Direct dental composite veneers: advantages and disadvantages compared to other materials

The dental veneers consist of a thin sheet of material that is usually porcelain, zirconia, lithium disilicate or dental composite that is used to correct the appearance of the teeth either due to loss of dental tissue or change of color or shape. When the veneers are made of porcelain, zirconia or lithium disilicate, they are manufactured in the dental laboratory and adhered to the tooth through a cement. On the other hand, veneers made of dental composite can be made using the direct or indirect technique. The technology of dental materials has allowed the development of composites of such a high level in relation to their aesthetic and resistance properties that even today it is possible to make dental veneers with results that are very similar to the natural dental structure and at a lower cost than more complex restorations, becoming in a more than acceptable alternative. In this article we will see some limitations of the composite in the manufacture of dental veneers and we will give you some tips to counteract them and offer your patients optimal, aesthetic and lasting results. Ready to be an expert? Let's get started!

Aesthetic dentistry plays a fundamental role and composite veneers are an excellent option, however, their clinical performance depends on various factors such as:

• Fracture resistance
• Marginal adaptation
• Colour
• Integrity of the dental substrate
• Veneer thickness

It is not a secret that dental composite, in many cases, compared to other types of materials, seems not to be the first choice for making veneers, which is why we have analyzed it in various studies. the type of failures that are most repeated in composite veneers, concluding that most of them are the fracture of the material in the anterior teeth, the loss of the veneer due to adhesion failures and ultimately instance, recurrent cavities.

In the case of recurrent caries in dental composite restorations in the anterior sector, perhaps this was foreseeable, since this normally only occurs in patients with a high cariogenic risk, therefore with a less high frequency.

As in dentistry each case is different and requires a personalized solution taking into account a wide variety of factors and risks, for some patients the best option will be composite veneers and for others, perhaps ceramic veneers that can provide greater longevity, function, aesthetics and periodontal health in many cases, but as we have said, by requiring a phase complex laboratory involving its design and manufacture; and consequently, more time and cost, it may not be the most appropriate option for all patients.

Advantages and disadvantages of direct composite veneers

After the analysis of the available literature on the preparation of veneers and comparisons with other types of materials, we have found some key points that we are sure can be useful in your clinical practice.

• Enamel is the best substrate for bonding direct composite veneers and this occurs because enamel is basically made up of inorganic tissue, which is a more suitable surface for bonding.
• The direct composite veneers are indicated on multiple occasions, among them, the closure of gaps, the correction of malformations and malpositions and fractures, but in these cases, especially, the amount of remaining dental structure must be considered to a great extent, especially enamel, to achieve correct adhesion and consequently a good prognosis.
• In some studies where follow-ups of discoloration and marginal integrity have been carried out for up to two years, in the case of direct veneers it is acceptable, it is assumed that this occurs with proper care and in non-smokers.
• composite veneers may be more conservative than indirect veneers made of other materials, since they require a wear of at least 0.3 mm cervical, 0.5 mm vestibular and 0.2 to 1 mm on the incisal edge. In the case of direct composite veneers, it would be enough to remove caries, old restorations and a light layer of enamel, avoiding dentin exposure if possible. Point for the composite!

Durability of the composite in dental veneers

Several authors mention that direct composite veneers remain in good condition for at least two years and after 10 years they present an 88% survival rate, although more studies are still required to support this hypothesis.

Composite veneers can be more easily repaired, unlike more complex restorations made in the laboratory. Another point for the composite!

Keys to success for direct composite restorations

Selection of dental composite shade

To choose the color you must have a trained eye, since the color and the appropriate translucency are critical points in patient satisfaction. To do this, you must know in detail the polychromatic characteristics of natural teeth with the aim of being "the best imitator" of the patient's adjacent teeth so that the restoration is so natural that it goes unnoticed. Nowadays you have so many composite shade alternatives available, but if this is not the case, it seems overwhelming, there are composites that simplify the classic range of vita shades, as in the case of 3M Filtek Universal Restorative that with only 8 colors + an extra white, helps to simplify the procedure without compromising the results at all.

Remember that a highly relevant aspect when choosing the color is the lighting you use, the best is always, preferably natural light and avoid external color interference such as makeup, the color of clothing, etc.

Colors to use in dental composite veneers

Your dental veneers can be of different levels. What do you want to offer your patients? Without a doubt, always a good result, but how much time you want to dedicate to it is your decision.

