Dental Veneers What You Need to Know

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Your smile is one of the first things most people remember about you. It might be challenging to feel confident about your smile if your teeth are discoloured, crooked, or chipped.

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, dental veneers may be a good option for you. A dental veneer can help to enhance your smile and significantly improve your self-esteem. Furthermore, dental veneers are an excellent choice for correcting various physical and aesthetic problems with your teeth.

At Ellen Stirling Dental, we understand how it feels to want a beautiful smile but have no idea where to turn for assistance on the cosmetic dentistry procedures that are best for you. Our skilled staff provides high-quality dental treatments at affordable prices, including porcelain and composite veneers, utilizing cutting-edge technology and materials to assist our patients in achieving healthy teeth without breaking the bank.

Read on to learn more about dental veneers and how they can help improve your smile!

What are Dental Veneers?

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A veneer is a thin covering of porcelain or acrylic adhered to the front surface. Veneers can be used to enhance the appearance and shape of teeth. Additionally, they can be utilized to repair chipped, discoloured, crooked, or worn down teeth. Veneers have several potential side effects and dangers, including sensitivity, tooth decay, and gum recession, so it’s critical to understand your treatment options before opting for veneers.

Getting a cosmetic veneer placed on your teeth may be a wise option if tooth whitening treatments or bleaching have failed to resolve your teeth problems or are taking an extended period of time to work.

There are numerous possibilities for tooth veneers, depending on your preferences, money, and other aspects such as material quality. Before selecting a type of veneer, it is vital to discuss your dental needs with a dentist.

Types of Dental Veneers

Veneers can be made of porcelain or composite material. Porcelain will resist staining better than resin, but both have their benefits and drawbacks depending on what you’re looking for in your smile:

A dentist should also help determine which option would work best for you based upon various factors such as cost, comfort level, and dental health.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are frequently the choice for patients looking to make minor changes to their teeth, such as changing the form, size, or colour of their teeth. Several advantages of porcelain veneers are that they are thinner than other veneers, give a natural-looking smile, last up to 15 years with proper care, and in most cases, natural teeth are not cut down.

While porcelain veneers are incredibly durable and look natural, they are also more expensive and require a specialized polishing paste. Additionally, if they break, they cannot be repaired and must be replaced.

Composite Resin Veneers

Some patients prefer composite veneers due to their affordability. Additionally, they may typically be implanted in one procedure, minimizing the need for many dental appointments. Several other advantages of this sort of veneer are that, in comparison to other types of veneers, they require less tooth preparation. Typically, the cost is half that of porcelain veneers. In addition, composite veneers of superior quality can appear natural.

While composite veneers are less expensive, they are also more prone to staining, shattering, or chipping. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers have a 5-year lifetime.

What Types of Problems Do Dental Veneers Fix?

Listed below are some of the most common problems that dental veneers can fix:

What You Need To Know About The Dental Veneers Procedure

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Your dental veneer procedure will be performed in a dental office or clinic. The procedure generally includes these steps:

 

    1. To decide if you are a good candidate for veneers, your dentist will take intraoral pictures, dental x-rays, and conduct a thorough examination. Specific locations will employ an intraoral scanner to show you the before and after treatment images before you even begin.

    2. Tooth preparation entails the removal of a bit of tooth enamel to make way for the veneer. Your dentist will numb you with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment. To generate a mould of your teeth, either a standard putty impression or an intraoral scanner is employed.

    3. You and your dentist will consult a shade chart to determine the natural colour of your veneer based on your nearby teeth.

    4. The imprint and shade are sent to a laboratory, where they are used to build a personalized porcelain veneer that fits your teeth precisely.

    5. Your dentist will produce a temporary veneer on-site to serve as a temporary treatment while your veneers are prepared. They are not intended to last long and often last a few weeks.

    6. During your subsequent dental appointment, your dentist will fit and modify your veneers until they are correctly positioned. A sample of your bite will be taken.

    7. The veneer permanently adheres to the front surface of the teeth after adjustment. Excess cement is removed.

The Benefits of Dental Veneers

There are many potential benefits to veneers, so it is one of the most popular treatments in cosmetic dentistry.

  • Natural-looking appearance:
    Unless you tell someone, no one will know you’ve had a dental cosmetic procedure. Veneers are designed to replicate the appearance and feel of real teeth. It will boost your self-esteem and confidence.

  • They are stain-resistant:
    While veneers are stain-resistant, this does not mean they may be carelessly handled. Acidic beverages and foods can damage the enamel of a veneer. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene habits is critical to avoid premature tooth deterioration.

  • Helps teeth appear whiter:
    Porcelain veneers can be used to enhance the appearance of dark teeth. It is effective at concealing fundamental stains that teeth whitening can not erase. Compared to dental crowns, temporary veneers require only a tiny layer of enamel to be removed. When veneers are attached to a tooth that has not yet removed the enamel covering, they appear weird and bulky.

