Composite Veneers

Composite veneer is the procedure of chemically bonding an aesthetic composite resin material to the tooth surface in order to eliminate color, shape, and size irregularities without damaging the natural tooth structure. Also frequently known as bonding in dentistry, this application is a minimally invasive smile design method performed without removing tooth enamel. For aesthetic needs such as closing gaps between teeth, repairing fractures, or lengthening tooth size, it offers natural and impressive results in a single session by layering tooth-colored filling materials.

How has composite veneer technology changed from past to present?

In the past, when we said “white filling,” we thought only of simple materials used to fill cavities that yellowed and became dull over time. These materials, which have been part of our lives since the 1960s, were at that time merely a functional lifesaver rather than an aesthetic one. However, technology did not stand still, and material science underwent an incredible evolution. There is a world of difference between the materials we use today and those old fillings.

The biggest hero of this change is technology’s ability to go down to the “nano” scale. In the past, the particles inside the filling material were large; this caused the surface to remain rough and stain quickly. Today, thanks to “nanohybrid” technology, these particles have been reduced to sizes too small to be seen. What does this mean? The composites we apply can now replicate exactly the unique light translucency, brightness, and texture of natural tooth enamel. In other words, the material in our hands has turned from a simple filling into an aesthetic marvel that copies the optical properties of the tooth.

Can composite veneers be applied without damaging my teeth?

The most common concern our patients express when they sit in the chair is whether their teeth will be cut down. The philosophy of modern dentistry is now a “Minimally Invasive” approach. That is, improving by preserving what exists, without touching the tissue. This is the main reason composite bonding applications have become so popular. Unlike porcelain veneers, in this procedure there is often no need at all to remove tooth structure or reduce the tooth.

In this procedure, we use the principle of adhesion, meaning bonding to enamel. Tooth enamel is the hardest tissue in our body, and we make additions while preserving this tissue. With special preparation stages, we ensure that the composite material locks firmly onto the tooth. In this way, we can create an aesthetic transformation while preserving the originality of the tooth, without making irreversible reductions. If you later decide to discontinue this procedure or want to change it, your own tooth underneath remains perfectly intact. This is a great source of reassurance, especially for our younger patients.

In which situations are composite veneers preferred?

This method has a very wide area of use not only in cavity treatment but also in smile design. Many small details that make you unhappy when you look in the mirror can be corrected in a single session with the bonding method. We generally use this method to solve the following problems:

Areas of application are as follows:

• Gapped teeth
• Chipped tooth edges
• Short tooth length
• Permanent discolorations
• Shape deformities
• Enamel wear
• Mild crowding

How long does the composite veneer procedure take?

Speed is one of the biggest necessities of our era. For our patients, one of the most attractive aspects of this procedure is that there is no laboratory phase and results are obtained immediately. While porcelain teeth require impressions and waiting for days, composite veneers are usually completed in a single visit. You can come to the clinic in the morning and return to your social life with a brand-new smile a few hours later.

During the procedure, we often do not even need to apply anesthesia, meaning we may not need to use an injection. Because we do not remove tooth structure, meaning we do not approach the living tissue of the tooth, no pain or aching is felt. The process is entirely based on the dentist’s manual skill and artistic perspective. We layer composites of different shades and translucencies onto the tooth. We achieve natural depth by placing darker materials near the neck of the tooth and more translucent materials toward the edges. In the final stage, we create shine on the tooth with a polishing procedure.

Is porcelain or composite veneer more advantageous?

We encounter this question every day. In fact, there is no such thing as “better,” there is what is “more suitable for you.” Both materials have their own pros and cons. When deciding, your budget, time, and expectations become determining factors.

Composite veneers have some basic differences compared to porcelain. These differences are as follows:

• Being more economical
• Being completed in a single session
• Not requiring tooth reduction
• Being easy to repair
• Color may change over time

Requiring more frequent maintenance

Porcelain, on the other hand, is a more costly procedure that requires tooth reduction, but its color stability is much higher. Even after years, the color of porcelain does not change. If you say, “My time is limited, I don’t want my teeth to be altered, and I am looking for a more economical solution,” composite is made for you.

Do composite veneers change color over time?

To be honest, the weakest point of composite materials compared to porcelain is color. Porcelain is like glass; it does not stain. However, composite resins, by nature, have microscopic pores. This means that in the long term, they may undergo some color change depending on the foods and drinks consumed.

Especially foods and beverages with strong staining properties can cause composites to lose their shine. However, this should not scare you. Because this discoloration is usually superficial. We call this “extrinsic staining.” During routine check-ups every 6 months, a simple polishing procedure with special pastes and discs completely removes these stains and restores your tooth to its first-day brilliance.

The foods and beverages to be mindful of are as follows:

• Tea
• Coffee
• Smoking
• Red wine
• Tomato paste
• Sour cherry juice
• Curry sauces

What is the lifespan of composite veneers?

The lifespan of this treatment depends entirely on your usage habits and oral care. When we look at the literature, the average lifespan ranges between 5 and 7 years. However, in my patients who take very good care, brush regularly, and do not miss their check-ups, I often see this period exceeding 10 years. The most important factor that shortens the lifespan is not only not brushing but also harmful habits that damage the teeth.

Habits that damage the restoration are as follows:

• Nail biting
• Chewing on pens
• Opening packages
• Cracking shelled nuts
• Chewing ice
• Teeth grinding

Especially in our patients with a teeth clenching (bruxism) problem, the risk of composite fracture increases. In this case, using a night guard is vital to extend the lifespan of the aesthetic work we perform.

If it breaks, is repair possible?

When you have a porcelain tooth, if a small piece breaks off the edge, it usually requires removing the entire tooth and remaking it. This is both financially burdensome and time-consuming. However, the feature I like most about composite veneers is that they can be “patched.”

If the edge of a composite filling or veneer breaks, there is absolutely no need to remove it all. You sit in the chair, we clean only that small broken area, and we repair it within minutes by adding fresh composite on top. Thanks to the strong bonding agents we use, the junction is definitely not noticeable and the integrity is not compromised. This feature provides a great advantage and comfort also for children or athletes who have a high risk of accidents.