Plenty of us have aspects of our smile we don’t exactly love — chips, cracks, stains, even undersized or irregularly shaped teeth. The good news is that composite veneers can hide them all, giving you a perfectly straight, white smile.
But are they a good fit for your smile? We’re here to help you decide! Here’s the need-to-know about composite veneers.
Table of Contents
What Are Composite Veneers?
Composite veneers are customized wafer-thin shells that a dentist affixes to individual teeth. While they can help with cases of enamel erosion and the weakness this causes, they’re cosmetic, not restorative. Like all types of veneers, they cover up various imperfections, including:
- Stains
- Cracks
- Chips
- Gaps
- Irregular shapes
- Misalignments
- Worn teeth
- Small teeth
These veneers are made from dental resin — a type of durable plastic that’s approved for dental applications. Dentists can shape it to your teeth in person (direct composite) or have them created at an off-site lab (indirect composite). Composite veneers usually last 7–10 years and cost $250–$1,500 per tooth, depending on the exact type of resin, where the veneer is made, and the dentist’s fees.
Composite Veneers Benefits
- Depending on the method your dentist uses, you might get your veneers in a single office visit.
- Some composite veneers require zero enamel removal; others require some, but less than other veneer materials do.
- Your dentist can color match your veneers to your other teeth, blending and altering the color to get the exact look you want.
- While they aren’t the most affordable way to address cosmetic concerns, composite veneers are the most affordable traditional veneer type.
Composite Veneers Drawbacks
- Ultimately, composite veneers don’t last as long as other veneer types. Most will last 7–10 years, though others are only good for around five.
- Composite veneers can absorb food pigments, so they might stain over time.
- Since they aren’t as opaque as their porcelain and ceramic counterparts, composite veneers might allow dark tooth stains to show through.
What Is It Like To Get Composite Veneers?
The first step in getting composite veneers is selecting a dentist. If you already have a general dentist, you can see if they offer composite veneers. However, for the best results, we suggest working with a cosmetic dentist. Narrow down your options to 2–3 doctors and schedule consultations, then move forward with the best fit for you.
The next steps will depend on which type of composite veneers you get. Some require zero enamel prep and are formed directly on the teeth. Others require minimal enamel removal and might need to be made in a lab.
Assuming your veneers will be made off-site, your dentist will verify the exact changes you want, such as color, size, and shape. They’ll compare the color you selected to your other teeth, adjusting it as needed. Then they’ll prep your teeth and take the impressions the lab will use to make your veneers. Before you leave, they’ll give you temporary veneers that should last until your permanent ones arrive.
When your permanent veneers get to the office, your dentist will bring you in for an appointment to place them. This usually happens about 1–2 weeks after the first appointment. Before you leave, your doctor will review any special instructions for caring for your veneers, including how to avoid stains and breakage.
Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers
When you sit down with your dentist, chances are they’ll ask if you’re set on composite veneers or if you might be interested in porcelain instead. If you have the room in your budget, there’s nothing wrong with choosing porcelain over composite — but it’s important to understand how these two options differ.
Turnaround Time
Your dentist can make composite veneers right in their office, so you’ll go home with them the same day you start the process; this isn’t an option with porcelain. Even when composite veneers come from a lab, though, they often have a faster turnaround time than porcelain simply because they’re easier to manufacture. Expect to wait 1–2 weeks for your composite veneers and 2–3 weeks for porcelain ones.
Tooth Prep
Some types of composite veneers require no prepping, while others require 0.25mm of enamel removal. Porcelain veneers always require enamel removal, usually about 0.5mm worth. This may not sound like much, but it’s enough that once you get porcelain veneers, you need to keep them for life.
Durability
Composite veneers aren’t weak, but they’re not as strong or durable as porcelain. Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years and are highly unlikely to chip unless you use your front teeth to bite into hard or frozen foods. Composite veneers last ten years maximum and require slightly more dietary restrictions.
Aesthetics
Composite veneers look natural, but not as natural as porcelain ones. Porcelain veneers are textured to mimic your enamel, which means they don’t stand out against the teeth next to them. It’s also a denser material, so it can hide stains better than composite materials. Plus, porcelain is stain resistant while composite materials will discolor without proper care.
Cost
Porcelain is a more expensive material and requires a lot of expertise from the dental lab. As a result, these veneers cost $925–$2,500 per tooth. Composite veneers are much more affordable at $250–$1,500 per tooth.
Alternative Treatment Options
So far, we’ve covered the basics of composite veneers and how they compare to porcelain — but what about all the other options out there? No matter what cosmetic issues you want to correct, there are alternatives to consider. Below are a few we recommend.
- Snap-On Veneers: Like traditional veneers, they hide issues behind the facade of perfect teeth. Unlike traditional veneers, they are a one-piece, removable appliance that covers all or most of the teeth in an arch. Learn more in our comparison review of the best snap-on veneer brands.
- Clear Aligners: If you are considering veneers to close a gap or hide a misalignment, why not shift your teeth instead? Clear aligners like Invisalign can correct even complex cases. If your gap is small or your misalignments simple, you can save time and money by choosing at-home aligners over in-office ones. Read our review of the best clear aligners to compare your options.
- Teeth Whitening: If your primary motivation for getting veneers is the color of your teeth, know that most stains can be treated with the right at-home or in-office whitening system. Even tetracycline stains are now treatable with KöR. Read our guide to the best dental whitening methods to learn more.
Final Thoughts
Composite veneers can be an excellent solution for a wide variety of cosmetic dental issues. Affordable, accessible, and highly customizable, they might be your new must-have for a signature smile.
However, you shouldn’t discount the alternatives. From porcelain veneers to clear aligners, there are many paths to the smile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are composite veneers made of?
It depends on the dentist, but they’re the same materials as those used in bonding and even composite fillings. Materials that might be in your composite include bisphenol-A-glycidyl methacrylate, quartz, borosilicate glass, and lithium aluminum silicate.
Do composite veneers require less prep than porcelain ones?
Yes. In some cases, they require zero prep. In others, they require about half the enamel removal of porcelain veneers.
Are same-day veneers as good as those that take two visits?
If you are comparing them with composite, yes. In fact, they are essentially the same thing, and making them in office gives your dentist greater control over things like color and shape.
How long should I expect my composite veneers to last?
They typically last 5–10 years.
Are composite veneers cosmetic or restorative dentistry?
Cosmetic. Although they can restore some strength, they’re not as strong as porcelain veneers, which are also cosmetic.
What happens if I don’t like my composite veneers?
If you had enamel removed, you’ll likely need to get another type of veneer, either ceramic or porcelain. If you didn’t get your enamel altered, you can just stop using veneers. See your dentist to have them removed.
How do I care for composite veneers?
Just like you care for your natural teeth. The only exception is when eating. Be careful about biting into hard foods and anything frozen, as this could dislodge your veneers.
Are there foods I should avoid with composite veneers?
Just anything extremely hard, crunchy, tough, or frozen solid. Use your molars to bite into tougher foods, and don’t press your veneers into them.
Do composite veneers stain?
They can. However, if you brush and floss correctly, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Who is not a good candidate for composite veneers?
Anyone with active tooth decay or gum disease should get these issues treated first. Plus, veneers attach to tooth surfaces, so you need to have most of each tooth left. Also, if you are looking to cover an issue that actually needs restoration, you’ll have to go with an alternative, such as a crown.
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