How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?

porcelain veneers

Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, you don’t have to live with an imperfect smile forever. And, the good thing is that with the advancements in cosmetic dentistry, you can get that perfect smile in a day, in a less invasive way, and enjoy the results for years with manageable maintenance.

One of the most common, fast, less invasive, and cost friendly way to restore your smile is through composite veneers. They are also known as same day veneers, because you can get everything done in a day, in fact, a few hours.

Composite veneers help cover up various aesthetic problems, such as discolorations especially internally stained teeth since they won’t respond to the usual teeth whitening treatments, chips, overlaps, cracks, slight gaps, etc.

You will also hear people say that composite veneers are more conservative compared to porcelain veneers, and this is because they are not made in the lab. Your dentist will hand-make them in your mouth, and this is why the procedure is shorter and quicker. However, the final result, how beautiful they will look, will totally depend on how good your dentist is at making them. But, the good thing with composite veneers is that the whole procedure is reversible because, in the application process, the dentist won’t interfere with your teeth structure.

Direct Veneers Procedure / Composite Veneers Procedure

Composite veneers are made from composite resin, and they are applied directly on the surface of your teeth or tooth if you just want to correct one tooth.

The first step is always to prepare the teeth for the application, and the preparation starts by cleaning the teeth thoroughly. This is to ensure that nothing is covered up under the new layer.

The second step is etching the teeth/tooth surface, basically roughening up the surface with an etching liquid so as to create a much stronger bond between the tooth and the composite resin.

The dentist will then proceed to apply the composite resin on your tooth surface, harden it, then shape and polish it to achieve that natural finish.

Composite Veneers Maintenance

#1

First, just like your teeth, the direct composite resin can also stain from foods and any other substance that would stain your natural teeth. As such, to maintain them as they are after application, you need to avoid or reduce intake of things like red wine, coffee, tobacco, etc.

#2

Second, use an ultra-soft toothbrush and brush twice a day. Also, make sure to floss once a day, especially before bedtime.

#3

Third, avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. This is because over time, the alcohol in such a mouthwash might soften the bonded composite resin.

#4

Fourth, avoid acidulated phosphate fluoride and stannous fluoride. Instead, go for sodium fluoride

#5

Fifth, remember that the composite veneers are strong, but not as your natural teeth. As such, avoid using them to do anything that might put too much stress on them such as eating carrots, apples, chewing ice, opening packages, biting your nails, etc.

#6

Finally, always check for fractures or chipping then visit your dentist as soon as you notice anything odd for repairs to prevent total damage.

How Long Do Composite Veneers Last? / Composite Veneers Durability

Your composite veneers will last anywhere between 5 years and 7 years. This is because, just like anything else, how you care and maintain them will have a great impact on how long they will last.

Again, you must start by getting them applied by a qualified cosmetic dentist, and they should be applied perfectly from the get-go.

Also, because you might not always visit the same cosmetic dentist, make sure to keep any important information, such as the type of composite resin used and also the color so as to make things easier when you visit a different dentist.

Final Words

Are composite veneers safe? This is one of the most asked questions by people who are considering using composite veneers to enhance or restore their smiles. And, the answer is YES!

The other common question is, the difference between composite veneers and porcelain veneers or indirect veneers vs. direct veneers.

The first difference is in materials as you can tell from the names. Second, porcelain veneers are fabricated in the lab and the whole process of making and applying them will take a few days, unlike the composite veneers that take just a day.

Again, getting porcelain veneers is more costly, but the good thing is that they last longer, 10-15 years. However, unlike composite veneers whose application procedure is reversible since the whole process is noninvasive, once you decide to get porcelain veneers there is no going back because the process is invasive.

Enjoy a new smile! Book your consultation by contacting our friendly staff

Why Teeth Whitening Is Important?

why is teeth whitening important

Mostly, when talking to someone face-to-face, they will have their eyes fixed on your mouth.

This happens so naturally that we don’t even notice it. Now, depending on the condition of your teeth, they might want to talk to you more or less.

