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Composite veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored resin that fit over natural teeth to improve their appearance.
Dental veneers are typically made of composite or porcelain. You might choose composite instead of porcelain if you desire a more affordable option.
Composite veneers typically cost between $250 and $1,500 per tooth. The cost depends on various factors, including:
Though the price tag is high, composite veneers are cheaper than porcelain veneers.
If the cost concerns you, speak with your dentist about financing options. Some dentists offer payment plans or discounts if you have a certain number of veneers applied simultaneously.
Insurance doesn’t cover composite veneers if you’re getting them for cosmetic reasons.
If your tooth is damaged, insurance might pay for part or all of the cost. However, it might only cover crowns and other restorations. View the details of your policy to see what is covered.
Composite veneers are great for people who want to improve the appearance of their healthy teeth.
They’re ideal for imperfections like:
Veneers require some tooth reduction before placement. To be a good candidate, you need adequate tooth enamel.
If you have too little or severe enamel damage, you may not be a candidate for composite veneers. Your dentist will tell you if you need a different restoration or treatment.
Applying composite veneers takes one day in a dentist’s office. The steps are as follows:
Your dentist will clean your teeth before they begin the procedure.
They may also need to reduce or reshape your teeth to accommodate the veneers. If so, they’ll remove a thin layer of enamel to allow the material to stick to your teeth.
Before applying veneers, your dentist etches and paints your tooth enamel with a bonding material. These adhesive layers will help the veneers stick to your teeth.
The application of your veneers depends on what type they are: direct or indirect. Indirect veneers are created outside the mouth, while direct veneers are applied to the teeth in layers.
With direct veneers, your dentist will apply thin layers of composite material to the tooth surfaces. With indirect veneers, they’ll take a mold of your teeth and fill it with composite resin. Once the veneers are ready, they’ll permanently attach them to your teeth with dental cement.
After attaching your veneers, the dentist will cure (quickly harden) the resin with an LED light. They’ll clean up any rough edges and polish your teeth afterward.
Many people don’t require anesthesia during this process. If you do need anesthesia, you should be fine to return to work or other activities once it wears off.
As with all procedures, veneers have advantages and disadvantages. Read below to determine if this treatment is right for you:
Here are some pros of composite veneers:
Here are some cons of composite veneers:
Composite resin and porcelain are the most popular materials used for veneers. Knowing the differences can help you decide which type is right for you.
Here are some of the main differences between composite and porcelain veneers:1
Composite Veneers | Porcelain Veneers | |
Cost | $250 to $1,500 per tooth | $925 to $2,500 per tooth |
Appearance | Tooth-colored resin | Translucent quality that imitates tooth enamel |
Lifespan | 5 years | 10+ years |
Durability | Frequently chips and stains | Highly resistant to chipping and staining |
Repairs | Can be repaired on a tooth-by-tooth basis | Must be replaced if damaged |
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