Achieve Fast, Effective Smile Makeovers with Composite Veneers
in Atwell & Cockburn

When considering veneer options for enhancing your smile, it’s essential to understand the critical differences between composite and porcelain veneers. Both types offer unique benefits and cater to different needs and preferences.

Material composition and aesthetic outcome:

Composite veneers in Atwell & Cockburn are crafted from composite resin, a combination of plastic and fine glass particles. This flexible material is easy to shape and adapt to the natural contours of the teeth, making it well-suited for minor cosmetic adjustments.

In contrast, porcelain veneers are made from high-quality ceramic. Porcelain is known for its strength, durability, and natural appearance. It closely resembles the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel, offering a more lifelike appearance.

Application process:

The application of composite veneers is usually a more straightforward process, often completed in a single visit, where the resin is applied and sculpted directly onto your teeth. Meanwhile, the process for porcelain veneers usually involves two visits.

Initially, a small amount of enamel is removed, and impressions are taken for your custom veneers. On the second visit, these veneers are bonded to your teeth. Porcelain’s translucent quality closely resembles natural tooth enamel, often resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Durability and maintenance:

In terms of durability, composite veneers are durable but may be more prone to staining and chipping compared to their porcelain counterparts. They usually last around five to years with proper care. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are known for their resilience, can last up to 10-15 years or more and are highly resistant to staining.

Cost:

The cost of composite veneers is generally more affordable, making them an accessible option for a wide variety of patients. In contrast, porcelain veneers are more costly due to the material and the intricate process involved in their fabrication. In spite of this, their benefits outweigh their costs.

At Atwell Smiles Dental, we offer both composite and porcelain veneers. Our team of skilled dentists can help you decide which option suits your needs, helping you receive precise care and achieve the smile you’ve always desired.

Choosing between composite veneers and teeth whitening depends mainly on your specific dental goals. While both cosmetic dentistry services aim to enhance your smile, they do so in different ways.

Purpose and effectiveness:

Composite veneers are primarily used to address issues such as chipped or broken teeth, gaps, or minor misalignments. They can also alter tooth shape and size for a more uniform look. While they can improve the colour of teeth, their main strength lies in their ability to provide a complete smile makeover.

On the other side, teeth whitening is specifically designed to remove stains and discolouration from natural teeth, restoring or enhancing their original whiteness. It’s a great option for those whose primary concern is to brighten their smile.

The cosmetic procedure and time:

The process of getting composite veneers involves applying composite resin to the teeth, which are then shaped and hardened. This can usually be completed in one dental appointment, offering a quick way to transform your smile.

Professional teeth whitening at a dental clinic often requires one or more visits, depending on the severity of stains and the desired level of whiteness. Home whitening kits are also available but may take longer to achieve noticeable results.

Longevity and maintenance:

With proper dental care, including regular cleanings and avoiding habits like teeth grinding, composite veneers can last five to seven years. However, they may be more prone to staining over time than natural teeth.

Moreover, teeth whitening results can last six months to three years, depending on dietary habits and oral hygiene. Periodic touch-up treatments may be necessary to maintain the desired level of whiteness.

At Atwell Smiles Dental, we understand that every smile is unique. Whether you’re considering teeth whitening for a brighter smile or composite veneers for a more extensive makeover, our team is here to provide helpful advice and compassionate care. Contact us to explore your options and find the right option for your dental needs.

Composite veneers are designed to look incredibly natural. At Atwell Smiles Dental, we strive to match composite veneers as closely to your natural teeth as possible. Our approach to achieving this involves a meticulous process of colour matching, where the composite resin is carefully selected to match seamlessly with your existing teeth.

The veneers are sculpted with precision, tailored to match your teeth’ size, shape, and alignment, creating a natural and balanced appearance. Additionally, the texture and finish of the veneers are fine-tuned to replicate the look and feel of natural tooth enamel.

Plus, our team of skilled dentists combines technical knowledge with an artistic touch to create veneers that elevate your smile and preserve its aesthetic appeal.