  • Covers chips, cracks, and discolouration:
    Dental porcelain veneers can be used to conceal minor cosmetic flaws that are visible when you smile or speak. During that visit, your dentist will examine your teeth. The dentist will decide whether you are a good candidate for veneers.

Risks Associated With Dental Veneers

While dental veneer issues are infrequent, any dental surgery carries risks and potential complications that might become serious in some instances. Problems can develop during the procedure or the recovery period.

Dental veneers have the following risks and potential complications:

Once your veneers are in place, the colour cannot be changed. As a result, any necessary whitening or vital work should be conducted first, and the veneer tooth colour should be matched to it. Consult your dentist about any dental work that may be necessary to achieve the best colour effects.

How To Take Care of Veneers

To ensure that your veneers last as long as possible, you must understand how to maintain and care for them properly.

 

The following is some advice on how to care for your veneers properly:

  • Keep a healthy oral hygiene practice:
    Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine even if you do not have veneers, so do not let this slip once you receive veneers. While porcelain veneers do not decay, the exposed natural teeth are susceptible to decay. To keep your veneers looking their best, continue brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and scheduling frequent dental appointments.

  • Maintain healthy gums:
    Gum disease can irritate and even receding gums. Gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup. Thus, it is critical to prioritize your dental hygiene once again. However, smoking, advanced age, diabetes, and stress can all contribute to gum disease.

  • Avoid chewing on hard items and tooth grinding:
    While porcelain is very durable, any material can deteriorate over time when subjected to constant wear and tear. Grinding your teeth can result in significant damage to your veneers, and grinding your teeth is a hazardous practice regardless of whether you have veneers or not.

  • Schedule regular dental check-ups:
    A six-month check-up is recommended unless we detect any additional concerns requiring more frequent monitoring. Check-ups enable us to spot any concerns with your veneers before they become a big problem, allowing us to fix them and maintain the most delicate possible state of your smile.

Am I a Good Candidate for Veneers?

Dental veneers are an excellent solution for a wide range of dental issues. However, this dental procedure is not suitable for all people. Some of the indicators that you are a great candidate for veneers are as follows:

You have strong gums and teeth.

First, you must have healthy gums and teeth to support the veneers. To accommodate the bonding agent and thin veneers, the dentist will need to remove a tiny part of the front of your teeth. Both are at the same level as the adjacent teeth with surface preparation. As a result, the teeth that will support the veneers must be in good enough condition to undergo the preparation process.

 

You plan to use veneers for the rest of your life.

When you choose this option, you will have to stick with it for the rest of your life due to the preparation required for porcelain veneers. If your veneers wear out after ten years, you will need to replace them with porcelain veneers.

 

You are unable to convert to dental bonding. Both require distinct types of tooth preparation. As a result, if you want veneers, you can’t have them bonded.

Some people prefer bonding as a less expensive and speedier alternative until they have the time and money to invest in veneers for the rest of their lives.

 

Seeking a long-term solution.

You might be a good candidate if you want a long-term solution that only needs to be updated once every decade. Porcelain veneers are substantially more durable than dental bonding. So, if you’re looking for a long-term investment, veneers are a fantastic choice.

 

You only require minor changes to the appearance of your front teeth.

Veneers are typically recommended for people who have minor cosmetic damage to their front teeth. For instance, stains or chips in the teeth are readily fixed by veneers, as long as your gums and the tooth roots are healthy. If you have tooth or gum problems, you may require further scaling and planning to treat gum disease or fillings to repair dental decay.

 

You’ve already had whitening on your teeth or don’t need it.

Since porcelain veneers don’t stain, they also don’t respond to dental whitening. Therefore, if you want to whiten your smile, consider having the dentist’s professional dental whitening done first. After brightening your teeth, the dentist will match the veneers to your new colour. Then, all your teeth will have the same bright, healthy look.

Are There Any Alternatives to Veneers?

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Suppose you are not a good candidate for porcelain veneers due to bruxism or have insufficient tooth enamel. In that case, you may be asking what other cosmetic treatments are available to improve your smile. The following are alternatives to porcelain veneers, ranging from tooth whitening to dental bonding.

Teeth whitening

If you’re considering veneers to get a brighter, more youthful smile, consult your dentist about in-office teeth whitening. Teeth often lose their lustre over time due to staining foods, drinking tea and coffee, and smoking. Fortunately, many patients can achieve a substantially brighter smile in just one consultation with professional tooth whitening.