The thing is, you might have good dental hygiene, but teeth discoloration and staining can be caused by many things, and some might be out of your control, such as discoloration due to aging.

And unfortunately, most people view this as a lack of proper dental hygiene, and they might feel grossed up, even though their teeth might not be doing too good as well.

Luckily, teeth whitening is now a thing, and it won’t force you to break a bank to get that bright smile back. Many people are embracing this practice because let’s face it, many people can’t live without a cup of coffee even though we know the possible side effects it will have on our teeth.

Also, we cannot stop aging and its effect on our teeth, plus you might have been taking high levels of fluoride unknowingly. Again, some conditions such as the dry mouth condition can result in teeth discoloration and staining, as well as smoking.

Top 4 Reasons Of Why Teeth Whitening Is Important

teeth bleaching

#1 Brighter Smile

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight

Phyllis Diller

Imagine walking in the interview room with your freshly whitened teeth, giving the interviewer the biggest and brightest smile.

By the way, there are people who whiten their teeth purposely to attend an interview or a specific event. You are more likely to win people’s hearts when wearing a bright smile.

First, a smile makes you look friendlier. And second, when it’s a bright smile, it makes you look like you take such good care of yourself generally, creating a picture of an organized, approachable and dependable person.

#2 First Impressions Matter

If I am meeting you briefly, you won’t have the time to explain to me why your teeth are yellow and not white. And worse still, you won’t stop me from making my own judgments and conclusions, which might not be so kind.

Now, to make sure that you get that second date, spend just a little more time and money on your teeth. Get them whitened, and once that’s out of the way, you won’t hesitate to meet anyone with that broad smile.

And, most people might not know this, but a lot of them have missed an opportunity simply because their smiles were not as bright.

People seldom notice old clothes if you wear a big smile

Milton A. Lee

Remember, the smile becomes more effective when it’s big and bright. In simple terms, teeth whitening enhances your appearance. In simple terms, teeth whitening enhances your appearance.

#3 It Restores Your Confidence While Also Boosting Your Self-Worth

Whitening your teeth will help you restore your confidence easily. The thing is, when you have teeth appearance issues, you might even try to cover your mouth unconsciously when talking and avoid smiling or laughing.

However, once you get those sparkling white teeth, you will talk confidently, laugh freely, and even smile at strangers.

One thing about having yellow or brown teeth is that people assume that you have a smelly mouth, which might not be the case, and this will definitely put you down even more because you will obviously tell when they are avoiding you. 

On the other hand, white teeth come with lots of positive compliments, which makes you feel more confident and even want the best of everything. You might also start seeing people you thought were out of your league starting to show some interest on you.

#4 Makes You Look More Attractive And Feel Less Guarded

You might have skin issues and some wrinkles, but once you whiten your teeth, they get all the attention and everything else becomes almost non-existent. And, when you add a smile, there is no doubt that you will be more attractive, especially since most people view individuals with whiter teeth as people who take good care of themselves.

Again, since whiter teeth come with more confidence and higher self-worth, you will want to go out more, socialize longer in social events, laugh and smile freely, and generally feel less guarded in whatever event.

Final Words

You have everything to gain with whiter teeth, and the good thing is that it’s a really affordable process, and harmless when done properly. Do not let your teeth hold you from being who you truly are. Reclaim your brighter smile and go conquer the world!

Click here to find out more about our safe and effective teeth whitening procedures

Free Dental Checkups On Health Care Plans

teeth whitening south yarra

Come and visit Gentle Dentist South Yarra where your smile is our number one priority.

We are the leading South Yarra dentists in the area and offer a wide range of services in order to meet your needs.

We strive for perfection and pride ourselves to deliver the best-in-class service to our patients.

We provide free dental checkups for members of Bupa, AHM, Medibank Private and NIB.

Your free dental checkup includes:

  • Healthy Gum Care
  • Smile assessment
  • Checkups and X-rays tests
  • Cleanings
  • Tailored Oral Health Treatment Plan

Book your next free dental checkup today!