The composite veneer procedure at Atwell Smiles Dental is usually completed within one to two hours, making it a convenient choice for busy people. An overview of the process is provided below:

• Initial consultation and examination.
  Your appointment begins with a thorough examination by our team to confirm whether composite veneers are suitable for your dental needs. Furthermore, this stage includes discussing your aesthetic goals and addressing any concerns.
• Preparation of teeth.
  The teeth are gently prepared, which may involve minimal reshaping to accommodate the veneers.
• Application of composite resin veneers.
  The composite resin is then carefully applied to your teeth. Our team will skillfully sculpt the resin to match the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth.
• Curing and polishing.
  Once the dental veneers are precisely shaped, a special light is used to harden and cure the resin. The final step involves polishing the veneers to achieve a smooth, tooth-like finish. This efficient process allows you to walk out of our clinic with a transformed smile in just a single visit.

Our team of dentists will provide you with precise, personalised care so your composite veneers complement your smile.

The recovery period after getting composite veneers in Atwell is usually short and manageable. Patients often experience gum and tooth soreness, which usually subsides within two to three weeks. During this time, it’s common to have increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, but this sensitivity generally subsides as your mouth adjusts to the veneers.

You might also notice a slight change in your bite or minor alterations in speech, particularly if the veneers have changed the shape of your front teeth. These changes are only temporary and improve as you get used to the new veneers. Maintaining good oral hygiene and following your dentist’s care instructions will facilitate a smooth recovery and increase longevity.

After getting composite veneers, it’s common to experience temporary tooth sensitivity, especially after consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. However, this will usually subside within a few days to a couple of weeks as your teeth adjust to the veneers.

Practising diligent dental care, such as using toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth, can effectively manage this sensitivity. If you continue to experience discomfort or have any concerns, we encourage you to contact our dental team. We are equipped to provide precise assessments and interventions tailored to your specific needs.

Choosing dental care products that support the longevity and appearance of your veneers is essential. Daily use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash is recommended to maintain oral health and protect the veneers.

Nevertheless, it’s advisable to avoid toothpastes containing baking soda or peroxide. These ingredients can be abrasive and may lead to enamel damage, potentially causing cavities beneath the veneers. Opting for gentle, non-abrasive dental care products will help preserve both your natural teeth and composite resin veneers, helping your smile stay healthy and radiant.

After receiving composite veneers, being mindful of your diet is generally recommended, especially in the initial days following the aesthetic procedure. Here are some guidelines you can follow:

• Avoid hard foods:
  It’s advisable to avoid excessively hard foods, such as nuts or hard candies, which could potentially damage the veneers.
• Be cautious with staining substances:
  Beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine, or foods with strong colourants, should be consumed in moderation as they can stain the veneers over time.
• Limit sugary and acidic foods:
  To maintain overall dental health and care for your veneers, it can be beneficial to reduce your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks. These can increase the risk of cavities and affect the longevity of your veneers.
• Chew carefully:
  If you’ve had veneers placed on your front teeth, it’s wise to avoid using them to bite into hard foods directly. Instead, cut food into smaller pieces.

While composite veneers are durable, taking these precautions can help maintain their appearance and integrity. Moreover, good oral hygiene practices, including regular dental appointments, are crucial for the long-term effectiveness of your veneers.

Composite veneers are a durable and long-lasting dental treatment, but they are not considered permanent. Generally, they can last for five to seven years with proper care. Good dental care practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, play a significant role in extending the life of your veneers.

Additionally, it is crucial to avoid habits that can damage veneers, such as biting on hard objects or grinding your teeth. While composite veneers offer a significant improvement in the appearance of your teeth and can last for a considerable time, they may eventually need to be replaced.

This is due to normal wear and tear and potential changes in your natural teeth over time. It’s essential to have regular dental appointments to monitor the condition of your dental veneers and maintain your overall dental health.

Composite veneers in Atwell are less prone to staining compared to natural teeth, as they do not absorb food colours as readily. However, it’s important to note that they can begin to show signs of discolouration over time. This is particularly true for those who frequently consume beverages like black coffee, tea, or red wine, known for their staining properties.

While composite veneers initially offer a more stain-resistant surface, maintaining good oral hygiene and making mindful dietary choices can help preserve their appearance. Regular dental care, including professional cleanings, can also assist in managing surface stains and keeping your veneers looking beautiful. If you notice significant discolouration over time, consulting with your dentist can provide options for rejuvenating the appearance of your veneers.