Invisalign

Are you considering porcelain veneers due to a crooked smile? If this is the case, the good news is that Invisalign may be a viable option. Invisalign treatment is a virtually invisible and non-invasive method of straightening teeth. Your dentist may be able to assist you in achieving a straighter smile by supplying you with a series of custom-made, clear aligners. Schedule a consultation to determine if Invisalign is right for you.

Crowns

If you plan to use veneers to conceal broken, worn-down, or decayed teeth. Crowns are custom-made caps that fit snugly between your other teeth and complement the colour of your smile. Because porcelain crowns are more durable and stain-resistant than composite crowns, they are frequently the superior choice for front teeth.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding, also known as composite bonding, is a less expensive alternative to veneers for patients. Dental bonding is a quick and straightforward process that can be used to restore the appearance of cracked, chipped, or deformed teeth.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

With proper care, dental veneers can last between ten and thirty years. While you are free to eat nearly anything, it is essential to take modest measures because dental veneers are not indestructible. Porcelain is glass, and when subjected to severe pressure, it can shatter. If you use your teeth to force open a bottle cap, chew on ice, or bite your fingernails, you are highly likely to shatter the veneer. Individuals who grind their teeth at night will benefit significantly from using a nightguard.

Can a Veneer Come Off?

Veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth and can last for years with proper care. They cannot be removed like dentures and have the same limitations as actual teeth. Thus, anything that could cause damage to your natural teeth, such as sports, accidents, or injuries, would break your veneers.

Do Veneers Stain?

Porcelain veneers do not discolour like naturally occurring teeth do. That is because, unlike normal tooth enamel, porcelain is resistant to bacteria. This implies that it will not absorb coffee, wine, or often stain foods and beverages.

On the other hand, composite veneers, like natural teeth, can discolour over time. They are made of resin, a more porous material than porcelain. Composite veneers typically last between five and seven years before needing replacement.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

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Dental veneers are an expensive procedure that can significantly alter the appearance of your smile. The cost will vary according to several factors, including the type you need and your location in Australia. Composite veneers cost between $420 and $648, while porcelain veneers are often more expensive, ranging from around $1253 – $1817. Nevertheless, some clinics charge higher rates, while others offer discounts if you get multiple veneers.

What Impacts the Costs of Veneers?

It is crucial to understand that the cost of porcelain veneers varies from person to person. Numerous factors determine the cost, but you should expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a decent and long-lasting veneer.

 

Listed below are some of the factors that influence the cost of dental veneers:

  • Material:
    The dentist can use many different types of dental porcelain to make these veneers. Each type has its pros and cons, and the type the dentist uses will depend on the patient’s needs. More often than not, opting for a more expensive material makes financial sense in the long run rather than going in for a cheap material that will not last long.

  • Dentist:
    The dentist you choose determines the price of these veneers. The higher the expense, the more credible and sought-after the dentist becomes. It is best to go with a reputable dentist to improve your smile.

  • Location:
    The location of the dentist’s practice is also essential. The cost will be higher in major cities than in rural or suburban areas.

  • The number of veneers:
    It goes without saying that if you choose more veneers, you will pay more. On the other hand, getting a single veneer is frequently more expensive than getting several at once if you go by the price per veneer. Furthermore, single veneers are more expensive than many veneers since the cost of creating them is higher.

  • Complementary treatments:
    Patients who want porcelain veneers almost always have additional treatments done as well. Porcelain veneers cannot be discoloured, nor can they be whitened. As a result, it is critical to select a colour you like. Many people opt to have their teeth professionally whitened before obtaining veneers. In some circumstances, extra gum tissue may need to be removed, which might increase the expense.

You can’t place a price on a stunning smile that dazzles everyone. If the expense of porcelain veneers is beyond your price range, talk to your dentist about financing possibilities. Most dentists provide these options because your dental insurance does not cover this aesthetic operation.

Final Thoughts

Are you suffering from yellow, crooked or broken teeth? Your smile says a lot about who you are. You don’t need to hide and hold back your smile!

We understand how difficult it may be to speak and laugh confidently when you don’t like the way your teeth look. Anyone who wishes to improve their smile has many possibilities in cosmetic dentistry. If you have any worries about the appearance of your teeth, we would be delighted to assist you!

At Ellen Stirling Dental, we strive to provide a variety of low-cost cosmetic procedures and dental solutions. Our experienced dentists will be with you every step of the way to ensure you get the results you want. Let us bring out the best in you and get the natural smile you deserve with us!

Disclaimer – Use At Your Own Risk :- The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. Any action you take upon the information on these blogs are strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs.

Dr. Rachit Shah

Author

Dr. Rachit Shah

Dr. Rachit Shah has a caring and holistic approach to your healthcare. He brings a gentle and modern approach to dentistry; one aimed to create a painless and anxiety-free experience whilst using conservative methods to create long-lasting and highly aesthetic smiles.

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