Veneers are restorations added to the front surface of the tooth in order to correct discolouration, minor misalignment, chips or cracks. They are also used to reduce gaps between teeth and build up worn teeth to restore a natural-looking smile.
There are two types of veneers – porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers look a little like fake fingernails and are designed to be bonded to the front of the tooth. Each veneer is custom-made to a particular tooth and they look and feel very natural.
Composite resin veneers are applied one layer at a time to slowly cover the existing tooth. Each layer is shaped and cured by your dentist until the final result is achieved.
The dentist prepares the tooth, which may require some buffing of the enamel surface, to allow for the thickness of the veneer to sit flush on the tooth’s surface. Occasionally, a local anaesthetic is used during this part of the process.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit the tooth and these are placed in position to check shape and colour. After ensuring everything is correct, the tooth is cleaned with chemicals and the veneer is cemented into place.
Composite resin veneers are sculpted onto the tooth by your dentist and cured with light to harden each layer. When the final shape and colour is achieved, the surface is polished to give the veneer a natural look.
It used to be that veneers were only affordable to Hollywood stars or those associated with show business.
With affordability no longer a barrier, dental veneers are now used to address a vast array of dental challenges, including:
COST FACTOR | MORE OR LESS COSTLY? | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
1. Type of veneer | Porcelain – more costly | |||
2. Issue Being Addressed | More costly: Larger numbers of teeth for which veneers are required | |||
3. Your Location | Less costly: In areas where there are more surgeons practicing (think Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane & Perth) | |||
4. Your Practitioners Skill & Experience | Less costly: Dental offices that have recently started their practice, or those looking to establish themselves within a community |
Although the price is subject to change, the current cost of porcelain veneers in Australia is around $900 to $1300 per tooth, while the cost of a composite veneer is around $350 to $600 per tooth.
There are plenty of people who will reap the rewards of dental veneers, including those who have:
Dental Veneer usually requires three trips to the dentist – one for a consultation and two to make and apply the veneers. One tooth or many teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process described below.
1.Diagnosis and treatment planning. This first step involves your active participation. Explain to your dentist the result that you are trying to achieve. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations. He or she also may take X-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth.
2.Preparation. To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will reshape the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Before trimming off the enamel, you and your dentist will decide the need for a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. Temporary dental veneers can be used for very unsightly teeth.
3.Bonding . Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color. He or she will repeatedly remove and trim the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit; the veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched — which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then placed on your tooth. Once properly position on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden or cure very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer’s placement.
There are mainly two types of Dental Veneers:
Composite veneers are made from a composite resin that our dentists can apply directly to the surface of your teeth. This means the treatment can sometimes be completed in a single appointment, after your initial consultation with our dentists.
Composite veneers are cheaper than porcelain veneers and also look natural. The disadvantages are that they are more vulnerable to damage and stains, although they can be repaired more easily than porcelain.
Porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers, but they can also last longer, are stronger and more resistant to stains. These veneers need to be custom-made before they can be bonded to your teeth.
Porcelain has a similar shiny translucent quality to teeth enamel, which gives the veneers a more natural appearance. They can also cover up more severe discoloration, chips and cracks.
Most people are suitable candidates for dental veneers but it must be remembered that it’s a cosmetic process, not an orthodontic solution. Veneers will not correct badly misaligned teeth, overbites or underbites.
Veneers also need healthy teeth on which to attach. Any decay or gum disease must be treated prior to the attachment of veneers.
If you suffer from teeth grinding, called bruxism, then veneers are not a suitable option. Persistent teeth grinding can cause veneers to chip, break or even detach completely from the tooth.
Veneers can be the cosmetic solution for:
An appointment with your dentist is required to check your suitability and to discuss treatment options.
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Dog Swamp Shopping Centre Shop 21B/6 Wanneroo Rd Yokine WA 6060
info@yokinesmilesdental.com.au
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