You’ve probably heard of dental veneers. Many celebrities owe their dazzling white smiles to this cosmetic procedure. But do you wonder how veneers work and whether they’re right for you? Stay on the page, and you’ll find out all you need to know about this cosmetic procedure.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers have been in use since the 1930s. Because of their natural-looking aesthetic and long-term predictability, veneers have become a standard restorative procedure for anterior (front) teeth.
How veneers work?
Veneers are ultra-thin coverings or shells designed to create a new surface for the front of damaged or discoloured teeth and are used by dentists to change the size, shape, length or colour.
Why get dental veneers?
If your teeth are:
- Chipped or worn
- Worn down
- Cracked
- Slightly crooked
- Irregularly shaped
- Discoloured
- Gapped
You could be an ideal candidate for veneers.
What are the different types of dental veneers?
In essence, there are two main types of veneers:
Composite veneers – These veneers are known as direct restorations because they are placed directly on the tooth’s surface by the dentist and can be completed in a single appointment. Tooth-coloured composite resin is shaped and smoothed on the affected tooth to resemble the surrounding teeth. The composite is then hardened with a deep intensity light. While composite veneers are more affordable than porcelain veneers, they stain and chip more easily and usually need replacing between 4-8 years depending on how well they’re cared for.
Porcelain veneers – These dental veneers are more durable than composite veneers and can last between 10 and 15 years, rarely needing maintenance. They are known as indirect restorations because they are created in a dental lab and then bonded to the front of the affected teeth. They are however more expensive.
You can learn more about the procedure below.
How veneers work – the porcelain veneers procedure
Porcelain veneers are applied in a simple procedure that doesn’t require surgery and usually takes two dental appointments, but if your dentist has CEREC technology, the good news is that your veneers can be designed, milled, and fitted on the same day.
The procedure starts with an initial consultation where you discuss with the dentist how you would like your smile to look and whether the results can be achieved using dental veneers. Assuming you are a suitable candidate, the dentist will recommend how many teeth will require veneers and help you decide between porcelain and composite veneers. The dentist may also take x-rays during this appointment.
First dental appointment
The teeth to be covered with dental veneers are prepared by removing a thin layer of tooth enamel (the same thickness as the veneers) to fit flush within the smile. The dentist will numb your mouth with local anaesthesia to ease any discomfort. Impressions are then taken of the prepared teeth and sent to the dental lab along with a colour sample. You will most likely be fitted with temporary veneers to protect the teeth while you wait for your permanent porcelain veneers to be ready. However, if your dentist offers CEREC veneers you will skip this step and be fitted with your new veneers during the same appointment.
Second dental appointment
A few weeks later, once your porcelain veneers are back from the lab, you will be asked to attend the dental clinic to have them fitted. The dentist removes the ‘temporaries’ and roughens (etches) the front surface of the teeth to strengthen the bonding.
The veneers are then placed on your teeth and the dentist checks both their fit and your bite before bonding them firmly into place and strengthening the bond with a high-intensity light. And that’s it. All that’s left to do is look into the mirror and admire your beautiful new smile.
So now you know how veneers work, you’re probably wondering how much they cost. The price varies according to various factors, including the number of veneers you want, the type, and even the location and experience of your dentist.
According to the National Dental Survey Fee for 2020, a porcelain veneer can cost from $2,036 per tooth, while a composite veneer is typically cheaper at $836 per tooth.
How to care for veneers?
Veneers should be cared for in the same way as natural teeth with good oral hygiene at home and regular dental check-ups and cleans. Your dentist may recommend limiting coffee and other foods and drinks that stain your teeth. If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, you should wear a mouthguard to protect the veneers from damage.
Get your new smile in a day with CEREC veneers
Now you know how veneers work, find out if they are a suitable treatment for you by scheduling a consultation with the experienced team at Sydney Laser Dental Care. We’re currently running a fantastic promotion on ceramic veneers with prices starting from $10,000 for 8 veneers. Thanks to CEREC technology patients can watch as we create their new smiles digitally. No messy impressions no temporaries, and no waiting weeks for your new smile! Just walk in and walk out a brand-new you!
Pyrmont: (02) 9158 6213
Illawong: (02) 9158 6756
Sylvania Waters: (02) 9159 6083
References
NCBI Resources – The Success of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design and Material Type
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311473/
NCBI Resources – Long-Term Survival and Complication Rates of Porcelain Laminate Veneers in Clinical Studies: A Systematic Review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7961608/
Smile.com – Veneers Treatment Guide
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/veneers#:~:text=Composite%20resin%20veneers%20are%20usually,look%20like%20a%20natural%20tooth
