Veneers are thin custom made coverings that are applied over the front visible portion of a tooth, they are generally used to improve the appearance of the front teeth. People often opt to have veneers if their teeth are inconsistent in shape, colour or appearance. Veneers are very thin 0.3 – 0.5mm thick, they can be made from porcelain or from composite resin. Some issues that lead people to choose veneers are:
Porcelain veneers, or indirect veneers are made in a laboratory by a skilled technician who layers porcelain to produce a thin covering which will improve the appearance of the tooth. They have excellent aesthetics and tooth like translucency and character within the veneer such as slight variations of shade in the composite which make the tooth look much more natural. Often patients will have a ‘set’ of veneers done, in that they will have most of the front teeth veneered together so the appearance is consistent between them. However if only a single tooth is to be done the veneer can be closely matched to the shade and characteristics of the other teeth.
In preparation for placing the veneer your dentist will reduce the front of the tooth and take an impression of that preparation which is sent to the lab. In the meantime your dentist can apply a temporary veneer to the prepared teeth.
Once the lab returns your veneers, usually within a week, we will remove the temporary veneers and permanently cement your veneers to the tooth. Giving you that great smile you have always wanted!
Composite resin, the white coloured filling material can be used as what is called a direct veneer. An advantage of these veneers is that they can be completed usually in one visit and are more affordable when compared to porcelain veneers. With careful shade selection and matching they are often a great solution.
The pros and cons of each type of veneer are very specific to each patients individual situation, it is important that we are able to assess your teeth and present you with personalised treatment plan options.
