For sealing in dentistry a special material is used - composite. It has the properties necessary to restore the integrity and color of the teeth. Composite veneers are made of the same composition. Previously, their quality was not too high, and they were much inferior in most characteristics to porcelain and ceramic pads. The modern composite is constantly being improved, in addition, some of its types also contain ceramics, acquiring its positive features.
What are composite veneers?
The considered kind of restoration of a teeth can be spent by 2 ways:
- orthopedic (indirect);
- therapeutic (direct).
In the first case, the restoration technology is identical to the ceramic lining - from the prepared teeth, molds are removed, which serve as a model for the technician in the process of making thin linings glued to the front and cutting surfaces.
Direct composite veneers are performed by the doctor directly during the reception, directly on the teeth. The advantage of this technology is the possibility of minimal turning of enamel. To process only that part of the tooth surface to which the composite material will be attached.
However, indirect or orthopedic veneers have higher strength, since the dental technician can affect the patches with high temperature and pressure, which is eliminated when performing restoration directly in the oral cavity.
Composite material has some disadvantages in comparison with ceramics:
- quick wear (3-7 years);
- gradual change in color;
- the need for regular polishing;
- ability to stain under the influence of food, nicotine and beverages;
- high fragility;
- inadequate aesthetics of the final result;
- low resistance to alcohol;
- pigmentation at the border of the lining and natural enamel.
Despite the above nuances, the veneers described are installed more often than ceramic ones. This is due to the low cost of composite plates, they are cheaper almost 2 times.
In addition, direct veneers are performed directly at the dentist's reception, for 1 session, whereas when using porcelain and ceramics it is necessary to visit the doctor twice and wait for the lining to be made.
How is the restoration of teeth with composite veneers?
If orthopedic technology of teeth restoration is used, they are preliminarily made to grind and prepare extra surfaces (up to 2.5 mm). Then the casts are taken, according to which the dental technician makes individual veneers. To protect the open enamel and dentine, temporary pads are installed.
After 7-10 days the following manipulations are performed:
- Isolation of the tooth to be treated with latex, its preparation.
- Application of adhesive on the surface of the veneer and organic tissue.
- Installing the lining by tightly pressing it against the tooth.
- Glue hardening (polymerization).
- Grinding and polishing of the joints of the veneer and the tooth.
The direct method is completely analogous to the installation of orthopedic pads, only it does not require the preliminary work of the dental technician. The dentist-therapist during the reception grinds the necessary areas, selects the color of the composite so that it coincides with the natural shade of the enamel, and restores the tooth. The patient can control the entire process.
How to care for composite veneers?
Special complications in oral hygiene do not arise.
It is enough to brush your teeth 2 times a day, only the paste should be selected without abrasive particles. It is also necessary to remove plaque from the interdental spaces by means of a thread in a timely manner.
To prolong the service life of the veneers from the composite, you can, if not overload them with too solid food (caramel, nutshell), avoid jabs in the jaw.
It is also necessary to visit the dentist for routine prevention, once every 5-12 months.
What happens to the teeth and composite veneers?
The qualitative installation of linings from a composite does not entail any negative consequences. The only problem is the need for periodic renovation of the veneers as they wear out, preferably from the same specialist who did them initially. Over time, it will be necessary to switch to the installation of crowns or other types of prosthetics , since with each replacement of composite plates the tooth is more strongly grinded.