Proper care and maintenance of your composite resin veneers are essential to maintain their longevity and preserve the aesthetics of your smile. To help maintain the health of your dental veneers, we have outlined the following guidelines:

• Diligent oral hygiene.
  Brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. This will help prevent scratching the veneer surface while keeping your gums and natural teeth healthy. Flossing daily is crucial to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around the veneers.
• Mindful eating habits.
  Avoid biting into hard foods like nuts, ice, or hard candies, as they can chip or damage the veneers. Sticky foods should also be consumed cautiously to prevent dislodging the veneers.
• Reducing stain-causing substances.
  Beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine are known for staining teeth. Moderating their consumption can help maintain the colour of your veneers. Consider using a straw for darker liquids to minimise direct contact with the veneers.
• Alcohol-free mouthwash.
  Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash for your daily routine. Alcohol can weaken the bonding materials used for veneers, reducing their lifespan.
• Protection against grinding and impact.
  If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard can protect your veneers from excessive wear. For sports enthusiasts, especially in contact sports, using a sports guard is advisable to safeguard your veneers from impacts.
• Regular dental visits.
  Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings. These visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your veneers and perform professional cleanings, which are vital for maintaining both veneer and oral health.
• Avoiding harmful habits.
  Refrain from using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite nails, as these habits can damage the veneers. Quitting smoking is also beneficial, as tobacco can stain veneers and harm overall oral health.

By adhering to these care practices, you can significantly extend the life of your composite veneers and enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile. Our dental team can also provide personalised care tips to help maintain your vibrant smile.

The cost of composite veneers generally ranges from $510 to $740 per tooth. However, this can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of veneers needed, and the dental clinic’s location.

To get an exact cost for your composite veneers, we highly advise booking an initial consultation with us at Atwell Smiles Dental. Our friendly team can provide a personalised assessment and a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your unique requirements.

While composite veneers are generally considered an elective cosmetic cosmetic service and are not always covered by most health funds, there are exceptions. Some health funds may offer cover if the veneers are deemed necessary for dental health reasons.

However, this varies between different health funds and levels of cover. To understand the extent of your cover for composite veneers, it’s advisable to check directly with your health fund provider. They can provide detailed information about what is included in your plan and any applicable limits or conditions.

In addition, our dental team would also be delighted to assist in understanding the specifics of your health fund benefits and offer guidance on the effective way to maximise your cover while achieving your dental care goals.

At Atwell Smiles Dental, we understand the importance of making dental treatments like composite veneers accessible and affordable for our patients. To this end, we offer a range of financing options and payment plans to suit different budgets and financial situations, so you can conveniently pay for the cost of composite veneers.

Our available options include Afterpay, Zip, Humm, Denticare, and smile.com.au. These flexible payment options allow you to receive the dental care you need while managing the cost in a way that works for you. We encourage you to contact us or discuss with our team during your consultation for more details on each of these options and to find the one that meets your needs.

The suitability of composite veneers for individuals with gum disease depends on the severity and treatment status of the gum condition. Generally, it’s crucial to address and manage any active gum disease before proceeding with veneers. The reason for this is that healthy gums are essential for the effectiveness and longevity of veneers.

If you have gum disease, the first step is to undergo appropriate treatment to control the condition and improve your oral health. Once your gums are healthy and stable, you can be considered for composite veneers.

While composite veneers are a popular and generally safe cosmetic dentistry procedure, they come with potential risks or side effects like any treatment. It’s essential to be aware of these to make the right decision:

• Tooth sensitivity:
  After the veneer application, you may experience increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. This usually subsides over time.
• Gum irritation:
  The process of applying veneers can sometimes irritate the gums, leading to temporary redness or discomfort.
• Chipping or damage:
  Though durable, composite veneers are not as strong as natural teeth. They can chip or crack if subjected to excessive force, like biting hard objects.
• Potential for decay:
  If veneers are not adequately cared for, there’s a risk of decay developing at the edges where the veneer attaches to the natural tooth surface.
• Alteration of natural teeth:
  A minimal amount of tooth enamel is usually removed to fit veneers, which is an irreversible process.

Our team of experienced dentists takes every precaution to minimise these risks and provides comprehensive aftercare advice to maintain the health and appearance of your veneers. If you have concerns or questions about our dental service, we encourage a detailed discussion during your consultation to address them thoroughly.