• Option 1: You can restore the tooth with a single shade in the case of monochrome teeth with uniform color and opacity, a body shade with an intermediate opacity between enamel and dentin could be used for a better result.


• Option 2: You can use two shades and make the restoration a bit more sophisticated, since teeth often present a gradient of color and translucency that goes from cervical to incisal, the cervical area being richer in chromatism and opacity and the incisal third less chromatic and more translucent. In these cases it is better to use more different tones and opacities to achieve a highly aesthetic and natural result.


• Option 3: This would be the “pro” version since it would apply a complex layering technique in order to achieve the maximum naturalness of the teeth. This is true for highly characterized teeth that often have a blue incisal halo, a yellow cervical third, and other natural color gradients. Imitating them is an art.

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Composite veneers and preservation of tooth structure

direct composite veneers are indicated on multiple occasions compared to indirect veneers of other types of materials. However, the preparations will vary according to each case, from those without preparation to those that require greater wear that can even reach the dentin.

In 2013 Brian LeSage proposed a classification of the different parameters that each preparation must meet, identifying 4 different types:

• Class I, no-prep or prep-less: The remaining enamel is 95% to 100%. No dentin exposure.
• Class II, modified prep-less: Minimally invasive, with 80 to 95% remaining enamel. There may be 10 to 20% dentin exposure.
• Class III, conservative preparation: 60 to 80% remaining enamel and there may be 20 to 40% dentin exposure.
• Class IV, complete veneer: it is usually made of porcelain. It retains about 50% of the enamel and there is 40% of dentin visible.

Beyond this classification, it would be necessary to think about making a crown instead of a veneer. But whenever you can choose a veneer, it is the best option, since it is much more conservative, since it eliminates a quarter or a maximum of half of the tissue that is removed to make a crown.

Adhesion is a decisive factor in dental composite veneers

It is essential for the realization of any type of adhesive restoration to have a material of optimum quality and great durability that is capable of joining the composite to the enamel and dentin and this is the main challenge of the dental adhesives.

When the vestibular surface has been prepared, thoroughly cleaned and then completely isolated from the operating field, it is advisable to use a gingival retraction cord to have a good view of the preparation limits. In this step you can use an acetate strip fixed with wedges in order to prevent the acid that you will use next from coming into contact with the adjacent teeth.

Subsequently, the enamel is etched with 37% phosphoric acid, washed, dried carefully and then a light-curing adhesive is applied.

The choice of adhesive is very important, it is essential to choose one of optimum quality, a recommendation is to select those that have proven efficacy through studies where they have been put to the test, in addition to practically not produce surgical sensitivity or that this is minimal, finally, of course, its adhesion strength must be optimal in order to avoid failures in the future.

Our special recommendation for minimally invasive dentistry procedures and in general for all adhesive procedures, is the use of a radiopaque universal adhesive that can help reduce the risk of future misdiagnosis , since many times a built-up adhesive can appear as a secondary caries on an x-ray. We recommend:

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How to increase the useful life of dental composite veneers

The patient's habits are key to preserve for longer the durability of the composite veneers, for which you should avoid excessive consumption of food or drinks that cause staining such as coffee, of course tobacco should also be avoided.

Other habits that patients should avoid are using their teeth to cut things, open things, hold things. In short, using them only for their purpose undoubtedly reduces the risk of fractures, although as we have said before, one of the advantages of the composite is that it can be repaired.

Oral hygiene habits are also of vital importance, teeth should be cleaned with an appropriate brushing technique, just like natural teeth, and check-ups with the dentist should be attended every six months.

To polish the composite on subsequent visits, instruments such as brushes, polishing gums, and cleaning and polishing pastes should be used, in order to restore the initial aesthetics. Periodontal status should also be checked. If there is wear on the composite and teeth due to bruxism, treatment for this pathology should be considered.

As you know, at Dentaltix we have a huge catalog of products where you can find everything you need to make the best, most natural and resistant composite veneers. Of course, all the accessories, adhesives, instruments for composite, polishers of all kinds and a wide variety of dental composites of exceptional aesthetics.

This is the end of our article today, as always, we are very grateful that you are a faithful reader and we appreciate your interest in our content. If you want to continue reading us, we invite you to follow us on our social networks. Also, contact us with any suggestion or question you may have, because we will always be happy to help you. Until next time!