Dental Veneers: Everything You Need to Know
Your smile speaks volumes about you. A happy smile is a confidence-booster that can light up a room. That’s not all; a beautiful, healthy smile also makes a powerful statement.
However, dental issues like discoloured, misaligned or cracked teeth can affect your smile and cause insecurities. But, what if we told you that you can still achieve your dream smile regardless of these issues? Introducing dental veneers – a quick yet effective cosmetic dentistry solution to fix imperfections and enhance smiles!
What are Dental Veneers?
Your smile is too precious to hide, and dental veneers are your solution to a happy, beautiful smile that you can show off with pride.
Made from tooth-coloured porcelain or composite resin materials, veneers are thin, custom-made shells. They are bonded to the front of your teeth to cover up cosmetic imperfections or flaws in your smile while protecting your teeth from further damage.
This versatile treatment is used to treat a range of cosmetic concerns, such as:
- Discoloured or stained teeth
- Gaps in your teeth
- Slightly misaligned teeth
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
Types of Dental Veneers
We have two types of dental veneers:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are made from dental porcelain, a material that not only protects your teeth but also provides a natural-looking appearance. They are crafted with precision by a specialist prosthodontist in a laboratory before being bonded to your tooth. To ensure a perfect fit, we will prepare your tooth by shaving off a small amount of your enamel. The end result is a highly stain-resistant and long-lasting new smile that can last up to 15 years or more with proper care.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers, on the other hand, are a quick-fix solution. Made from a tooth-coloured composite resin material, they are bonded directly onto your enamel. Once the composite resin is placed on your teeth, it will be sculpted to the desired shape and hardened using a special light. We will polish and adjust the veneers for the finishing touches, giving you a bright and beautiful smile. It is a convenient and cost-effective solution that gives you a flawless smile in just one visit!
Which Types of Veneer are Best For You?
Between porcelain and cosmetic veneers, the best solution for you depends on several factors you’ll want to consider. These include our dentist’s recommendations, the cost of treatment, duration of treatment, longevity and any other personal needs you may have.
If you are looking for a minimally invasive treatment, veneers are your solution! Both porcelain and composite veneers provide the same aesthetic improvement, but composite veneers tend to be less durable and less stain-resistant than their porcelain counterparts.
What are the Advantages of Dental Veneers?
1. Improves the appearance of your smile
Dental veneers can restore the appearance of your smile by addressing a range of cosmetic issues like discolouration or misalignment. Tailored to perfection in terms of colour, shape and size of your natural teeth, they seamlessly blend in, leaving you with a natural-looking smile.
2. Long-lasting results
Made from durable materials, both porcelain and composite veneers can stand the test of time, withstanding the daily forces of biting and chewing. They can last much longer with proper care and maintenance.
3. Quick & effective fix for busy lifestyles
Tight schedule? No worries! With dental veneers, you don’t have to wait for weeks to enhance your smile. Porcelain veneers typically take around 2 weeks, while composite veneers take just one visit, giving you an instant confidence boost!
4. Minimally Invasive
With very little tooth preparation involved, dental veneers require less enamel removal. This ensures your natural tooth structure is protected while providing a brighter, straighter, aesthetically pleasing smile.
5. Easy maintenance
Maintaining your veneers is a breeze. All you need to do is stick to a consistent oral hygiene routine that includes daily brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups every 6 months.
Caring For Your Dental Veneers
When it comes to dental veneers, the recovery process and aftercare routine aren’t as complicated as with some other dental procedures. However, that doesn’t mean maintenance and aftercare are not important. In fact, it is crucial to ensure their longevity and appearance.
- Ensure oral hygiene by caring for your veneers as you would for your natural teeth. Regular brushing and flossing are key!
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups every 6 months (or as instructed) to monitor the condition of your veneers, oral health and get a professional cleaning.
- Avoid hard foods like nuts and avoid chewing or biting on hard objects like ice or pens with veneers, as they can be damaged.
- If you have composite veneers (which are more prone to staining than porcelain veneers), make sure to avoid excessive consumption of staining foods and drinks.
- Wear a nightguard or a retainer to protect your veneers if you grind and clench your teeth.
- Wear a mouthguard if you are engaged in sports, especially high-contact sports.
Schedule a consultation with our friendly dentists at PMD to transform your smile. Worried about eligibility? Don’t worry – if you have healthy gums, good oral health and healthy tooth enamel, there’s nothing to stop you from getting the royal treatment your smile deserves.
Your picture-perfect smile awaits with our cosmetic dentistry treatments!