Veneers.

A veneer is a thin layer of material that is either directly built up in the mouth or indirectly fabricated in a dental laboratory by a dental technician which is then later placed over a tooth, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth or to protect damage to a tooth’s surface.

Veneers process

The veneers process involves thin, tooth-coloured shells (also known as laminates) being shaped and bonded to the front of the teeth. For porcelain veneers, teeth may be prepared by removing a small amount of the front surface of the tooth then a thin layer of porcelain is cemented to your front teeth. Composite veneers are created by applying layers of bonded ceramic composite to the surface of the tooth.

Are veneers permanent?

The length of time that veneers last depends on how well your teeth are looked after. Good oral hygiene will extend the life of your veneers, however, they do require extra care to ensure they are not damaged by hard foods. In some cases, they may require protection from excessive grinding.

Veneers vs Crowns

Both veneers and crowns improve the appearance and function of teeth. They are typically used to restore teeth that are somehow damaged, whether discoloured, crooked, decayed, chipped, cracked, or broken. Veneers and crowns are both made to match the colour of the rest of your teeth. Once they are applied, it’s difficult to tell the difference between a veneer and crown because they will each have a similar effect on your smile. You will care for both veneers and crowns virtually the same way. 

The biggest difference between veneers and crowns is how they fit your tooth and the reason behind needing them. A porcelain veneer is bonded to just the front surface of your tooth, while a dental crown covers your entire tooth. This tends to make veneers more aesthetically pleasing than crowns because they show less gum margin. Crowns are thicker than veneers. Veneers may need to be replaced after a certain number of years, but crowns may be able to last longer.

Which veneers are best?

Porcelain veneers are the most common choice for patients thanks to their natural looking results. They’re made of high-quality ceramic, meaning they’re extremely durable.

Alternatively, dental composite veneers – also known as composite bonding –offer similar results to porcelain veneers but at a lower price. The treatment is less invasive, meaning that no or less enamel is removed from the tooth. Because of this, they are not as durable as porcelain veneers. 

Will veneers straighten teeth?

Dental veneers don’t straighten the natural tooth, but they can provide the illusion of straightness through the porcelain or resin application. This method of straightening your natural teeth is often used when there are one or two teeth that are crooked in comparison to the rest of the mouth. The composite resin or porcelain veneer can be placed over these teeth to make them blend seamlessly with the rest of the mouth. Of course, it is possible to use this method on a patient with multiple crooked teeth, but it comes with some pros and cons.

How much do veneers cost?

The cost depends on the complexity of the treatment as well as the type of veneers you get. In our consultation we will be able to give you an estimate of the overall cost.