What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers, are wafer-thin shells made from either porcelain or a composite resin. They are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth and, accordingly, improve the appearance of tooth shape, colour, size and alignment.
Porcelain veneers
- Provide a long lasting and life-like appearance.
- Are fabricated in a dental laboratory (we only use Australian laboratories).
Composite resin veneers
- The dentist places these directly onto your teeth.
- They usually are not made in a laboratory, therefore, they will cost a fraction of the fee for a porcelain veneer.
When are dental veneers used?
Dental veneers can assist in creating a straight, symmetrical, white smile and are an ideal solution for people wanting to improve:
- discoloured teeth due to;
– root canal treatment
– stains from tetracycline or other drugs
– excessive fluoride or the presence of large resin fillings - worn down teeth
- chipped or broken teeth
- misaligned, uneven or irregularly shaped teeth. Teeth can be aligned instantly rather than undergoing many months of Orthodontic treatment.
- teeth with unsightly gaps between them
What are the benefits of dental veneers?
Dental veneers offer cosmetic benefits to people wanting to improve the appearance of their teeth.
Dental veneers:
- offer dynamic colour variation and translucency which mimics the appearance of tooth enamel, therefore creating a natural looking smile.
- are made from a bio-compatible material and, therefore, tolerate very well with gum tissue.
- require minimal tooth reduction during the preparation. In fact, from the front of the tooth, only about half a millimetre is removed.
- can be fitted during a painless procedure which is often performed without anaesthetic.
- are stain resistant.
- do not require a separate or special cleaning routine.
- can last for over 15 years depending on type.
- are often less expensive than other dental solutions for improving the appearance of teeth.
Considerations
Veneers may not be a good choice for individuals who clench and grind their teeth, have unhealthy and weakened teeth, or have an inadequate amount of existing enamel on the tooth surface.
Please call Somerville Dental Health to arrange a consultation with one of our dentists.
