Procedures: Veneers

What are they?
Veneers are a way of improving the appearance of teeth. They can also be used to strengthen teeth. Veneers can be constructed out of ‘composite’ or ‘porcelain’.

How are they done?

COMPOSITE VENEERS
Composite veneers are placed over the front surface of the teeth with tooth-coloured filling material. The composite can stain over time so may need replacements in the future. Composite is more fragile than porcelain so also will need repairing over time. Composite can appear slightly ‘bulky’.

The benefits of composite veneers over porcelain veneers are they are less expensive.

PORCELAIN VENEERS
Porcelain veneers are constructed in our Dental Laboratory. Firstly the dentist prepares the front surface of the teeth by removing about .5mm. Then impressions are taken and sent to the lab. Tooth-coloured temporary veneers are placed while we wait the two weeks until the next appointment. 

At the second appointment the temporary veneers are removed and the permanent ones are placed. If the colour and fit are correct, the porcelain veneers are cemented permanently.

The benefits of porcelain veneers over composite veneers are they are very colour stable (they won’t stain over time, so won’t require future replacement), they are stronger so are more resistant to chipping and the appearance is much more natural looking and don’t appear ‘bulky’. A conservative life expectancy for porcelain veneers is 10 years, however life of any dental restoration is lengthened with diligent home care maintenance.

Maintenance.
Standard home care which includes brushing every morning and night, flossing once a day and regular six monthly check ups to review the crown and surrounding teeth.