If you feel self-conscious about how your smile looks, you’re certainly not alone. Did you know that one-third of Australian adults feel uncomfortable with the way their smile looks?
The good news is that you don’t have to be stuck with a smile that you don’t like. Dental veneers are a simple and effective way to create a beautiful smile that you’ll love. If you’re considering veneers to change your smile, then this article is for you.
We’ll answer one of the most common questions, ‘how are veneers applied?’ covering all the basics, so you feel confident about moving forward with the treatment.
So, let’s kick off with a definition of dental veneers.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin tooth coverings applied to the front of teeth to create your dream smile. Each dental veneer is custom-made, taking shape, size, and colour into account. When considering how veneers are applied, it’s important to know there are two types of veneers, composite veneers, and porcelain veneers. They both achieve the same results, but the procedures are quite different. However, the objective of dental veneers is to provide an enhanced but natural-looking smile.
The main differences between composite veneers and porcelain veneers are the materials used and the application process.
Composite dental veneers are formed directly on the teeth using the same composite material as per white tooth fillings and cured with a special light. Typically they require a single dental appointment.
Porcelain veneers are created in a dental laboratory and usually require two dental visits. However, some dentists like ourselves have advanced CEREC technology to design, create, and place dental veneers on the same day.
Now you know about the types of veneers, we will be talking about the process of applying porcelain veneers and the steps involved.
How are veneers applied?
Getting traditional porcelain veneers requires several steps as follows:
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Initial consultation
An initial consultation is carried out to diagnose and plan and is a chance to discuss your smile goals and learn if porcelain veneers are a suitable treatment for you. Having determined your suitability, the dentist will take a digital impression and some x-rays to plan the treatment
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Tooth preparation
The dentist will prepare the teeth to be covered with veneers at the second appointment. A small amount of tooth enamel is removed from the front of the teeth to accommodate the dental veneers. Typically this is around 1.5mm, although this can vary from one patient to another.
Not only does this action roughen the tooth surface to help the veneers adhere, but it also ensures the veneers fit flush into the smile. The dentist will also trim away any decayed material and carefully shape the tooth to correct any chips or cracks.
Next, the dentist will help select the colour of the porcelain. Lighter shades naturally whiten your smile, but we recommend not going too white as this doesn’t look natural. Two or three shades lighter is usually all it takes to make a dramatic difference.
Finally, the dentist takes an impression of the prepared teeth using dental putty to make a precise model of your teeth. The dental lab will use this model to create your custom porcelain veneers.
The patient is then fitted with temporary veneers to protect their prepared teeth while waiting for their permanent veneers. Usually, there follows a wait of two to three weeks before the patient is called back to the clinic to have their veneers fitted.
However, with advanced CEREC technology, the process is considerably streamlined and convenient following tooth preparation. Let’s look at what’s involved.
How are veneers applied with advanced same-day technology?
Once the dentist has prepared the teeth, they take a digital impression eliminating the need for messy, gag-inducing alginate. The 3-dimensional images are delivered to an on-site computer enabling the dentist to make a virtual model. From this, they will create your bespoke dental veneers.
A block of colour-matched porcelain is placed into a digital milling machine, which then fabricates the dental veneers using the data. Patients can wait in the clinic while the machine makes their veneers. Typically, the procedure takes around 30 minutes or less.
Once the porcelain veneers are ready, the dentist will try them on your teeth without any bonding to ensure both you and the dentist are satisfied with their appearance and fit.
If both parties are happy with the look and fit of the veneers, the dentist applies them carefully to each tooth. Ultraviolet light is shone onto the teeth to aid and accelerate the bonding process.
Finally, the dentist will polish your new smile, and you’re good to go. Just imagine walking into the dental clinic with a smile you dislike and walking out a few hours later with a confidence-boosting new look.
Our experienced dentists at Sydney Laser Dental Care can make it happen. Now you know how veneers are applied; you can feel confident about taking the next step.
Are you ready to get started?
There’s no better time to get your dream smile. We’re currently promoting a special offer on dental veneers and provide a variety of payment plans and finance options to help you spread the cost of treatment.
No hassle, no temporary veneers just you, and your dream smile – all in the space of one day! Why not schedule a veneers consultation at our practice?
Pyrmont: (02) 9158 6213
Illawong: (02) 9158 6756
Sylvania Waters: (02) 9159 6083
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – National Oral Health Plan 2015-2024 Performance Monitoring Report
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/dental-oral-health/national-oral-health-plan-2015-2024/contents/how-oral-disease-impacts-our-wellbeing/people-feeling-uncomfortable-with-appearance-of-mouth-and-teeth
Medtronik-ru – CEREC Basic Information
https://www.medtronik.ru/upload_files/file/CEREC_Basic_Information_4.0.pdf
Bremadent Dental Laboratory – Understanding Shade Taking In Dentistry
https://www.bremadent.co.uk/news/understanding-shade-taking-in-dentistry-basic-how-to-guide