Veneers help to create a healthy looking smile
Veneers are a highly effective treatment option for altering the appearance of certain teeth. Used for a variety of cosmetic corrections, this dental enhancement procedure shows immediate and visible changes to your smile, designing the look you desire.
If you have gaps between certain teeth, teeth that don’t match up in shape, size and colour, have stains, cracks or chips, veneers may be the perfect solution for you. The primary function of veneers is to resurface and reshape these teeth.
There are multiple types of veneers. These include porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers and ceramic veneers. Porcelain veneers are the ideal choice in most cases due to their aesthetic appearance as well as strength and functionality.
With that being said, however, there are other veneer options that can also be used in certain circumstances. These options will be discussed during your initial consultation appointment.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are made from tooth-coloured porcelain shells. Each individual shell is carefully bonded to the front surface of the natural tooth, creating an ultra thin cover-up solution which is not noticeable on the tooth surface. Veneers are a conservative form of dental work, requiring little treatment time and are often used as an alternative to dental crowns or other treatments such as amalgam fillings when the underlying tooth is strong and healthy.
Veneers are used to cover up chipped, discoloured, slightly misaligned or misshapen teeth, and create a healthy-looking and highly aesthetically pleasing smile.
Preparation for Veneers
Before the veneer is bonded to the tooth, a thin layer is removed from the surface of the tooth. This is done to provide room for the incoming veneer to be cemented into place later, without having too much of an impact on the tooth’s structure or your physical health.
Each set of veneers are individually crafted by a dental ceramist from an impression taken of your teeth. This ensures the best fit and comfort for your new smile. Temporary veneers may be placed over your teeth while the porcelain veneers are being made. At the next appointment the new veneers are permanently cemented.
Veneers Procedure
We insist that our patients visit us at Crookes and Jenkins Dental three times to complete the procedure.
During your first visit, our experienced cosmetic dentists will use the consultation appointment time to get to know you better, and advise you on your treatment options. The second and third visit will be to make and fit the veneers respectively.
The process will see some tooth enamel removed from your tooth, in order to accommodate the veneer. You will receive local anaesthetic during the procedure to numb the front teeth as a small amount of enamel is removed to accommodate the veneers. To ensure the shell looks as natural as possible, we will undergo a process called bonding. In this process, the veneer will be temporarily placed on your tooth to examine the fit and colour. Your tooth will then be polished, cleaned and roughened before the veneer is fitted onto the surface.
You may need veneers for a number of reasons. These are some of the issues you may have that would constitute dental veneers:
- Malformed teeth that are broken, chipped, or severely worn down.
- Teeth with large gaps in between them.
- Discoloured teeth, crooked teeth, or those with mismatched size, shape or colour.
- As an alternative to dental crowns.
We recommend that before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner to ensure that veneers are the right course of cosmetic dentistry treatment for your smile makeover. At Crookes & Jenkins Dental, our caring and friendly team are able to do this for you.
Dental veneers require the same amount of dental care as looking after your natural teeth. Dental veneers should be brushed and flossed every day, and it is recommended to keep a diet that is tooth friendly.
You should also have regular dental check ups, and attend all post-procedure appointments scheduled by your dentist. By taking good care of your veneers there is a better chance that they will last longer. Their life can be extended by maintaining good oral hygiene.
Typically, the procedure is not painful, but there is a chance that you may experience slight discomfort while the veneers are being fitted. Veneer shells are quite thin, so no pain should exist and our trained specialists will do their best to ensure that you are comfortable during the process.
Despite the fact that veneers are thin, they will not ordinarily stain when you drink tea, coffee or red wine, unlike your natural teeth. However, if your teeth are more inclined to stain, then it is a good idea to avoid foods and drinks that do stain teeth. If you are unsure if this is you, then ask your dentist and they will be able to make a recommendation for you.
Veneers are not permanent, no. They will eventually need to be replaced.
The longevity of veneers differs from person to person, though they can last from anywhere from 7 to 20 years. This number is dependent on how your teeth develop afterwards, how well you look after your oral health and the general state of your mouth. If your veneers do become detached, they can be reapplied by your dentist.
Generally, you will be advised to avoid eating hard foods like toast, chips, nuts or hard candy. Additionally, it is recommended that you chop up hard foods like apples, pears and chocolate.
You should also avoid contact sports, and avoid biting your fingernails.
Your cosmetic dental professional will give you detailed instructions on how best to care for your veneers after the procedure.
Dental veneers offer several advantages and are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for improving the appearance of teeth. Here are some of the key benefits of dental veneers:
- Improved aesthetics, enhancing the colour, shape, and alignment of teeth.
- Minimal tooth reduction compared to other dental procedures.
- Achieving a natural look that blends with the surrounding natural teeth.
- Long-lasting and durable.
- Relatively quick results, with few dental visits needed for improvement.
It’s essential to consult with a qualified dentist to determine if dental veneers are the right option for your specific dental needs and goals. While veneers can be an excellent solution for cosmetic issues, they may not be suitable for certain dental conditions, such as severe tooth decay or significant malalignment of teeth, which may require different treatments.
Maintaining dental veneers is not difficult, but it requires good oral hygiene, avoiding harmful habits, and being cautious with hard or sticky foods. With proper care and maintenance, dental veneers can last for many years, offering you an enduring and beautiful smile. Always follow your dentist’s advice and recommendations to ensure the best results and the longevity of your veneers.
It’s crucial to understand that getting veneers may require the permanent removal of a small portion of your natural tooth structure during the preparation process. If tooth structure is removed during preparation for veneers, it is less likely that you can revert to your original natural teeth.
Dental Veneers in Brisbane
If you want more information about veneers, or want to book in for a consultation at our clinic in Paddington, Brisbane, contact us at Crookes and Jenkins Dental.