What are Veneers? Guide to Porcelain Veneers

In cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are one of the most sought-after treatments to transform a dazzling smile. These thin shells, custom-made to fit the front surface of teeth, have the power to correct various dental imperfections, promising both aesthetics and durability.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells made of porcelain that are custom-designed to cover the front surface of teeth. Think of them as a semi-permanent “facade” for your teeth. They are used in cosmetic dentistry to enhance the appearance of one’s smile.

The cost-effective alternative to porcelain teeth is composite veneers.

Why People Get Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers have risen in popularity primarily because of their versatile corrective ability. They effectively address stained or discoloured teeth that don’t respond to traditional whitening methods, cover chips or cracks, rectify misshapen or unevenly sized teeth, and even bridge minor gaps. Essentially, they offer a swift solution to achieving a harmonious and radiant smile.

Veneer teeth address a variety of dental imperfections, including:

Staining or Discoloration: Teeth that don’t respond to traditional whitening methods can be effectively masked with porcelain veneers.
Chips and Cracks: Minor chips or cracks in teeth can be concealed using veneers.
Misalignment or Gaps: While not a replacement for orthodontic treatments, veneers can correct minor misalignments or gaps between teeth.
Misshapen Teeth: Teeth that are unusually shaped or have become worn down can be made to look more regular and in line with the rest of the teeth.

Benefits of Veneer Teeth

Natural Appearance: Expertly crafted, porcelain veneers mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth, blending seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Veneer Teeth are known for replicating the translucent nature of tooth enamel, making them indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Durability: With proper care, they can last upwards of 10 to 15 years.
Stain Resistance: Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers resist staining from coffee, wine, and other notorious culprits.
Minimal Enamel Removal: Compared to crowns, veneers require minimal removal of tooth enamel, preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
Rapid Transformation: One can achieve a dramatic smile makeover in just a few visits.

Veneers Procedure: What to expect

To place ceramic veneers, a dentist usually begins by removing a small amount of the tooth’s surface (usually less than a millimetre) to make room for the veneer.

Impressions of the teeth are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the veneers are custom-made for each patient. Once the veneers are ready, they are bonded to the teeth using a strong adhesive.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the procedure:

Initial Consultation

Assessment: The journey begins with a thorough consultation, where the dentist evaluates your oral health and discusses your aesthetic goals.
Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, the dentist creates a personalized treatment plan, ensuring that veneers are an appropriate solution for you.
Mock-ups and Imaging: Some dentists use digital imaging or make mock-ups to show you what your smile could look like post-procedure.

Tooth Preparation

Local Anesthesia: To ensure comfort, a local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area.
Enamel Removal: A small amount of tooth enamel (typically about 0.5mm) is removed from the tooth’s front surface to make room for the veneer. This ensures a natural look and proper fit.
Impression Taking: After the teeth are prepared, the dentist takes an impression or mould of your teeth. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory to fabricate the veneers tailored to your teeth.

Temporary Veneers (Optional)

Depending on the amount of enamel removed and the visibility of the prepped teeth, temporary veneers might be placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent veneers are being crafted. These are usually made of acrylic and are removed once the permanent veneers are ready.

Dental Laboratory Fabrication

The dental lab receives the impressions and crafts the veneer teeth. This process can take anywhere from one to three weeks. Modern techniques might also involve dental CAD/CAM technology for precision and rapid fabrication.

Bonding the Veneers

Cleaning and Etching: Before bonding, the tooth surface is cleaned thoroughly. The teeth are then etched slightly with an acidic solution to create a rough surface for better bonding.
Test Fitting: Before permanently attaching the veneers, the dentist will temporarily place them on your teeth to examine their fit and appearance. Minor adjustments might be made at this stage.
Bonding: Once a perfect fit is achieved, a specialized cement is applied to the veneer, which is then placed onto the tooth. A curing light activates the cement, ensuring a secure bond.
Final Adjustments: Any excess cement is removed after bonding, and final adjustments are made if needed.

Follow-up

A follow-up visit may be scheduled a few weeks after placing the veneers. This allows the dentist to assess the state of your gums around the veneers and ensure everything is as it should be.

Risks of Porcelain Veneers

While porcelain veneers are primarily beneficial, some risks are inherent:

Irreversible Procedure: Some enamel is removed to make room for the veneer; this process is irreversible.
Potential for Damage: Though rare, veneers can chip or crack under pressure.
Sensitivity: Some patients may experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures post-procedure.

Maintenance of Porcelain Veneers

Maintaining ceramic veneers is straightforward and mirrors the care for natural teeth.

Regular brushing and flossing are vital; avoiding biting complex objects like ice or using teeth as tools is advisable.

Regular dental check-ups ensure that the veneers and natural teeth remain in optimal condition.

Foods and Drinks to Avoid with Porcelain Veneers

Having porcelain veneers can give you a bright, confident smile. To maintain their appearance and longevity, treating them with care is essential. While veneers are durable and resist stains better than natural teeth, certain foods and beverages can pose potential risks. Here are some foods and drinks to minimize or avoid.

Hard and Crunchy Foods

Ice: Chewing on ice can potentially chip or crack your veneers.
Hard candy: Sucking is fine, but biting down might damage your veneers.
Nuts: While they are healthy, it’s best to be cautious while biting directly into very hard nuts.
Hard fruits and vegetables: Biting into foods like raw carrots or apples might put undue pressure on veneers. Consider cutting them into smaller pieces before eating.

Sticky Foods

Caramel and Taffy: These can dislodge a veneer, especially if not bonded correctly.
Chewing gum: While gum isn’t necessarily harmful, excessive chewing can strain the veneers.

Foods with Intense Color

Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries can cause staining over time.
Soy sauce, curry, and tomato sauce: They are rich in colour and can tint the bonding agent or the edges of the veneers over prolonged exposure.

Beverages

Coffee and tea: Both can lead to staining over time. If you consume them, consider rinsing your mouth afterwards.
Red wine: Known to stain teeth, red wine can also discolour the edges of veneers.
Soda and sports drinks: Not only are they often dark-coloured, but their high acidity can also erode the bonding material over time.

Other Considerations

Alcohol: Consuming excessive alcohol can soften the bonding agent used with veneers. While occasional drinks are fine, regular heavy consumption can compromise the veneers’ longevity.
Tobacco Products: Both smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to discolouration.

In addition to the above, always practice good oral hygiene to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, ensuring the foundation for your veneers remains strong.

How much do porcelain veneers cost in Australia?

The price range for porcelain veneers typically ranges in price from $1,100 and $1,600 for each tooth. Several elements can influence this cost, such as the patient’s specific dental needs, the calibre of materials selected, any unexpected treatments necessary to ensure the best outcome for the veneer placement, and the total number of veneers being procured in a single set.

Click here for an estimated price guide for porcelain veneers with Amazing Smiles.

Want to find out more? Book in with Amazing Smiles Cosmetic Dentists

The journey to a dream smile is more accessible than you might think. At Amazing Smiles, we provide expert guidance and craftsmanship in the realm of porcelain veneers.

As preferred provider dentists, we ensure quality and satisfaction. Plus, our flexible payment plans make your new smile an affordable luxury.

Don’t let apprehensions hold you back – take advantage of our free initial consultation, where our cosmetic dentists offer an in-chair personalized treatment plan tailored just for you.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as definitive dental advice. It’s essential to consult with your local cosmetic dentist to discuss your porcelain veneer smile makeover and any post-treatment care specific to your individual needs. Every patient’s oral health and circumstances are unique, and personalized guidance from a dental professional is paramount.