Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. They are frequently used to improve the color, shape, and position of teeth. On the other hand, bonded teeth refer to teeth that have already undergone a procedure where composite resin material has been applied and cured directly onto the teeth to restore chips, close gaps, or change the color and shape of teeth. So a common question that arises is whether it is possible to place veneers over teeth that have already been bonded.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers, also sometimes called porcelain veneers or composite veneers, are custom-made shells that cover the front side of teeth. They are made to fit precisely over each tooth to improve its color, shape, size, and/or position.
Veneers are usually recommended for situations where other cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening or bonding cannot provide the desired visual improvement. Common reasons people get dental veneers include:
- Discolored or stained teeth that don’t respond well to whitening
- Worn down, chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Teeth with gaps in between them
- Permanently crooked or poorly positioned teeth
- Misshapen teeth
Veneers are thin, ranging in thickness from 0.3mm to 0.7mm. They are bonded to the front of teeth using dental cement. The cement forms a tight, strong bond between the veneer and the underlying tooth structure.
Veneers are most often made from either porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory, while composite veneers can be created directly in the dentist’s office.
Some key advantages of veneers include:
- Provide a natural, aesthetically-pleasing appearance
- Strong and durable – lasts 10-15 years or longer with proper care
- Minimally invasive preparation of teeth needed in most cases
- Stain-resistant
- Able to cover localized imperfections or stains
What is bonded composite resin?
Bonded composite resin refers to a procedure where a dentist applies a plastic resin material directly onto the surface of a tooth, then “bonds” it by hardening it with a special curing light. The composite resin bonds micromechanically to the underlying tooth structure to restore chips, fill gaps, or change the color and shape of teeth.
Composite resin bonding is an alternative way to repair cosmetic flaws or damage in teeth without resorting to veneers or crowns. It is commonly used to:
- Repair minor chips or cracks in the teeth
- Close small gaps between teeth
- Reshape and recontour teeth
- Whiten stained or discolored teeth
- Build up and protect worn teeth
- Repair defects in existing fillings
Composite resin offers a conservative and cost-effective option for certain cosmetic improvements. Unlike veneers or crowns, it does not require any removal of tooth structure. The resin is simply built up on the teeth in thin layers and shaped as needed.
However, bonded composite restorations have a shorter lifespan than veneers and are more prone to staining, chipping, and wearing down over time. Touch up and replacement of bonding is often needed every 3-5 years.
Can you place veneers over bonded teeth?
This is a very common question among those considering veneers who have existing composite resin restorations on their teeth. The short answer is yes, in many cases veneers can be successfully placed over bonded teeth.
There are a few factors the dentist will take into consideration:
- Health of underlying tooth structure – Teeth need to be strong enough to properly bond the veneer.
- Old restorations – Any composite restorations must be repaired or replaced before veneers can be placed.
- Surface preparation – The dentist may need to use diamond burs to roughen surfaces and create retention.
- Remaining tooth structure – Enough enamel should remain for adequate bonding.
- Resin cements – Special resin cements are used for bonding veneers to composite resin.
As long as the underlying teeth and restorations are solid and the proper steps are taken to prepare the teeth, veneers tend to work well over the top of bonded teeth in the majority of cases. With good oral home care and avoidance of damaging habits, veneered teeth that have been previously bonded can last many years.
However, veneers may not be indicated if teeth have insufficient remaining tooth structure or existing restorations are defective, fractured, or widely discolored. A dental examination is needed to determine if placing veneers over bonded teeth is feasible.
Steps involved in placing veneers over bonded teeth:
- Examination and diagnosis – The dentist will evaluate the health of the teeth and restorations.
- Imaging – X-rays or impressions may be needed to check for tooth decay and examine remaining tooth thickness.
- Treatment planning – The dentist will decide if veneers are appropriate or if older restorations need replacement first.
- Tooth preparation – Some reshaping or roughening of the teeth may be needed.
- Impressions – Molds are taken to create the custom veneers.
- Temporary veneers – Worn while permanent veneers are being made.
- Cementation – Veneers are bonded onto the prepared teeth.
- Follow-up visits – To check the fit and bite.
Proper oral hygiene and limiting damaging habits like grinding will help veneers over bonded teeth last. Most dentists recommend professional cleanings every 6 months.
Advantages of placing veneers over existing composite bonding:
There are several potential benefits to placing veneers over previously bonded teeth:
- Conserves tooth structure – No or minimal removal of natural tooth needed.
- Shorter appointments – Tooth preparation is generally faster and easier.
