caps. Moreover, they are strong and can last for years.

In contrast, porcelain veneers are stronger, resist stains better than composite resin, and are more expensive. However, your dentist may require actual drilling down of your tooth enamel to attach them. They are custom-designed to resemble your natural tooth closely, so a porcelain veneer takes longer to finalize than a composite veneer and will most likely require two or three visits to your dentist.

Whether porcelain or composite, the type of dental veneers that would address your cosmetic needs should be discussed by your dentist. Let your dental provider assist you in choosing which one would fit your preference better!

Are there any risks associated with having composite veneers installed in your mouth?

There are a few potential risks involved with wearing composite dental veneers.

Some patients experience slight sensitivity for up to a few days after getting composite veneers. This happens because a thin layer of enamel is removed to make way for the veneers.

Furthermore, the veneers may not perfectly look identical to the color of your teeth, and they may fall off in some instances, especially if an inexperienced dentist makes them.

If any of these issues occur, talk to your dentist, and he will be able to resolve the issue.

How often do they need to be cleaned/polished/buffed, etc.?

Composite veneers may need to be polished and cleaned, just like how all of your teeth require cleaning. However, you should not use abrasive and firm-bristled toothbrushes because they can damage the veneers and cause them to come off.

You should brush and floss twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Also, try to avoid whitening products on your teeth, as studies show that they can make the composite veneers more porous and weaken them.

As always, you should also see your dentist for cleaning and prophylaxis every six months.

Conclusion

Composite veneers are a popular choice for people looking to improve their smiles. They can be used to correct several dental issues, including crooked, discolored, and gapped teeth, as well as teeth that do not respond to teeth whitening anymore. Composite veneers are also very durable and can last for 5 to 7 years with proper care. If you’re considering going for a smile makeover, a composite veneer could be a great option that does not involve big changes to your natural tooth’s surface.