Veneers / Composite Bonding

Veneers are thin layers of porcelain or composite resin that are placed on the front surfaces of teeth in order to change the appearance of your smile. Teeth that are discoloured, chipped, rotated, or spaced can be transformed with veneers.

Porcelain veneers are fabricated at a laboratory by expert ceramists from an impression (mould) of the prepared teeth. The tooth structure and gums should be in stable condition prior to placement of veneers. Defective fillings should be replaced, gums contoured and should be free of periodontal disease before proceeding. The next step is to remove a small amount of enamel from the front of the teeth to have adequate space for the veneers so they will not appear bulky or over contoured.  Temporary veneers may be placed as a temporary measure whilst your veneers are constructed by the laboratory. The Veneers will be cemented into place on the third visit. A fourth appointment of short duration may be needed for final finishing and polishing of your veneers.

Composite veneers are placed directly on the teeth by your dentist in a same day treatment. Additional appointments may be required for further polishing. No enamel is removed for the provision of composite veneers therefore it is regarded as less invasive

Potential Risks and Complications:

• In preparing the teeth for the reception of cosmetic veneers, either made of porcelain or composite resin, it may be necessary to reduce or roughen the surface of the tooth to which the veneer(s) may be bonded. This preparation will be done as conservatively as possible, but once this is done, the patient is committed to veneers or crowns for the duration of life. If the veneer covering breaks or comes off, the uncovered tooth may become susceptible to decay if the veneer is not replaced in a timely manner.
• Sensitivity of teeth: Through the process of modifying teeth to accept veneers, there is the possibility of the development of tooth sensitivity which may last for days or months following tooth preparation. In most cases, this sensitivity will alleviate over time but in rare instances is permanent.
• Chipping, breaking or loosening of the veneer may occur any time following placement. Many factors may contribute to this happening such as: chewing of excessively hard materials; changes in occlusal (biting) forces; traumatic blows to the mouth; failure of the bond between the veneer and tooth; and other such conditions over which the dentist has no control.
• Alteration in speech: Since the veneers may be wider and/or longer than the natural teeth they are covering, a difference in speech may be evident. Many times the patient will adapt to the change and speech returns to normal very shortly after placement. The veneers may need to be adjusted in order to alleviate problems with speech.
• Sensitive or allergic reactions to anesthetics or materials used in the procedure.
• Esthetics/Appearance: Every attempt possible will be made to match and coordinate both the form and shade of veneers, which will be placed to be cosmetically pleasing to the patient. However, there are some differences, which may exist between that which is natural and that which is artificial, making it impossible to have the shade and/or form perfectly match your natural dentition. Once veneers are bonded to place on the teeth, should the patient desire any changes later, a fee may be assessed to cover any extensive adjustments or remakes.
• Longevity: It is impossible to place any specific time criteria on the length of time that veneers should last. Once the tooth structure is prepared for veneer placement, the patient is committed to veneers for life. Should the veneers become damaged, leaky, or stained, they will need to be replaced.
• Veneers are susceptible to staining just like natural teeth. Composite resin veneers tend to stain more readily than porcelain. The veneers may need to be replaced if excessive staining, marginal leakage, or chipping occurs. Every attempt to avoid stain inducing foods and drinks should be taken.
• An acrylic lab fabricated night guard may be indicated to help protect your veneers from damage due to night time clenching and grinding.

Composite Bonding

Composite Bonding is a fast growing Cosmetic Dental treatment which is the process of applying a material called dental composite to the teeth to make them look better.

It is used to treat patients who just want to fix a chip or gap, or others who want a full smile makeover. It is our aim to make every patient beam with confidence and change their life for the better. It can be used for:

• Slightly crooked teeth
• Discoloured teeth
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Overall appearance
• Post brace treatment

Composite bonding is brilliant to use along with other treatments. An amazing example is after brace treatment, to even out the shape or length of a tooth to create that desired smile.
**If you are interested in Fast Braces we offer Invisalign and Six Month Smiles**

Advantages & disadvantages of teeth bonding

Composite bonding is a great quick fix for many patients for a number of reasons. Firstly:

Quick appointment: Patients only need to visit the dentist once to have the treatment completed, there may need to be follow up appointments for reviews and polishing
No Lab Waiting: This is unlike porcelain veneers that take a number of appointments and can take up to three weeks to complete
No Temporaries: Unlike when you have Veneers; there is no need to have temporaries while you wait to have the veneers fitted
No Damage: Composite bonding does not damage the underlying tooth. The composite material is sculpted onto the teeth and there is no need normally to drill or file your existing teeth

Many patients do not understand the risks of having teeth filed prior to getting porcelain veneers fitted. The process will always increase the risk of your healthy tooth becoming damaged or to die off. This could lead to you needing a root canal or eventually implant treatment.

Is Composite bonding right for you?

Composite bonding is all about selecting the right patient for the procedure. Not everyone is suitable and your dentist will need to assess your mouth fully to determine whether you are right for composite bonding.

Composite bonding price and costs

Composite bonding is much less expensive than porcelain veneers. This is one of the reasons it’s such a popular procedure here. Dental composite bonding of a single tooth starts from £200 per tooth. This is compared to porcelain veneers that can cost from £550 per tooth.

Dental composite bonding is a great affordable treatment. We do advise if you are seeking the wow factor to whiten your teeth prior to composite bonding. This is where the teeth are whitened to the correct brightness and then composite bonding perfects the edges making them look really beautiful.

At Keats House, we will have finance options coming soon…

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