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Veneers

Restore the front surface of your teeth by covering damage, discolouration, and/or minor misalignment.

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Veneers restore the front surface of your teeth by covering damage, discolouration, and minor misalignment. In many cases, they are an excellent alternative to crowns, whitening treatments, and braces. Veneers improve the appearance of your smile while protecting the quality of your teeth.


The different types of Veneers

Depending on your needs, preferences, and the condition of your teeth, you can choose one of the following types of veneers:

Composite (Direct) Veneers

This is the most common veneer type, which is popular for its lower cost and fast application. These veneers are usually used for minor cosmetic issues, such as cracking and chipping. They can also cover small gaps between teeth. Composite veneers are a dental restoration made out of composite material that is added to the front of your tooth. Composite veneers are cost-effective, and are often more popular than other alternatives due to the fact they are custom-made and require extensive and meticulous attention to detail by an experienced cosmetic dentist.

This procedure requires little or no anaesthesia and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Composite veneers are used to mask discolouration, brighten teeth, and to improve the look of your smile. In preparation for composite veneers, your dentist may need to remove a portion of enamel from the outer surface of your teeth to allow room for the veneers, so they don't appear unnatural. The dentist will then bond the resin veneer to your tooth and mould it to the desired shape.

Porcelain (Indirect) Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a non-invasive treatment, and are a relatively quick way to enhance the natural look of your smile. Similar to crowns, porcelain veneers are manufactured outside the mouth. Installing them sometimes requires two appointments. Porcelain veneers are a better choice for large cosmetic issues and teeth misalignment. The light-reflective and translucent appearance of veneers are designed to mimic the natural enamel.

As the name suggests, porcelain veneers are a porcelain tooth-shaped shell that is bonded to the surface of the tooth. The porcelain material is strong and durable making it an ideal option for long-lasting results, if taken care of properly.

As the name suggests, porcelain veneers are a porcelain tooth-shaped shell that is bonded to the surface of the tooth. The porcelain material is strong and durable making it an ideal option for long-lasting results, if taken care of properly.


Who can benefit from Veneers?

Veneers can be a good option for people with:


  • Tooth discolouration, which can't be treated by traditional tooth-whitening options
  • Worn-down teeth
  • Teeth with minor damages, such as chips and cracks
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Uneven teeth
  • Minor gaps between teeth

If you want to change your smile, veneers might be the best way to achieve a perfect smile. During the first appointment, your dentist will discuss the pros and cons of veneers, and explain if they're a viable option for you.

It is important to understand that veneers are a cosmetic solution. They make teeth look better without treating them. Serious problems such as tooth decay can't be fixed by applying veneers, and any outstanding oral problems must be resolved before you get veneers.


Who shouldn't get veneers?

While the majority of people with minor tooth damage, discolouration, and misalignment issues can benefit from getting veneers, there are cases when veneers might not be suitable for you:


  • Limited tooth substrate (not enough enamel for bonding or poor-quality enamel).
  • Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching can lead to veneers chipping, breaking, and detaching from the tooth).
  • Previous large restorations (if the tooth has already been restored several times, a crown may be a better solution than a veneer).
  • Poor oral hygiene (this can lead to serious problems thus making veneers useless).
  • Severe gum disease (all gum issues must be treated before considering veneers).

During your first consultation, your dentist will discuss all the options. It's important to have excellent periodontal and general oral health for veneers to be effective and last long.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longevity of veneers depends on many factors, the most important one is proper maintenance. By visiting your dentist regularly, you are giving your veneers a chance to last longer. Generally, composite veneers last 3 to 5 years. Porcelain veneers can last for up to 10 years.
If your oral health is in good shape, the procedure doesn't require any special preparations. If you are fitted with temporary veneers, you need to be careful about what food you eat. Temporary veneers are attached with a weak adhesive and may slide off or break if you chew hard foods or floss vigorously. They are also highly susceptible to staining so it's important to rinse your mouth after each meal.
Porcelain Veneers are usually fitted with the use of a local anaesthetic, which numbs the tooth. Once the numbness subsides, it's possible to feel some discomfort. Some patients also experience mild tooth sensitivity after consuming cold or hot beverages or sweet and spicy food.
Neither Composite nor Porcelain Veneers require extensive care. All you have to do is brush your teeth twice a day and floss as per usual. Your dentist may also recommend wearing a bite guard at night to extend the lifespan of your veneers. While permanent veneers are highly durable, we recommend that you avoid eating extra-hard foods, as well as foods that will stain your teeth such as rich curries.
If you are unhappy with your smile, veneers can be an excellent solution. However, any cosmetic procedure requires careful consideration. At National Dental Care, we are always happy to consult you about veneers and other tooth restoration options. If you want to learn more, please contact us to book an appointment today. A beautiful smile is worth the effort!
It takes only one appointment to attach a composite veneer. The dentist uses a mild chemical and/or a grinding tool to roughen the surface of your teeth so it becomes suitable for bonding. Then the composite resin is applied to the tooth layer by layer and cured by the ultraviolet light. Once the last layer is ready, the dentist shapes and polishes the veneer so it appears smooth and natural.
It usually takes at least two appointments to attach a porcelain veneer. At the first appointment, your dentist prepares the tooth to create a proper texture for smooth application. Then an impression of the tooth is made and sent to the lab, or sometimes a digital scan is taken, and the veneer is made on the same day. If two appointments are required, the dentist installs a temporary veneer, which you wear until the lab manufactures a permanent one. This could take up to two weeks. Once your porcelain veneer is ready, you'll need visit your dentist again for the installation. The dentist uses dental cement to attach the veneer to your tooth and applies ultraviolet light to harden the cement.

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