What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are very thin, custom-made shells which are added only to the visible surface of a tooth to alter its colour, shape, or to camouflage small tooth position discrepancies. Once bonded, veneers appear natural and are designed to complement facial features.
What are the types of veneers?
Porcelain veneers
A porcelain veneer is a thin layer of porcelain placed over the visible surfaces (usually just on the front) of a tooth that has been prepared for this treatment. Treatment with porcelain veneers is a targeted, efficient, and effective treatment option for patients looking for the highest quality smile makeover to holistically improve the appearance of their smile.
Composite veneers
A composite veneer is a thin layer of high-quality filling material placed over the visible surfaces of a tooth. Treatment with composite veneers is a short-term solution to improve the appearance of their smile. This treatment aims to change the colour and/or shape of a tooth or to camouflage the appearance of gaps between the teeth.
What’s the difference between composite and porcelain veneers?
On a microscopic level, composite resin is rougher than natural tooth enamel, as such, it tends to collect more plaque and staining around it than natural teeth tend to. Composite also can ‘shrink’ or ‘creep’ over time, leaving gaps between the veneer and the tooth structure which also causes food and plaque to get caught between this gap requiring replacement on average every 2-5 years, but sometimes longer if maintained well.
Porcelain as a material is much more like natural tooth structure; it is smooth like glass and will not shrink or change shape over time; as such it is much easier to clean and only needs to be replaced after 10-20 years or potentially longer if protected and regular oral hygiene is maintained. Porcelain is also stain-resistant, meaning its appearance and colour is less likely to change over time than composite.
Proper hygiene maintenance for both types of veneers includes brushing twice a day and flossing daily, as well as 6 monthly professional cleans. Composite veneers may also require periodic polishes to maintain the shade and smooth surface.
Protecting the longevity of the smile makeover is essential and at a minimum requires a nightly retainer to ensure the veneers do not drift with the teeth over time. If clenching or grinding is a problem a splint will be required to protect the veneers from excessive force. Composite veneers are particularly prone to chipping if not protected as the composite material is not as durable as porcelain or tooth structure.
Can you benefit from treatment with Dental Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are the treatment of choice for clients looking to change the colour, shape or alignment of their teeth and transform their smile. If you have teeth that appear too small, uneven, chipped, or have dark stains, porcelain veneers may be a suitable treatment option for you.
Composite veneers are a suitable treatment option for clients with minor cosmetic concerns. If you are in search of a slight improvement to the colour, shape or alignment of the teeth, you may be suitable for composite veneers. Composite veneers are not suitable for those with excessive clenching/grinding issues.
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Typical treatment journey – porcelain veneers
Number of appointments required: 6
1. CONSULTATION
Dr Rick and the Tailored Teeth Team will discuss your smile goals while educating and informing you of the necessary preparations and requirements that different treatments carry.
2. INDUCTION & CLEAN
The team will take a full set of diagnostic records so you and Dr Rick can get a clear picture of your unique oral environment. By the end of this appointment, Dr Rick will be able to assess your suitability for porcelain veneers and tailor your treatment plan to achieve your smile goals. You will receive a professional clean to start your dental journey in a hygienic and healthy environment. At the end of this appointment, Dr Rick will use your records to create your smile simulation.
3. SMILE SIMULATION
Dr Rick will have prepared a 3D simulation of your dream smile for you to try. This is an opportunity to try your new smile in your mouth without any irreversible procedures being performed. This is how we ensure that our porcelain veneers are perfectly tailored to your needs. The simulated smile will be removed at the end of the appointment. The fee for this service is deducted from the total cost of the treatment when the balance is due.
4. PREPARATION APPOINTMENT
Teeth are minimally reduced in size to make space for the porcelain veneers. The prepared teeth will then be cleaned, and 3D scanned so our ceramist can begin fabrication of the final product. For the two weeks that the veneers are being crafted, you will be provided with temporary veneers.
5. BONDING APPOINTMENT
The veneers are tried in and evaluated for fit and aesthetics. Once you and Dr Rick are 100% happy with your beautiful new smile, the veneers are chemically bonded in place. Within two hours, your new smile is complete!
6. REVIEW APPOINTMENT
Follow-up. Tissue healing is established, and final aesthetics are evaluated. Final photos will be taken and you will be given a protective mouthguard (nightguard/splint) to wear every night while sleeping to maximise the lifespan of your veneers and preserve your warranty. You must bring your splint with you to all subsequent appointments.
Typical treatment journey – composite veneers
Number of appointments required: 5
1. CONSULTATION
Dr Rick and the Tailored Teeth Team will discuss your smile goals while educating and informing you of the necessary preparations and requirements that different treatments carry.
2. INDUCTION & CLEAN
The team will take a full set of diagnostic records so you and Dr Rick can get a clear picture of your unique oral environment. By the end of this appointment, Dr Rick will be able to assess your suitability for composite veneers and tailor your treatment plan to achieve your smile goals. You will receive a professional clean to start your dental journey in a hygienic and healthy environment.
3. SMILE SIMULATION
Dr Rick will have prepared a 3D simulation of your dream smile for you to try. This is an opportunity to try your new smile in your mouth without any irreversible procedures being performed. This is how we ensure that our composite veneers are perfectly tailored to your needs. The simulated smile will be removed at the end of the appointment. The fee for this service is NOT deducted from the total cost of the treatment when the balance is due.
4. COMPOSITE VENEER PLACEMENT
Teeth are cleaned and prepared, as necessary. Based on the smile goals discussed, Dr Rick will then place and shape the composite resin, ensuring maximum compatibility with your tooth anatomy, bite, cleanability and gum health. You walk out with your new smile!
5. REVIEW + POST-OP PHOTOS (1 MONTH LATER)
It is now time for your body to let us know if it loves your new smile as much as you do! During this appointment, we will take after photos and the veneers will be assessed for any signs of early wear and fatigue. Areas under excessive force will be adjusted to minimise the chance of complications over the lifetime of the veneers. A protective retainer will be issued to wear while sleeping to maximise the lifespan of your veneers. You must bring your retainer with you to all subsequent appointments.
Want to find out if dental veneers are suitable for you?
Contact the caring and experienced Tailored Team today and get the beautiful smile you deserve!