Dental veneers are great for concealing chips and cracks
Getting whiter, healthier-looking teeth has never been easier. If you find yourself smiling close-lipped, or covering your mouth when you laugh, because of your teeth—veneers may be the solution. Dream Smiles Sunnybank offer two types of veneers: porcelain veneers and composite veneers.
What are veneers for teeth?
Veneers for teeth, more commonly known as dental veneers, as small amounts of composite resin or porcelain bonded to your teeth. Veneers for teeth are typically only bonded to the teeth visible when you smile. And their purpose is to conceal chips, cracks, deep stains and other minor imperfections. This minimally invasive treatment is ideal for patients who are looking to rejuvenate their smile with minimal fuss and no downtime.
How are dental veneers applied?
How dental veneers are applied depends on which type of veneer you have. Composite veneers are placed onto your teeth and hardened under a special light. Composite veneers are applied to your tooth one layer at a time to achieve optimal results. Porcelain veneers take two appointments to place, last longer than composite resin, however they do require some of your tooth structure to be removed.
Are composite veneers worth it?
The kind of veneer you get will depend largely on two things: your desired outcome and your budget. Composite resin veneers are quicker to place, and more affordable than porcelain veneers. The composite resin material is colour-matched to your teeth to give a healthy, natural look. Composite veneers, if taken care of, can last 4 to 8 years. An advantage of these veneers over porcelain is that it’s easier—and cheaper—to repair.
Can composite veneers be whitened?
Composite veneers cannot be whitened with bleaching products. This is why we may recommend a course of teeth whitening prior to treatment. Alternatively, we can apply a new layer of composite to your existing veneer.
The same holds with porcelain veneers, and because porcelain veneers are more lasting than composite veneers we generally are more emphatic in recommending teeth whitening prior to veneers. The benefit of this is you get an overall whiter smile.
How are porcelain veneers done?
Porcelain veneers are placed on the teeth on the teeth in your smile zone. These are the 6 upper and lower teeth visible when you smile. The process for porcelain veneers is a straightforward, two-step process.
After your initial consultation, porcelain veneers take two appointments. The first appointment your teeth are prepared for the porcelain veneers. This process involves taking moulds of your teeth and then shaping your teeth in readiness for the veneers. Shaping your teeth involves shaving a small amount of enamel off to make attaching the veneers easier, and to look natural. The moulds of your teeth are sent off to the lab where your more permanent veneers are fabricated. While you wait for the porcelain veneers, temporary veneers will be placed on the treated teeth.
Your second appointment will be one to two weeks after the first. During this appointment the temporary veneers will be taken off and replaced with your more permanent porcelain veneers. If you take care of your porcelain veneers they can last 8 to 10 years.
Can porcelain veneers stain?
Porcelain veneers are stain resistant. Not stain-proof. It is really important that you maintain a good at-home oral hygiene routine after any cosmetic dental work. If your porcelain veneers do stain, your options are quite limited in fixing the solution. Generally speaking, you may need to replace a veneer if it becomes too heavily stained or damaged.
Are porcelain veneers safe?
If you are in good oral health, and you receive veneers from a skilled and experienced dentist, veneers should be safe. What you have to keep in mind is that your teeth can still suffer from decay beneath the veneer. This is just one of the reasons why you must take good care of your teeth at home. If you do develop decay beneath a veneer, the veneer will need to be removed, the decay treated and a new veneer placed.
Always visit a trusted dentist with years of experience who can answer all your cosmetic dentistry questions.
Dental veneers for patients in Brisbane
If you live in or around Sunnybank, Dream Smiles Specialist Centre offers both porcelain veneers as well as composite veneers. When you visit us, one of our friendly team will assess your oral health and determine what the best option for you is.
If you would like to know more about veneers, or to request an appointment, please contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s important to note that veneers involve the permanent removal of a small amount of natural tooth structure during the preparation process. As a result, once the veneers are in place, it is not possible to return to your original, natural teeth.
