Porcelain Veneers

A veneer is a custom-made shell-like attachment that is placed over the front of your natural tooth in order to address imperfections or weaknesses in the tooth. They are made from a special porcelain material that is specially prepared to look and feel like a natural tooth. While veneers are generally chosen for their ability to enhance the aesthetics of the smile, they also provide the tooth with strength similar to our natural enamel.

Veneers are also the most popular choice for people looking to make slight alterations to change the shape, size or colour of their teeth. Porcelain veneers are also a great choice for correcting or enhancing the symmetry of your smile as they can improve and change your tooth orientation. Veneers can also make your smile more proportionate to your facial features.

Some people may find that they have been unable to achieve their desired results through whitening of natural teeth, so a veneer is a great choice to get a brighter whiter smile as new types of porcelain are stronger and reflect light similarly to natural dental enamel.

How do they work?

Veneers are applied by removing a small amount of your tooths enamel, usually less than a millimetre to make room for the porcelain veneer to fit within the mouth and create an even better looking tooth than the original. Having the veneer bonded correctly to the tooth is critical as it not only provides the aesthetic look desired but needs to be strong for correct veneer function.

Placing veneers usually takes two appointments and in the initial appointment a mould will be taken and used as a model for constructing the veneers. Your dentist will use colour match technology and the veneer is then sent to the dental lab to be created.

On your second visit your dentist will roughen the surface of your teeth to improve the adhesive bond between your natural teeth and your new veneer. After the veneer has been applied the adhesive will be set under ultraviolet light and final adjustments to the size and position will be made to provide a seamless blend.

Porcelain veneers are stain resistant since the material is impermeable and even wine and coffee wont stain. Porcelain is very durable and porcelain veneers will last for around 15 years. Maintaining your new veneers is easy; treat them like your normal teeth. Brush and floss daily and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste will typically be suggested by your dental professional.

If you are interested in learning more about dental veneers, please contact us today!