Veneers
Restore the front surface of your teeth by covering damage, discolouration, or minor misalignment with veneers
Are you dreaming of a beautiful smile? Look no further than veneers! Both porcelain and composite veneers are a modern dental solution designed to improve the aesthetics of your teeth to create a straighter and more vibrant smile that still maintains a natural look
If you’re eager to give your smile a makeover and enjoy whiter, straighter teeth, National Dental Care Alexandra Hills is here to help!
Our team has years of combined experience and is well-versed in the veneers process. We're here to help you achieve the results you're looking for and regain your smile.
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They are designed to cover imperfections, such as discolouration, gaps, chips, or misalignment, and provide a natural and aesthetically pleasing look. Veneers are a popular choice for those seeking a permanent solution to enhance their smile.
Depending on your needs, preferences, and the condition of your teeth, you can choose one of the following types of veneers with the help of your dentist at National Dental Care Alexandra Hills.
Dentist selecting a patients veneer ready for application
Composite veneers (direct veneers)
The most common type of veneers are composite veneers, which are popular due to their affordability and speedy application.
These veneers consist of a custom-made composite material that is added to the front of the tooth by a skilled cosmetic dentist. They are used to conceal discolouration, enhance the brightness of teeth, and improve the overall appearance of your smile. Although they are generally used for minor cosmetic issues, such as chipping or cracking, they can also cover small gaps between teeth.
This procedure is relatively simple and typically requires little to no anaesthesia, making it an excellent option for enhancing the appearance of your front teeth. The resin veneer will be bonded to your tooth and shaped to fit your desired appearance.
Porcelain veneers (indirect veneers)
On the other hand, porcelain veneers are a non-invasive treatment that can significantly enhance the natural look of your smile.
These veneers are made of a porcelain shell that is carefully bonded to the surface of the tooth. The porcelain material is exceptionally durable, making it an ideal choice for long-lasting results, provided they are properly cared for.
Porcelain veneers are a better option for more significant cosmetic concerns and teeth misalignment. They can replicate the natural enamel with their light-reflective and translucent appearance, making them an ideal choice.
Similar to dental crowns, porcelain veneers need to be manufactured, and installing them sometimes requires two appointments.
Composite vs porcelain veneers
Which is better: composite or porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are stronger than composite veneers, so they'll work better if you're looking to improve the appearance of several teeth. While porcelain teeth will still need to be replaced, they last a lot longer than composite veneers. They also don't stain as much.
Here's a breakdown of the advantages of each type of dental veneer:
Porcelain veneers:
- Strength: As mentioned, porcelain veneers are stronger than composite veneers, making them a better choice for addressing multiple teeth and more extensive cosmetic concerns.
- Durability: Porcelain veneers generally have a longer lifespan compared to composite veneers, offering a lasting solution.
- Stain Resistance: Porcelain veneers are less prone to staining and discolouration compared to composite veneers, maintaining their appearance over time.
- Natural Appearance: Porcelain closely mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth, resulting in a highly natural and aesthetic look.
Composite veneers:
- Affordability: Composite veneers are often more budget-friendly, so they’re a better choice if you don’t want to transform your smile without breaking the bank.
- Conservative Approach: The application of composite veneers rarely requires any removal of the natural tooth structure, so are better for people who want to preserve their natural teeth.
- Reparability: If a composite veneer becomes damaged, it can be more easily repaired compared to porcelain, which may require replacement.
- Immediate Results: Composite veneers can often be placed in a single visit, providing instant improvements.
Ultimately, the decision between porcelain and composite veneers should be made between you and your dentist at Alexandra Hills. They will consider your individual circumstances, oral health, desired outcome, and budget to help you decide which option is best for you,
Who can benefit from veneers?
Veneers can be a good option for people with:
- Teeth that remain discoloured despite teeth whitening
- Worn, misaligned, or uneven teeth
- Minor chips, cracks, or slight gaps between teeth
Transform your smile and boost your oral health today!
If you're ready to potentially transform your smile and boost your oral health, our skilled dental professionals at National Dental Care Alexandra Hills are here to help. Whether you opt for composite veneers or porcelain veneers, we will guide you through the entire process and ensure you receive the highest quality of care.
Schedule a consultation with us today and take the first step toward improving your smile with veneers.
Frequently asked questions
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last for 15 years or even longer, providing you with long-lasting durability. The strength of porcelain veneers ensures that you can enjoy your beautiful smile without constantly worrying about potential damage.
It's important to consider your daily habits when choosing porcelain veneers. If you have habits that commonly stain natural teeth, such as drinking coffee or smoking, you'll be pleased to know that porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining. This means that you can continue your daily routines without compromising the appearance of your veneers.
Eventually, the bond between your veneer and the tooth can weaken, and the veneer can come off. This will depend on the type of veneer and how well you care for it. If your veneer does fall off, keep it safe and take it to your dentist. If it is still in good condition, your dentist at National Dental Care Alexandra Hills may be able to reattach it. Otherwise, they can create a new veneer to replace the old one.
For porcelain veneers, it takes 2-3 appointments for the full process, with each appointment lasting 1-2 hours. Alternatively, composite veneers can usually be completed in a single appointment.
The veneer process is not usually painful. For added comfort, your dentist will numb the treatment area before the procedure.
It is important to bear in mind that porcelain veneers are a permanent solution that requires some preparation of your natural teeth, such as a light shaving or shaping process. Once you have undergone the veneer placement procedure, you won’t be able to return to your natural teeth.
If you would prefer an option that is more reversible, composite veneers may be better, as you can typically remove them and go back to your natural teeth.
Your Alexandra Hills dentist can advise on the best option for you. Veneers provide a long-term enhancement to your smile, offering you beautiful and lasting results.
Veneers and crowns are both effective dental treatments, but they serve different purposes. Veneers are primarily used for cosmetic enhancements, while dental crowns are typically recommended for more extensive tooth restoration. During your consultation at our Alexandra Hills practice, our dentists will assess your dental condition and discuss the best treatment option for your specific needs.
After your veneers have been placed and properly bonded, you can enjoy your favourite foods without any restrictions. Although veneers themselves cannot develop cavities, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices to protect the underlying teeth from decay. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending regular dental check-ups are necessary for preserving the health of your teeth and gums, even with veneers.
While veneers can offer significant benefits in enhancing your smile's appearance, there are also certain considerations and downsides to be aware of. Here are some potential downsides of veneers, as well as some reasons why you may not be a suitable candidate.
- Irreversible Procedure: Porcelain veneers involve the removal of a thin layer of enamel from the teeth to accommodate the veneers. This irreversible alteration to the natural teeth structure can't be undone.
- Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience increased tooth sensitivity, especially to hot and cold temperatures, after getting veneers. This sensitivity can vary in intensity and duration, however usually settles down.
- Cost: Veneers can be a significant investment, and their cost can vary based on factors like the type of veneer and the number of teeth being treated.
- Replacement: While porcelain veneers are very durable, they may need to be replaced after a certain number of years, typically 10-15 years or more. Usually, the gum line changes due to ageing, rather than there being anything wrong with the veneer. In rare cases, veneers can also chip and need replacing.
- Maintenance: While veneers are stain-resistant, they are not entirely immune to staining or chipping. Proper oral hygiene and avoidance of habits like biting on hard objects are essential to prolong their lifespan.