Veneers
We Make Beautiful Smiles with Cosmetic Veneers
Bright, uniform Hollywood smiles are quite captivating, but many of those stunning grins are veneers. Veneers are thin shell-like coverings that resemble the shape of a natural tooth. Each is made uniquely by our dental lab to provide a perfect fit over the tooth’s front surface. We have veneers made to size, shape, and colour specifications so that we can deliver a smile made just for you.
Many patients choose veneers to improve the appearance of their teeth. They are an ideal way of hiding less-than-perfect teeth which have become discoloured, chipped, crooked, or misshapen. Veneers cover teeth imperfections, so all others see when they look at you is a first-class smile.
Veneers Come with Many Advantages
- Have a natural appearance
- Are less likely to become stained or discoloured
- Maintain your natural tooth structure
- Hide teeth which have become worn down
- Can cover a cracked tooth
- Make crooked teeth appear straighter without the need for orthodontics
- Can help change the shape of irregular or misshapen teeth
- Cover up gaps and other cosmetic issues
Choosing the Right Veneer for Each Individual
Composite Veneers
We make your bespoke composite veneers while you are in the dentist’s chair, and we often complete the treatment in one visit — immediately making your teeth more aesthetically pleasing. We use composite material and shape it directly on your tooth. Together we select a shade for the composite that is bright but still looks natural.
Composite veneers are a cost-effective way of changing the appearance of your teeth. When deciding whether composite veneers are right for you, it is important to note that they typically last up to five years before they need replacing.
An Overview of Composite Veneer Treatment
- Apply a solution to your teeth, which roughens up the surface. This allows the adhesion to stick.
- Add a composite veneer to one tooth at a time.
- Add several thin layers of composite material, using a special ultraviolet (UV) light to harden each layer before applying the next.
- Meticulously shape the composite to achieve a flattering result.
- Harden the final layer with the UV light, then polish the tooth.
Porcelain Veneers
Natural-looking, durable, and long-lasting porcelain veneers offer extravagant results. Each veneer is made with premium porcelain and precisely crafted in a laboratory; therefore, they take longer than their composite counterparts. We have these veneers made to our specifications, ensuring we provide you with a smile that fits just right and looks impeccable for years to come.
Porcelain veneers will last for decades with proper care, making them worthy of the investment.
An Overview of Porcelain Veneer Treatment
Unlike composite veneers, porcelain veneer treatment requires multiple appointments. It is important to note that there will be enamel removal, making porcelain veneers a permanent and lifelong commitment.
At your first porcelain veneer treatment, the dentist files down the front of your teeth, taking away some of your enamel. This removal is necessary, as it enables your future veneers to fit naturally into your smile rather than stick out.
Once complete, we take an impression of your teeth, which the dental laboratory uses as a blueprint for creating well-fitting veneers to your specifications. Until your permanent veneers are manufactured, we place temporary veneers to protect your teeth.
When your new veneers arrive, we will invite you back to the practice for placement. At this appointment (and subsequent appointments, if necessary), we clean your teeth and apply a solution to roughen up the front of your teeth. We use adhesive and accurately place the veneer. This process can take some time, as we need to ensure a precise fit for each veneer.
Once we apply your veneers, your new smile is ready to show off to others.
Are You a Candidate for Veneers?
- Have healthy gums and teeth;
- Have healthy tooth enamel or a sufficient amount for the veneers to stick correctly; and
- Do not clench or grind your teeth.
Caring for Your New Veneers
Help keep your veneers looking better for longer by keeping them clean, brushing twice a day and flossing once daily as you would with natural teeth. If you chew hard objects like the ends of pens, bite your nails, or use your teeth to open containers, you will need to cease these habits. We also recommend a mouthguard at night in case you start clenching or grinding your teeth. Veneers can also become stained over time, so try to avoid coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, and other consumables that will cause staining.
If you have any questions or concerns about veneer care, please get in touch with the practice.