Veneers are thin, custom made shells crafted of tooth-coloured materials. They can either cover the front side of teeth or cover a tooth entirely, improving the overall appearance. They are made of the more advanced pressed ceramic materials such as Emax and can be placed to:
- Correct poorly formed or mildly mal-positioned teeth
- Close gaps between teeth
- Mask internal stains
- Restore partially broken-down teeth
Tooth preparation is minimal and confined to the enamel structure. The veneer is bonded to the tooth structure with tooth-coloured resin cement.
What are the benefits of Porcelain Veneers?
- Aesthetic Improvement: Porcelain veneers can enhance your smile by changing the shape and look of your teeth
- Natural Appearance: The material closely mimics the light-reflecting properties and natural look of tooth enamel giving them a natural appearence
- Durability and Longevity: With proper care, porcelain veneers are very strong and can last from 10 to 20 years.
- Stain Resistance: Porcelain is highly resistant to stains from common culprits like coffee, tea, and red wine, ensuring a consistently bright smile.
- Minimal Maintenance: They require an excellent oral hygiene routine as they can retain more plaque than natural teeth. Regular dental check ups can help us help you look after your veneers
How are Porcelain Veneers Placed?
The process for getting porcelain veneers typically involves three appointments:
- Initial Consultation: We will assesses your oral health, discusses your aesthetic goals, and determines if veneers are the right option for you. Impressions and X-rays of your teeth may be taken.
- Tooth Preparation and Impressions: A small amount of enamel (typically 0.3 to 0.5 mm) is removed from the front surface of the teeth to ensure a proper fit. An impression or digital scan of your prepared teeth is then sent to a dental lab to custom-craft the veneers. Temporary veneers may be placed in the interim.
- Bonding: Once the custom veneers are ready, we will check the fit and colout. If you are happy with them, we can then permanently bond them to your teeth using a strong dental adhesive.
What are the Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers?
- Composite Bonding: Composite bonding uses white filling material to get a silillar effect to Veneers. They do not require any tooth preparation, but it does often need more maintenance to keep your teeth looking as polished.
- Dental Crowns: A crown covers the whole tooth – front and back. If there is more damage on your tooth, or it rquires more protection, we may talk to you about having a crown rather than a veneer.
- Orthodontic Treatment: For misalignments or gaps, braces or clear aligners (like Invisalign®) can move the natural teeth to the desired position, which addresses the underlying issue rather than just masking it.