Maintaining veneers is generally not difficult, but it does require some level of care and attention to ensure their longevity. Here are some things to keep in mind:
● Good oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly are important to keep your veneers and the surrounding teeth healthy and clean. It’s recommended to use a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the veneer surface.
● Avoid chewing on hard objects: Whilst veneers are durable, they can still be damaged if you bite down on hard objects like ice, pens, or your fingernails. Avoiding these habits can help prevent damage to your veneers.
● Regular dental check-ups: Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings can help detect any issues with your veneers early and prevent more significant problems from developing.
● Stain prevention: Whilst veneers are resistant to staining, it’s still important to avoid or limit the consumption of foods and drinks that are known to cause staining, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco products.
Maintaining veneers is relatively straightforward as long as you practise good oral hygiene, avoid bad habits, and follow your dentist’s recommendations for care.
Dental veneers offer several advantages, including:
● Aesthetic improvement: Veneers can significantly enhance the appearance of your teeth by correcting a variety of cosmetic imperfections such as discolouration, chipped or broken teeth, misaligned teeth, and gaps between teeth.
● Minimal tooth reduction: Modern veneers require minimal tooth reduction, which means that less natural tooth structure needs to be removed during the preparation process.
● Durability: Veneers are made from strong, durable materials such as porcelain or composite resin, which can last for many years with proper care.
● Stain-resistant: Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining from food and drink, which means that they can maintain their bright, white appearance for a long time.
● Versatility: Veneers can be used to correct a variety of dental issues, from minor cosmetic flaws to more significant structural problems.
● Natural-looking results: Veneers can be customised to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, which means that they can blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile and provide natural-looking results.
Overall, dental veneers can be an excellent option for individuals looking to improve the appearance of their smile and correct cosmetic dental issues. They offer a range of benefits, from their aesthetic improvements to their durability and versatility, and can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Dental veneers are designed to resist staining better than natural tooth enamel, but they are not completely stain-proof. The materials commonly used for veneers, such as porcelain or composite resin, are resistant to many types of stains, including those from coffee, tea, and tobacco. However, over time, veneers can still become discoloured due to exposure to highly pigmented foods and beverages, as well as poor oral hygiene habits.
Dental veneers and crowns are both dental restorations, but they serve different purposes and are applied in different ways. Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance. They are used primarily for cosmetic purposes, such as covering chips, stains, or gaps in teeth. Veneers require minimal tooth preparation, usually involving the removal of a small amount of enamel from the front of the tooth.
Crowns, on the other hand, are caps that cover the entire tooth. They are used to restore and strengthen damaged teeth, such as those that are cracked, broken, or have undergone root canal treatment. Crowns are larger than veneers and require more tooth preparation, as they cover the entire tooth and provide more structural support.
Overall, veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes and cover only the front surfaces of teeth, while crowns are used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes and cover the entire tooth.
The lifespan of dental veneers can vary depending on the type of material used and how well they are cared for. On average, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. Composite veneers, on the other hand, typically last 5 to 7 years.
To ensure the longevity of your veneers, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene, avoid chewing on hard objects, wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth, and attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Following these guidelines can help extend the life of your veneers and keep your smile looking great for years to come.
Dental veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front part of the teeth to improve their appearance. Here are the main types of veneers:
● Porcelain Veneers: These are the most popular types of veneers. Made of high-quality ceramic, porcelain veneers are strong, durable, and can last for 10 to 15 years with proper care. They are custom-made to fit the shape and colour of your natural teeth and are resistant to staining.
● Composite Veneers: Made from a composite resin material, these veneers can be built up directly on your teeth in a single visit to the dentist, making them a quicker and often more affordable option than porcelain veneers. However, they are not as durable as porcelain and are more susceptible to staining. Composite veneers typically last between 5 and 7 years.
● Lumineers: A brand of veneers, Lumineers are much thinner than traditional porcelain veneers and don’t usually require significant removal of the natural tooth structure. They are made from a patented cerinate porcelain and can be as thin as contact lenses. Lumineers are durable and can last over 20 years.
● Removable Veneers (Snap-On Veneers): These are a temporary and less invasive alternative to traditional veneers. Made from a resin material, snap-on veneers fit over your existing teeth and can be removed as needed.
