Composite Veneers in One Visit: What Happens on the Day

Composite veneers can often be completed in a single appointment. Your dentist builds tooth-coloured resin directly onto your teeth, shapes it and polishes it, so you can leave with the finished result the same day. Here is what that appointment involves, how long it takes and how to care for your new veneers afterwards.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers Sydney CBD in 60 Seconds

Before the Appointment

You will usually have a consultation first. Your dentist checks your teeth and gums, discusses what you want to change, and confirms composite suits you. If you want whiter teeth, whitening is done before composite veneers, because resin is matched to your current shade and does not whiten afterwards. See teeth whitening before veneers.

What Happens on the Day

1. Shade matching. Your dentist selects resin shades to match or brighten your teeth, often testing a small amount on the tooth first.
2. Cleaning. The teeth are cleaned so the resin bonds well.
3. Preparation. Often little or no enamel is removed. The surface is lightly roughened and treated with a bonding agent.
4. Building up the resin. Resin is applied in thin layers and hardened with a curing light. Layering lets your dentist create natural colour and translucency.
5. Shaping. Your dentist sculpts the length, edges and contours of each tooth.
6. Polishing. The surface is polished to a natural shine.
7. Bite check. Your dentist checks how your teeth meet and adjusts anything that feels high.

Local anaesthetic is often not needed when little or no preparation is involved. Your dentist will discuss this with you.

How Long Does It Take?

The appointment length depends on how many teeth are treated and how much change is planned. A single tooth may take around an hour, while a set of front teeth can take several hours. Our team will tell you how long to allow when you book.

When One Visit Isn’t Enough

Sometimes a second visit is useful, for example to fine-tune shape or polish after you have lived with the new teeth for a few days. Larger changes, or treatment that needs fillings or gum care first, may also take more than one appointment.

Aftercare

• For the first day or two, go easy on strongly coloured foods and drinks such as coffee, red wine and curry.
• Avoid biting hard objects or very hard foods with your front teeth.
• Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily.
• Wear a night guard if your dentist recommends one for grinding.
• Have your composite veneers checked and polished at regular check-ups.

Read caring for your veneers and how long composite veneers last.

Composite or Porcelain?

Composite veneers are usually lower in upfront cost, quicker and more conservative, and they can be repaired in the chair. Porcelain veneers take two or three visits but are more stain-resistant and generally last longer. Compare both in our porcelain vs composite guide.

Costs

Composite veneers at our practice are priced by personalised quote, depending on the number of teeth and the work involved. Interest-free payment plans are available from $30/week, subject to approval. See the veneer cost guide and payment plans.

Composite Veneers in the Sydney CBD

Our practice is at Suite 302, Level 3, 70 Pitt Street, a short walk from Wynyard and Martin Place stations, and open Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm. Book a complimentary cosmetic consultation by calling (02) 8090 1105 or booking online. Learn more about composite veneers.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Frequently Asked Questions