complete guide to getting veneers
Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment used to improve the appearance of teeth. They are thin, custom-made shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their color, shape, size, and overall appearance. Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, stained, misaligned, or have gaps between them.
There are two types of dental veneers: porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more durable and long-lasting than composite resin veneers, but they are also more expensive.
Composite resin veneers are less expensive and can be placed in just one appointment, but they are not as durable as porcelain veneers and may need to be replaced more frequently.
Porcelain and resin veneers have distinct differences:
1. Material:
- Porcelain Veneers: Made from high-quality ceramic porcelain, known for its durability and natural-looking appearance.
- Resin Veneers:** Made from composite resin, a type of plastic that can be sculpted, polished and adjusted easily.
2. Appearance:
- Porcelain Veneers: Mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth and resist stains better than resin.
- Resin Veneers: Can also be matched to your natural teeth but may not have the same translucency and stain resistance as porcelain.
3. Durability:
- Porcelain Veneers: Tend to be more durable and last longer, often around 10-15 years, sometimes even longer with proper care.
- Resin Veneers: Generally have a shorter lifespan, usually lasting around 5-7 years before needing replacement.
4. Procedure:
- Porcelain Veneers: Typically require at least two visits to complete. The first visit involves trimming the tooth and taking an impression, and the second visit is for bonding the veneer.
- Resin Veneers: Can often be applied in a single visit, as the material is sculpted directly onto the teeth.
5. Cost:
- Porcelain Veneers: Are usually more expensive due to the material and the process involved in their creation. Fee is $2100 per tooth
- Resin Veneers: Tend to be less expensive than porcelain veneers. Fee is $850 per tooth
6. Thickness and Tooth Preparation:
- Porcelain Veneers: Are generally thicker and require more removal of the tooth surface.
- Resin Veneers: Are thinner and require less removal of the tooth
7. Repairability:
- Porcelain Veneers: If damaged, they usually need to be replaced.
- Resin Veneers: Can be more easily repaired if they chip or crack.
Each type has its advantages and considerations, and the best choice depends on various factors, including the patient's dental health, aesthetic goals, budget, and lifestyle. A consultation with a dentist is the best way to determine which type of veneer is most suitable for an individual's needs.
All about porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. They are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for improving the appearance of one's smile.
Here's a detailed overview:
Advantages of porcelain veneers
1. Aesthetics: Veneers can dramatically enhance the appearance of teeth by correcting colour, shape, and alignment.
2. Stain Resistance: Porcelain is less prone to staining compared to natural teeth.
3. Durability: They are strong and long-lasting, often for many years with proper care.
4. Minimal Tooth Alteration:Unlike crowns, veneers require a small amount of tooth enamel removal.
Disadvantages of porcelain veneeers
1. Irreversible Process: Some enamel is removed, which is an irreversible process.
2. Sensitivity: Removing enamel can lead to increased sensitivity to hot and cold.
3. Cost: They can be expensive, especially high-quality ones crafted by master ceramists.
4. Not Repairable: If they crack or chip, they usually need to be completely replaced.
Procedure for porcelain veneers at Brisbane Smile Boutique
1. Consultation and Planning: The first step involves a detailed consultation where the dentist evaluates your teeth and discusses your aesthetic goals.
2. Tooth Preparation: A small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the teeth to make room for the veneers.
3. Impressions and Scans: Impressions, photos and scans of your teeth are taken and sent to a lab where master ceramists will craft the veneers. This process can take up to three weeks.
4. Temporary Veneers: While waiting for the permanent veneers, temporary ones may be placed.
5. Fitting of Permanent Veneers: Once ready, the permanent veneers are checked for fit and colour before being bonded to your teeth.
6. Final Adjustments: Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable and aesthetic fit.
The three-week laboratory turnaround with master ceramists indicates a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, which is crucial for the best aesthetic and functional results. The expertise of master ceramists in shaping and colouring the porcelain ensures that the veneers closely mimic the natural appearance of enamel, offering a very natural and appealing look.