If you’re unhappy about your smile, you may be interested in dental veneers. But what are veneers for teeth, and are you a suitable candidate? Let’s find out.
What Are Veneers for Teeth?
Dental veneers are tooth-shaped shells of ceramic (typically porcelain) that are affixed to the front of the teeth, thus improving their appearance and creating a beautiful smile. A veneer is thin but light and strong, and as a cosmetic dental procedure, it’s designed to address aesthetic flaws, such as stains, uneven edges, and chips.
Dental veneers can quickly transform even the ugliest teeth into a stunning smile and consist of two common types:
- Porcelain veneers are a popular choice due to their natural-looking appearance and durability. Porcelain is a hard-wearing material and has translucent qualities similar to tooth enamel.
- Conversely, composite veneers are made from a composite resin material and used to cover minor imperfections in the teeth. However, the composite lifespan is around half that of porcelain veneers.
Let’s take a look at how veneers are applied.
Porcelain Veneers
Before porcelain veneers are applied, the dentist needs to prepare the front of the teeth. This involves removing a thin slither of the tooth enamel and taking impressions from which your custom veneers are made. In the meantime, temporary veneers are placed over the prepared teeth for protection. Once the veneers are back from the dental lab, an appointment will be arranged for our dentist to bond the veneers in place. Because the veneers are colour-matched to the patient’s natural teeth, they blend seamlessly into the smile.
Composite Veneers
Alternatively, unlike porcelain veneers that are custom-made, the dentist applies composite veneers directly to the tooth’s surface in the form of tooth-coloured resin. The resin is smoothed, shaped, and hardened with a high-intensity light. The tooth is then gently buffed to match the sheen of the surrounding teeth. Composite veneers are good for minor blemishes, chips and cracks.
What are the best veneers – Composite or Porcelain Veneers?
- Porcelain veneers tend to last for 10-15 years; composite only 5-7
- As the front of the tooth structure is altered to place porcelain veneers, it is considered a permanent procedure. So, in time, you must be prepared to have the veneers replaced. The tooth structure remains intact with composite veneers, meaning a dentist can reverse the procedure.
- Porcelain dental veneers cost more than composite.
Can Anyone Have Dental Veneers?
You may have noticed that many celebrities have amazing teeth. Often this is down to dental veneers. That said, they aren’t the most suitable treatment for everyone.
- Have good oral health with no tooth decay or gum disease;
- Maintain good oral health with twice-daily brushing and flossing, supplemented with regular dental check-ups;
- Do not suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) that can damage your veneers.
What are Veneers for Teeth? The Takeaway
Dental veneers are an excellent cosmetic dentistry option if you want to improve the aesthetics of one or more teeth. Contact us at (02) 9054 5281 today to schedule an appointment and discuss your options.
References
Colgate – Dental Veneers: Pros and Cons
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/veneers-sydney/dental-veneers-pros-and-cons#
Mayo Clinic – Bruxism (teeth grinding)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095