Dental Veneers

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dental Veneers

By Dr. Jamie,

What Is A Dental Veneer?

Veneers are thin, custom-made layers of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to individual teeth. They are usually used to improve the aesthetic appearance of teeth by changing their colour, shape, positioning, and spacing, thereby addressing issues such as discolouration, chipped teeth, gaps, crooked teeth, dental decay, misaligned teeth, and other aesthetic concerns.

Dental Veneers Procedure

A female dental patient's face is being shown in closeup. A dentist's hands can be seen fitting veneers to her teeth.

1. Initial Consultation

During this visit, we'll discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure. We'll then examine your teeth to determine if you are a good candidate for dental veneers and discuss the procedure in more detail. This is a great opportunity to ask us any questions you might have about veneers and cosmetic dentistry.

2. Treatment Planning

If you decide to go ahead with your dental veneers, we will create a customised treatment plan. This plan may involve taking targeted dental X-rays or making impressions of your mouth and teeth. These preliminary steps help us to design veneers that fit your tooth structure perfectly and meet your aesthetic goals.

3. Preparation

To prepare your teeth for veneers, we will remove a small amount of enamel from their front surface. This step is crucial to ensure that the veneers fit correctly and appear natural, without making your teeth look or feel too large or bulky. After this, an impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where your custom high-quality dental veneers will be crafted. In some cases, we may place temporary veneers on your teeth during the intervening period (usually a few weeks).

4. Fitting

During your fitting session, we will temporarily place the dental veneer over each relevant tooth to check the fit and colour. We will then make any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect match with your natural teeth and desired look. After these adjustments have been made, we'll begin the process of permanently bonding the veneers to your teeth.

5. Bonding

Bonding is the process of securing the veneer to your tooth enamel. Before bonding, your dentist will clean, polish, and etch each relevant natural tooth to prepare it for the bonding process. A special dental cement is then applied to the veneers, which are placed on your teeth. Once properly positioned, we will use a special light to activate chemicals in the dental cement, causing it to harden quickly and securely bond the veneer to your tooth enamel.

We will also provide you with any further care instructions to maintain your veneers, including oral hygiene practices, foods to avoid, and how to prevent damage to your veneers.

6. Follow-Up

We will generally schedule a follow-up appointment to check the placement of your veneers and your gum response, and to make any necessary adjustments.

Types Of Dental Veneers

A female dental patient's mouth is being shown in closeup. A number of sample dental veneers are being held in front of her teeth for colour matching purposes.

1. Composite Resin Veneers

Dental composite resin is a putty-like material that is carefully colour-matched and applied in layers to your tooth, where it is then shaped and polished to achieve a natural look and feel.

Composite resin veneers are less invasive than porcelain veneers because they do not require as much of the natural tooth enamel to be removed. They are also easier to repair and customise. As far as the dental veneers’ cost is concerned, they are less expensive than their porcelain counterparts, coming in at around half the price.

However, they are not as durable as porcelain veneers, are more prone to staining and require more maintenance over their lifecycle, which is generally 4-8 years.

2. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are comprised of thin shells of medical-grade ceramic material that are adhered to the front surfaces of teeth. They are designed to match the natural colour of your teeth while also offering other aesthetic improvements.

Compared to composite veneers, porcelain veneers more closely resemble the appearance of natural tooth enamel. They are also more durable, lasting an average of 10-15 years or longer, and are much more resistant to staining.

However, due to the stronger material, porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers. They are also harder to repair and will likely need to be replaced if they chip or crack. The amount of enamel that is removed before installing the veneer means that the process is not reversible, and can also lead to heightened sensitivity during the time between removal of the enamel and the fitting of the veneer.

3. Choosing Between Dental Veneer Types

The best veneer option for you will depend on a number of personal factors, including your budget and your aesthetic goals. Both composite and porcelain veneers can deliver an enhanced, rejuvenated smile without the need for intricate surgical procedures. We'll help you decide which option is best for you during your consultation session.

Ready For Your New Veneers?

If you think that you would benefit from dental veneers and want great dental service, then look no further than Stirling Street Dental. Book an appointment with one of our expert dentists today!

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH US TODAY!

08 9227 7700