Are you unhappy with the appearance of your smile? Do you wish it were whiter or straighter? If so, dental veneers could be a solution.
Veneers before and after pictures show you what is achievable with this popular cosmetic procedure and how they can improve smiles. Getting dental veneers is a less invasive treatment than getting dental crowns. But what are veneers, and how do they work? Let’s take a closer look.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin covers applied to the outer surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They help patients quickly achieve their dream smile and are a popular option for those with teeth that are discoloured, chipped or misshapen.
A simple treatment to improve a smile
Veneers provide a speedy and effective treatment when you’re looking to improve your smile. If you’ve looked at an online gallery of veneers before and after photos, the results are undeniably impressive. What we like most about dental veneers is that you can choose whether you want a subtle tweak or a full-blown smile transformation.
Veneers look incredibly natural and can fix many dental issues, including teeth that are
- Slightly crooked
- Discoloured from within
- Chipped or worn
- Unevenly spaced or gapped
Dental veneers can be composite or porcelain, and both have their benefits. Follow our veneers before and after guide to help decide what’s best for you.
Let’s start with composite resin veneers
This type of veneer is composed of the same tooth-coloured material used for fillings and bonded to the teeth. They are performed chairside by the dentist and handcrafted directly onto the teeth. The resin is layered onto the teeth, moulded and shaped to create a new tooth surface. The material is shaped, hardened and bonded to the tooth with a high-intensity light, after which it is polished to resemble a natural tooth.
Composite veneers last, on average, around 5-7 years and, while durable, are not as strong as porcelain veneers. Although they look natural, they cannot rival the beauty of porcelain. They also stain like natural teeth, so you will still have to be careful about your choice of foods and drinks.
The main benefits of composite veneers are:
- Can be completed in a single dental appointment
- Cost considerably less than porcelain veneers
- The process is reversible
Porcelain veneers – what’s involved?
Porcelain veneers generally require a minimum of two dental visits.
1st visit – The teeth receiving veneers are prepared by removing a thin layer of tooth enamel to ensure they sit flush within the smile. Digital images are then taken of the teeth, and a shade of porcelain is chosen that closely matches the natural teeth. The impressions are sent to the lab making the custom porcelain veneers, and you will most likely be fitted with temporary veneers to protect the prepared teeth.
2nd visit – During this visit, the dentist removes the temporary veneers and tries the permanent veneers on for size, shape and colour. Any minor adjustments will be made before the dentist bonds them to the teeth. You never know, your dentist may ask if they can showcase your new smile in their gallery of veneers before and after pictures.
Porcelain veneers – the benefits
- Hard to distinguish between porcelain veneers and natural teeth
- Extremely durable – can last up to 10 years and longer
- Highly stain resistant
Before getting dental veneers – things to consider
- Teeth must be healthy before getting dental veneers. Your dentist will treat any decay or gum disease before you can receive veneers.
- Although the dentist removes just a thin sliver of enamel, it’s unable to regenerate. This means that porcelain veneers are an irreversible procedure and must always be worn.
- Veneers are not ideal for people that clench or grind their teeth as this could fracture the veneers. Our dentist recommends wearing a custom mouthguard at night as you sleep for protection if you suffer from bruxism.
- Veneers can come loose with time or wear down and need eventual replacement.
As with all cosmetic procedures, it’s best to discuss things with your dentist, mention your smile goals, and consider all the options.
After getting dental veneers
- It can take a few days to get accustomed to wearing veneers. If your bite feels wrong after placement, the dentist can adjust it before you leave.
- Like natural teeth, porcelain veneers can crack under pressure, so please refrain from habits like biting your fingernails and pen tops and chewing ice.
- While veneers can’t decay, the teeth beneath can. It’s vital, therefore, to brush and floss your teeth twice daily at home and visit your dentist for regular check-ups.
What’s the cost of veneers?
According to the latest published figures, you can expect to pay up to $836 per tooth for a composite veneer and up to $2,036 for porcelain.
Ready for your new smile?
At Sydney Laser Dental, not only can we complete your veneers in a day utilising the latest CEREC technology, but with our innovative Digital Smile Design software, you can preview your new smile even before we start treatment. Did we mention that we’re also running a fantastic offer on our dental veneers? Don’t miss out. Schedule a free consultation today.
Pyrmont: (02) 9158 6213
Illawong: (02) 9158 6756
Sylvania Waters: (02) 9159 6083
References
Healthline.com – How long can you expect veneers to last?
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-veneers-last
Smile.com – How much do veneers cost?
https://www.smile.com.au/dental-treatments/veneers
Colgate – What is CEREC in dentistry?
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-visits/what-is-cerec-in-dentistry#:~:text=CEREC%20(Chairside%20Economical%20Restoration%20of,teeth)%20from%20decay%20or%20injury.
