Our Composite Veneers
Composite bonding, composite veneers, cosmetic bonding, artistic bonding…all of these terms refer to the same veneers treatment in principle: the placement of a white resin material onto your existing teeth that forms a chemical union with them resulting in a more desirable appearance in terms of shape and colour that last up to six years on average.
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Why are composite veneers so popular?
They’re fast! Composite veneers can be done over one appointment start to finish, which gives them an edge on porcelain veneers and almost all other treatments. Composite is a very versatile material that can be used in all manner of methods, which gives dentists the creativity to push the material to its limits. It is worth highlighting that this can come with some negative effects, keep reading to find out.
Are composite veneers better than ceramic/porcelain?
Despite the great advantages of the material, from an aesthetic point of view composite resin is generally agreed to be inferior to ceramic or porcelain veneers. The reasons for this are to do with the nature of plastic resin losing its lustre or shine over time. It requires annual polishing to keep it looking good, whereas ceramic does not change in its polish or colour at all.
Ceramic is easier to keep clean owing to its bespoke manufacturing process. Composite resin is placed by hand on the day, so it cannot be as refined as a ceramic surface made in a dental laboratory.
Composite resin is a very minimalist procedure, in that there is little need to remove tooth structure. Ceramics cases need at least 5% of tooth structure removal, whereas composite can get away with less than this. For this reason, younger patients under the age of 18 would be suited to it, as would people in their 20s. That being said, some in their 20s prefer not to have the upkeep involved with composite, so they opt for ceramic as a long-term investment.
How can I tell if a dentist is good at teeth bonding?
The best way is to look at their composite bonding before and after pictures. Make sure it is their cases you are looking at and not generic images from other dentists. Photos rarely lie!
You can ask your dentist about which composite system they use and their procedure itself but you may not understand the answer, so our suggestion is to use photos and assess their level of expertise on your situation and make your judgement accordingly.
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What to expect with cosmetic bonding?
Stage one of acquiring composite veneers in London is having a virtual consultation with a treatment coordinator or dentist. Based on your aims, we will assess your photo and advise potential solutions. Following this, you would decide if you are happy with the current colour of your teeth or if whitening them before is to be included. Remember, that once the composite resin shade has been selected and placed, they will not react to whitening solution. It is a good idea to consider whitening first to boost the colour, but also even out the colour across your smile.
The first treatment and consultation visit involves a dental health check, followed by exploring all the options once more. You will be made aware of the pros and cons of the alternatives and, once you have confirmed bonding is your preferred choice, moulds are taken for whitening. Have a look at the whitening page for the details on our system.
Composite bonding appointment
After two weeks, you will return for the bonding appointment. Depending on the number of teeth involved, this is usually a 90–120-minute appointment. You will not require any local anaesthesia and a shade of material is chosen with your approval before proceeding. Bonding is a careful and slow process. Your dentist will ask you to stay still during it and you will not feel much, other than some vibration, pressure and mild heat. Once the composite is bonded to your teeth, it is shaped and polished with your natural adjacent teeth used as a guide.
After the procedure, your dentist will sometimes arrange a review appointment two weeks later to refine your bite and to address any final polishing. The procedure is then completed, ready for your annual polishing visit.
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