What are Veneers?

Veneers can be a good option for people with minor cosmetic issues, however, for more severe cases, orthodontic treatment or dental crowns may be recommended.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or composite material that are placed over the surface of a tooth to enhance its appearance and correct various dental issues such as discolouration, chips, gaps, and misalignment. They are a popular cosmetic dentistry option that can give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile. Veneers are considered a long-term solution and can last for several years, with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. They are also a less invasive alternative to dental crowns, but they can’t be used for every case.

It’s important to note that veneers are not reversible and once the tooth enamel is removed, it cannot be restored. Therefore, a patient should have a clear understanding of the procedure, the cost and the potential risks before deciding to have veneers. It is advisable to consult with a dentist at Innovative Dental to determine the best type of veneer for your individual needs and goals as it has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Types of Dental Veneers

The main types of veneers are porcelain and composite:

• Porcelain veneers: Made from a thin layer of custom-made porcelain, they are highly durable and resistant to staining and discolouration and are often considered more natural-looking. Porcelain veneers can be customized in size, shape, and colour to match your natural teeth and can last for 10-15 years or more with proper care. However, they require more tooth reduction than composite veneers.
• Composite veneers: Also known as direct veneers, they are made from a tooth-coloured resin material and placed directly on the tooth surface. They are less invasive, require minimal tooth reduction, and can be completed in one visit. However, they may be less durable and may require more frequent replacement than porcelain veneers. They also may not be as resistant to staining as porcelain veneers.

Process of Placing Veneers

The process of placing veneers typically involves several steps, including consultation, preparation, impressions, bonding, and polishing. The specific steps may vary depending on the type of veneer being used (porcelain or composite) and the specific needs of the patient.

Consultation: The first step in the veneer placement process is to consult with a dentist. During this visit, the dentist will examine the teeth and discuss the patient’s goals and expectations for the treatment.

Preparation: The next step is to prepare the tooth or teeth for the veneer. This may involve removing a small amount of tooth enamel to make room for the veneer. In the case of composite veneers, this step is minimal.

Impressions/Scan: After preparing the tooth, the dentist will take an impression or scan it with a 3D scanner. This will be sent to the technician to create custom-made veneers that will fit perfectly on the patient’s tooth. In the case of composite veneers, this step is skipped.

Bonding: Once the veneer is ready, the dentist will clean and etch the tooth surface, apply adhesive, and place the veneer. For composite veneers, the dentist adds the composite material directly and shapes it.

Polishing: The final step is to shape and polish the veneer to match the surrounding teeth. The entire process may take two or more visits, and proper oral hygiene is required to maintain the veneers.

When Is a Dental Veneer Needed?

Veneers may be recommended to address a variety of dental issues:

• Discolouration: Veneers can mask tooth discolouration caused by genetics, medications, or certain foods and drinks.
• Chips and cracks: Veneers can repair small chips and cracks in the teeth.
• Misalignment: Veneers can improve the appearance of slightly misaligned teeth.
• Gaps: Veneers can close small gaps between teeth.
• Worn teeth: Veneers can restore the shape and size of worn-down teeth.
• Broken or irregularly shaped teeth: Veneers can improve the shape, size, and colour of irregular or broken teeth.

Veneers can be a good option for minor cosmetic issues, but for more severe cases, orthodontic treatment or dental crowns may be recommended. Consult with a dentist to determine the best option.

Veneer AfterCare

After getting veneers, it’s important to take proper care to ensure longevity:

• Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush and floss at least twice a day.
• Avoid biting on hard objects: Pens, fingernails, ice, etc.
• Limit stain-causing foods and drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco.
• Wear a mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth at night.
• Regular dental checkups for monitoring and maintenance.
• Be careful with whitening products; consult your dentist first.

Following these tips can help veneers last several years, though replacement may be necessary over time.

The Innovative Dental Edge

If you’re in need of veneers, choose a practice with years of experience, advanced equipment, and committed staff. At Innovative Dental Invisalign, we utilize the latest technology to understand your oral health. To book an appointment, contact us at (03) 9346 8333 or click here for online booking.