Composite Veneer
Composite veneers are tooth-coloured resin sculpted directly onto your front teeth in a single visit. They fix chips, gaps, stains, and uneven shapes for about a third of the cost of porcelain veneers. Because we add the composite without removing much enamel, the procedure is largely reversible. Composite veneers typically last 5 to 8 years before needing a refresh.
The fastest, most affordable way to improve your front teeth.
Done in one visit, no waiting for a lab, no anaesthetic needed for most cases. We sculpt the composite right on your tooth, harden it with a curing light, and polish it to a natural finish. You walk out with your new smile the same day.
When composite veneers are right for you
- ✓You want to fix one or two front teeth, not your whole smile
- ✓You want a one-visit, same-day result
- ✓You want a less expensive option than porcelain
- ✓You want to test the look before committing to porcelain veneers
- ✓You have a small chip, gap, or stain on a single tooth
- ✓You want a reversible cosmetic option
The composite veneer process
- Consultation. We discuss what you want to change, examine the tooth (or teeth), and confirm composite is the right option. For most small chips, gaps, and stains, it is.
- Colour matching. We choose a composite shade that matches your natural teeth. If you also want whiter teeth, we whiten first and then match the composite to the new shade.
- Surface preparation. We lightly etch the tooth surface (no anaesthetic needed in most cases) and apply a thin bonding agent. This is what lets the composite stick firmly.
- Sculpting and curing. We apply the composite in layers, shape it directly on the tooth, and harden each layer with a blue curing light. This is the artistic step where we control the final shape.
- Polishing. We polish the composite to a smooth, glossy finish that matches the surrounding enamel. The whole appointment usually takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
Composite vs porcelain: which is right for you?
Choose composite if
You want a single-visit, less expensive option for 1 to 2 teeth, you might want to refine the look later, or you want to test the smile before committing.
Choose porcelain if
You want results that last 10 to 20 years, you are redesigning your whole smile (6+ veneers), or you have stains that come back quickly with composite.
Lifespan and care
Composite lasts 5 to 8 years on average. Care for them like natural teeth: brush, floss, avoid biting hard objects. They can stain with coffee, tea, and tobacco, so we polish them at your check-ups.
Cost and insurance
Composite veneers are usually considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. Exceptions: if the composite also restores function (e.g., repairing a chipped tooth that affects biting), insurance often covers part of the cost. We submit a predetermination to your insurer before treatment so you know what is covered. Composite is significantly less expensive than porcelain. Call us at 604-282-3800 for a written quote on your specific case.
Why choose Madison Dental Studio
Over 20 years of cosmetic experience, single-visit composite work in our office, polishing at every check-up to keep them looking fresh, predetermination submitted to insurance, BCCOHP-registered team, payment plans, and a multilingual team (English, Punjabi, Hindi, Persian, Tagalog, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean).
Composite veneer FAQ
Does composite veneer hurt?
No. The procedure is non-invasive for most patients and does not usually require anaesthetic. You will feel the etching gel briefly and the polishing at the end, but no pain.
How long does it take?
30 to 60 minutes per tooth, done in a single visit. A typical case of 2 to 4 front teeth is usually completed in a single 1.5 to 2.5 hour appointment.
Can composite veneers be reversed?
Largely yes. Because we add composite without removing significant enamel, we can usually remove the composite and return the tooth to close to its original shape. This is one of the main advantages over porcelain.
Will composite veneers stain?
Yes, more than porcelain. Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and curry can darken composite over time. We polish them at your regular check-ups to remove surface staining. Avoid heavy smoking and minimize staining drinks for best longevity.
How long do composite veneers last?
5 to 8 years for most patients, sometimes longer. They can chip and stain more easily than porcelain but can often be repaired chair-side in a single visit if damage occurs.
Want to fix that front tooth in one visit?
Book a composite veneer consultation. We will examine the tooth, walk you through the look you want, and most cases are completed the same day.