Each type of veneer has its own advantages and is suitable for different needs and preferences. The choice between them often depends on factors like the desired aesthetic result, the condition of the natural teeth, the budget, and the longevity of the solution.
Dental veneers can be a great solution for a variety of dental issues and cosmetic concerns. Here are some common reasons why you might consider getting dental veneers:
● Enhancing Appearance: Veneers can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth by correcting issues like discolouration, mild misalignment, and irregular shapes. They are often used to create a uniform, white, and beautiful smile.
● Discolouration: Teeth that are stained and cannot be whitened by bleaching can benefit from veneers. This includes stains from medications like tetracycline, excessive fluoride, and other causes.
● Chips or Cracks: Veneers can cover and protect cracked or chipped teeth, not only improving the aesthetics but also preventing further damage.
● Gaps: Veneers can be used to close spaces or gaps between teeth, especially if orthodontics (braces) is not desired.
● Worn Teeth: Teeth that are worn down from grinding (bruxism) or other causes can be lengthened and reshaped using veneers.
● Minor Misalignment: For teeth that are slightly crooked or misaligned, veneers can be applied to give them a straight appearance, offering a cosmetic alternative to orthodontic treatment.
● Unsatisfactory Shape or Size: If you’re unhappy with the shape or size of your teeth, veneers can reshape and balance the appearance of your smile.
Veneers offer a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution, but they also require the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel. It’s a permanent treatment, so it’s important to discuss all options with your dentist to determine if veneers are the best choice for your dental health and cosmetic goals.
The process of getting veneers typically involves a few visits to the dentist over several weeks. The time it takes for veneers to “settle” can depend on the type of veneers you choose and the specifics of the dental procedure. Here’s a general overview:
● Consultation and Planning: Your first visit will involve a consultation where your dentist examines your teeth, discusses your goals, and plans the veneer process. This may also involve taking X-rays or making impressions of your mouth.
● Preparation: At your next appointment, your dentist prepares your teeth for veneers. This usually involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel to make space for the veneers. After the teeth are prepared, an impression is taken and sent to a dental lab, where the veneers are custom-made. This can take about 1 to 2 weeks. Meanwhile, temporary veneers might be placed.
● Bonding: Once your custom veneers are ready, you’ll return to the dentist for the bonding process. The dentist places the veneers on your teeth to check their fit and colour, making any necessary adjustments. The teeth are then cleaned, and the veneers are bonded to the teeth using a special cement and light source that causes the cement to harden quickly.
● Settling In: After the veneers are bonded, there’s usually a brief adjustment period. During this time, you might notice some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures as your mouth gets used to the new veneers. This should subside within a few days to a couple of weeks. You might have a follow-up visit to ensure that the veneers are fitting well and that your bite is comfortable.
Overall, the entire process from consultation to final bonding, can take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the specifics of your dental treatment and the dental lab’s schedule. The veneers are almost “settled” once bonded, but the initial adjustment to how they feel may take a little time.
Yes, you can eat normally with veneers, but there are some considerations to keep in mind, especially right after they are placed and in terms of long-term care:
● Initial Adjustment: Right after getting veneers, you might notice some sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. This sensitivity usually decreases within a few days to weeks.
● Eating Habits: Although you can enjoy most foods, there are some precautions to consider:
Hard Foods: Avoid biting into very hard foods (such as candy apples or ice) with your veneers, as this can cause chipping or damage.
● Sticky Foods: Sticky and chewy foods might pull on the veneers, potentially dislodging them.
● Staining Substances: Porcelain veneers resist stains well, but regularly consuming things like coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco might cause some staining over time, particularly on the edges where the veneer bonds to the tooth.
● Routine Care: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and keeping up with dental check-ups. This helps keep both your veneers and natural teeth in top condition.
Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Don’t use your teeth to open packages or for other non-eating tasks, as this could damage your veneers.
With these precautions, you should be able to eat normally and enjoy a wide range of foods while maintaining the appearance and integrity of your veneers.