- Fewer office visits – Can usually complete treatment faster.
- Lower cost – Less labor required compared to veneers over unrestored teeth.
- Extended lifespan – Veneers protect underlying bonding.
- Excellent esthetics – Veneers offer lifelike translucency and custom shade-matching.
For these reasons, placing veneers over previously bonded teeth offers an efficient, conservative, and esthetic outcome in many cases.
Potential disadvantages and risks
While veneers over bonded teeth often succeed, there are some potential downsides and risks to consider:
- Existing restorations must be in good condition – Fractured or defective bonding may require replacement first.
- Tooth structure may be thinner – Can increase chance of preparing into the nerve.
- Compromised bond strength – Bonding to resin rather than enamel lowers bond strength.
- Higher fracture risk – Underlying bonded restoration provides less support.
- Nerve sensitivity – From heat, cold, or pressure more likely.
- Need for root canals – If decay or thin enamel is undetected.
- Veneer failure – Higher rates of debonding or cracking possible.
Careful case selection and planning steps help minimize risks and increase the predictability of success. Patients should follow strict home care and avoid chewing hard foods or using teeth as tools to prevent damage.
Ideal candidates for veneers over bonded teeth
The patients below make good candidates for placing veneers over bonded teeth:
- Patients with only minor cosmetic flaws that bonding didn’t fully correct.
- Teeth are structurally sound without large fillings or defects.
- Sufficient enamel remains for bonding.
- Old restorations are intact and well-matched to tooth color.
- Patients want to conserve as much natural tooth as possible.
- Patients wish to avoid multiple office visits and higher costs.
Patients with concerns like tetracycline stains, severely crooked teeth, or major structural defects may still benefit more from veneers on unrestored teeth.
Preparation techniques when bonding over composite
Some steps a dentist may take when preparing bonded teeth for veneers include:
- Use burs and abrasion to roughen resin surfaces – Creates micro-retention for bonding.
- Remove superficial enamel – Etches surface for better adhesion.
- Place bevels only where needed – Conservative preparations.
- Round sharp edges and corners – Reduces areas of stress concentration.
- Use adhesives made for bonding dissimilar materials – Hybrid resin cements.
- Take precautions against heat or pressure during curing.
More complex preparation techniques may be required if extensive restorations are present. The goal is to balance removal of minimal enamel with effectively bonding the veneer.
Aftercare recommendations
To get the most longevity out of veneers bonded over composite resin, patients should:
- Avoid chewing hard, sticky, or crunchy foods – To prevent fracture or debonding.
- Wear a custom nightguard – To protect from grinding or clenching.
- Practice excellent oral hygiene – Brush and floss gently between veneers.
- Get regular dental cleanings and exams – Ensure veneers remain bonded.
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste – To prevent wearing down composite resin.
- See the dentist at first sign of problems – Get minor repairs before extensive damage occurs.
Proper home care and professional maintenance helps veneers over composite bonded teeth last many years. Patients should also wear a mouthguard when playing sports and avoid other activities that carry a risk of trauma to teeth.
Cost comparison
On average, costs for veneers over previously bonded teeth are approximately:
- Composite veneers: $250-$1500 per tooth
- Porcelain veneers: $1000-$2500 per tooth
This compares to costs for veneers on unrestored teeth of:
- Composite veneers: $300-$2000 per tooth
- Porcelain veneers: $1000-$3000 per tooth
Placing veneers over bonding is often less expensive since preparation is simpler. However, costs vary based on the dentist, materials used, and number of teeth being treated. Get an exact quote from your dentist before proceeding.
Factors affecting the cost of treatment:
- Type of veneer – Composite or porcelain
- Extent of tooth preparation needed
- Amount of existing restorations
- Complexity of the case
- Lab fees for veneer fabrication
- Additional procedures like implant crowns
- Location and experience of the dentist
Dental insurance may pay a portion of the cost for veneers over bonded teeth if considered medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic.
Conclusion
Placing veneers over existing composite resin bonding is often a viable option that can provide excellent esthetic results while being conservative on tooth structure. As long as the underlying teeth and restorations are healthy and properly prepared, success rates are usually high.
The main benefits of avoiding removing well-bonded restorations include fewer office visits, lower costs, and faster treatment times for patients. However, bonded teeth must have sufficient enamel present and be structurally sound to properly support veneer restorations.
Careful case selection and planning steps are needed to ensure success and longevity when placing veneers over previously bonded teeth. With good oral hygiene and avoidance of damaging habits, this conservative technique can yield beautiful, natural-looking veneered smiles.