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Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers have long been used to create beautiful smiles, with this treatment it is possible to transform crooked, stained, damaged and badly worn teeth into eye catching smiles that everyone notices.

Veneers

Veneers are wafer thin lamintates or shells of tooth colored material (which can be either porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material) that are “cemented” to the front surface of teeth to improve their cosmetic appearance. Many dentists use the analogy that dental veneers are for your teeth what false finger nails are for your hands. In a similar manner to how false finger nails are placed or glued to your existing fingernails, veneers are bonded to the front of your existing teeth.

What Treatments or problems are veneers used for?

There are a several reasons why patients choose treatment with dental veneers:

Stained Teeth – stained teeth that cannot be improved by teeth whitening or prophyflex treatments can greatly be improved with dental veneers, which function to cover and "hide" any existing stains on your natural teeth.

Damaged Teeth - teeth that have either become badly worn with excessive grinding, by carbonated drinks, or have been chipped or broken in an accident can benefit from veneers. A small chip on a tooth can quickly be repaired with composite veneers. A single damaged tooth can easily be repaired with a single porcelain veneer that has the same characteristics and color to match the surrounding teeth so that it looks natural.

Gaps - spaces or gaps (diastimas) between your teeth can be easily closed using dental veneers giving you a more uniform looking smile.

Crooked teeth - although veneers are not the ideal treatment choice for crooked teeth and from a point of view of preserving your natural teeth structure orthodontics or invisalign braces would probably a better solution. However, treatments can take up to a year or longer with braces. For teeth that are not severely crooked veneers placed over their front surface will give a straight and perfectly aligned looking smile. For this type of treatment many people refer to veneers as "instant orthodontics" since you get a similar end result in a fraction of the time.

Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are the most popular type, which offer a stronger and more durable alternative to its composite counterpart. Composite veneers are also more prone to staining and do not last as long as porcelain veneers which also offer more a natural looking, translucent tooth-like appearance. Composite veneers are much cheaper than porcelain veneers in general, but considering that they do not last as long and need replacing more often they could end up costing more in the long run. Composite work is ideal for small chips as this treatment preserves more of your natural tooth structure.

Procedure for Dental Veneer

• The first part of any dental procedure is the initial consultation and examination so that the dentist can get a feel for what you want and understand your needs and concerns. The dentist should explain the treatment procedure to you including an accurate guide to the likely costs of your treatment.
• Before your veneers are designed your dentist will need to reshape and prepare the front surfaces of your teeth so that they can accommodate the veneers. The first stage is to numb the teeth and gums with a local anaesthic so that you do not feel anything during the procedure.
• Using a special tool called a burr (a dental drill or file) a tiny amount of the front surface of your teeth will be shaved off. The amount removed should be equivalent to the thickness of the veneer that will sit over the top of the tooth.
• Next an impression or mold (replica) of your teeth is taken. A special dental "putty" is placed into your mouth on a tray and pushed into your teeth so that it makes an imprint of your teeth.
• This "replica" or mold of your teeth is then sent to a dental laboratory. The laboratory uses the impression to cast a model of your teeth which is used as a guide to produce your new veneers, this process can take between one to three weeks.
• While you are waiting for your veneers to be fabricated your dentist may fit you with temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth. Ask your dentist for this option.
• On your second appointment your dentist will fit your new veneers to your teeth. First the dentist may just sit the teeth over your teeth to see how they look with your smile and he or she may need to trim or adjust the veneer.
• Next your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and the front surfaces roughened with a special acid gel so that they provide a good surface for the dental cement to adhere.
• The veneers are then cemented into place and a special curing light is used to activate the dental cement so that the veneers are permanently bonded to the front surface of your prepared teeth.

Longevity of Veneers

Porcelain veneers will typically last between 5-10 years and composite veneers maybe a year or two at the most. In both cases, your veneers will need to be replaced. Although veneers are strongly cemented into place, there have been cases in which they become loose and fall off. It is important that you keep the veneer and contact your dentist immediately.

Same day fittings

Usually porcelain veneers are placed over a minimum of two visits as described above. A few cosmetic dentists have invested in CAM/CAD in-house ceramic studios (CEREC) which can custom produce high quality ceramic veneers on site in as little as six minutes. This CEREC technology enables the dental practice to offer same day ceramic veneers which are fitted within an hour. Ask your dentist for more information on the CEREC process, and how it may benefit you.