Do you need a Veneer?
What are veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front and top surfaces of the teeth. They are an ideal choice for improving your smile and have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility.
Do I need a veneer?
Veneers are often placed on people whose:
1. Teeth are discoloured;
2. Teeth are worn down, chipped or broken;
3. Teeth are misaligned, uneven or irregularly shaped;
4. Teeth have gaps in between them, and orthodontics (braces) are not suitable.
What is the process of placing a veneer?
The process is simple and uncomplicated, and is usually completed in 3 visits to the dentist.
Visit 1 - Diagnosis and Treatment: Your dentist should give you the opportunity to explain the result you are trying to achieve by placing veneers over discoloured, misaligned, irregularly shaped, word down, chipped or broken teeth. At Smile Studio our dentists take extra care to understand what you want corrected to ensure predictable and desired treatment results. Your dentist will then examine your teeth to make sure veneers are the best solution for you. Your dentist may also take x-rays and impressions of your mouth and teeth.
Visit 2 – Preparation: Your dentist will prepare the surface of your tooth/teeth for a veneer according to the treatment need. Your dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the area. The amount of preparation varies depending on the condition of each individual tooth. Some cases don’t require any preparation at all. After taking a model/impression of your tooth your dentist will send the model off to a lab where your veneer will be made.
Visit 3 – Bonding: When you return to have your veneer fitted your dentist will place the prepared veneer temporarily to make sure the veneer fits. Once the fit is perfect your dentist will clean, polish your tooth/teeth and bond the veneer in place. Any excess cement will then be removed, followed by an evaluation of your bite and any final adjustments that may be necessary. Polishing and finishing is then done.
Follow-up: Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in 2 weeks to ensure your gums are responding well to the presence of the veneer and to ensure the veneer is held properly in place.
Benefits of Veneers:
1. Veneers are individually sculpted to look like your natural healthy teeth.
2. The process is minimally invasive to the tooth structure. Veneers require less tooth removal than crowns.
3. Gum tissue responds well to porcelain veneers.
4. The colour of the porcelain can be selected to make dark teeth appear whiter and natural.
Disadvantages of Veneers:
1. Your tooth may become sensitive to hot and cold food/drinks due to the tooth/teeth preparation. However this sensitivity normally disappears within a few days.
2. In some severe cases of discoloration and mal-alignment some tooth surface reduction maybe necessary, making veneers, in this case come to be considered as “irreversible”. However repairs can be made to veneers, and new ones can be placed.
Ask your dentist to explain carefully the advantages and limitations of veneers.
Are there any alternatives to Veneers?
Crowns and bonding are an alternative to veneers. Ask your dentist to clarify whether veneers, crowns or bonding are the best option for you.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers can last beyond 5-10 years if they are well looked after.
Do Veneers need any special care?
No. Your dentist will encourage you to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for check-ups.
Visit Smile Studio today for a consultation and further advice on the best way to achieve the smile of your dreams.