Dental veneers are high on the list in a smile makeover. They are a convenient and powerful cosmetic option to treat a variety of dental issues, from stains to chips to gaps. But how do veneers work? In this guide, we’ll cover the veneer process, the types of veneers, maintenance tips, and more.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are very thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They are custom-designed to fit the form, size, and colour of your own natural teeth, delivering a highly aesthetic, natural-looking result. Cosmetic dentistry for discoloured, chipped, misaligned, or gapped teeth are veneers.
How Do Veneers Work? Step-by-Step Process
Getting veneers is a simple process that requires a few steps to achieve the best fit and finish. Let’s break down the steps:
Step 1: Evaluation & Consultation
Your journey to getting dental veneers begins with your dentist consultation. The Dentist Belconnen will evaluate your dental health, learn about your aesthetic goals, and decide if veneers make sense for you at this visit. The dentist may also take X-rays or conduct an oral examination to assess the health of your gums and teeth.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
After you’ve consulted with a dentist and determined that veneers are a good option for you, it’s time for tooth preparation to begin. This means shaving about 0.3–0.5mm of enamel off the surface of your teeth. To give the veneer space, some of the enamel is shaved off, giving you a natural-looking result that isn’t overly bulky. The process is minimally invasive, often performed with local anaesthesia when needed for comfort.
Step 3: Impressions & Shade Selection
Firstly, the dentist will prepare your teeth and take an impression of your teeth with a digital scanner or traditional mould. Using these impressions, they make custom veneers to fit your teeth specifically. They will also choose the colour of the veneers during this step, making sure they match the colour of your teeth.
Step 4: Temporary Veneers
Sometimes, your dentist may put temporary veneers over the teeth while the permanent veneers are being prepared. You get temporary veneers in the meantime to protect your teeth and get you used to the new look and feel. These are generally worn for 1-2 weeks, depending on the processing time of the lab.
Step 5: Veneer Fabrication
A detailed impression of your existing teeth is used to create handcrafted veneers from porcelain or composite resin in a dental lab. This process usually takes from 1–2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the veneers as well as the turnaround time from the dental lab.
Step 6: Bonding & Fitting
The dentist will then fit your permanent veneers, and once these are ready, you will return to the dentist to have them in place. The first step is the dentist will fit the veneers to see how they look in terms of shape & colour. After everything is aligned, these veneers are bonded to your teeth with a special dental adhesive. A strong cement-like bond is applied to the back of the veneer that is cured and allows for extremely good adhesion when placed (in a similar way that teeth are filled), so a proper bond is established.
Step 7: Final Touches & Refining
Once the veneers are bonded in place, the dentist will perform any last minor adjustments to ensure they sit comfortably and look as natural as possible. The dentist may also polish the veneers for a glossy finish. By this time, your new smile is ready to be revealed to the world!
Types of Veneers: What Are Your Options?
There are various different kinds of veneers, and the right option for you depends on your cosmetic desires, budget, and how much prep your teeth need. There are three major types of veneers, which include porcelain veneers, composite veneers, and no-prep veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most commonly used because they are natural-looking and long-lasting. They’re made from top-quality ceramic material that imitates the translucence and shine of natural teeth. Porcelain has a very low absorption rate, making porcelain veneers much stain-resistant, and with proper maintenance can last 10–15 years.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are crafted from a resin material that’s directly placed on the teeth and sculpted into shape. Although they cost less and are a faster treatment than porcelain veneers, they are at greater risk of staining and wear over time. The average longevity for composite veneers is 5-7 years.
No-Prep Veneers (Lumineers)
No-prep veneers, like Lumineers, are ultra-thin porcelain veneers that can be applied with little to no removal of enamel. They are perfect for patients with comparatively healthy teeth looking for a less intrusive method. But they aren’t necessarily right in cases of severe tooth misalignment or heavy discolouration.
What Are the Advantages of Veneers?
Veneers have many benefits, making them a great option for many people looking for a smile makeover. Here are a few of the main benefits:
- Aesthetic Enhancement: Is your smile looking unsightly? Veneers can boost the colour, shape, and alignment of your grin.
- Long-Lasting: With proper care porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years.
- Resistant To Stains: Most coffee, tea, or other coloUrs will not stain the porcelain, making sure your smile remains vibrant and white.
- Minimal removal of the tooth: Minimal enamel needs to be removed to place veneers, and in the case of certain types of veneers (Lumineers), no enamel removal is needed at all.
- Tailored Fit: Luckily veneers are made to measure it means they fit your teeth more naturally.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers usually last 10 to 15 years, while composite veneers typically last 5 to 7 years. The lifespan of your veneers can vary based on oral hygiene habits, diet and whether you grind your teeth. Regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene can help prolong the longevity of your veneers.
How Do You Maintain Veneers?
Proper chewing will also help keep your veneers and their underlying teeth intact for a long time. Here are some tips for keeping your veneer looking its best:
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Care for your veneers just as you would do your natural teeth. Brush two times a day, and floss one time a day to keep plaque from building up.
- Steer Clear of Staining Foods: Porcelain veneers are stain resistant, but composite veneers may stain over time. Stay away from teeth-staining foods such as coffee, red wine and berries.
- Overnight protection for your veneers: Many people are prone to grinding their teeth during the night; in such cases, a nightguard may be helpful but it’s best to consult with your dentist.
- Routine Check-ups: Visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups to ensure that your veneers are in good condition.
What Makes Macquarie Dental Care Belconnen Veneers the Right Choice?
We at Macquarie Dental Care Belconnen value a smile to be proud of. Want to transform your teeth with veneers? With our highly trained staff, we will ensure your visit is comfortable and you’ll leave with veneers that look and feel natural! Call us today for a consultation.
Read More: How Long Do Veneers Last? An In-Depth Guide to Veneer Longevity
References
- Australian Dental Association. (2024). Porcelain Veneers: A Complete Guide.
- The Royal Australian College of Dental Surgeons. (2023). Veneers and Cosmetic Dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers last around 10-15 years, compared to composite veneers 5-7 years. - Are veneers reversible?
No, the application of veneers is a permanent process because some enamel is removed from your teeth. - Do veneers fix crooked teeth?
Indeed, veneers may be able to create the appearance of straight teeth, but they are no substitute for orthodontal work. - Are veneers painful?
But the extraction process is usually painless, as local anaesthesia is given when the tooth is being prepared. - Should I get veneers if I have sensitive teeth?
If your teeth are sensitive, you might need to manage the sensitivity first before getting veneers. Based on your oral health, your dentist will tell you what to do next. - Do veneers need special care?
Veneers need to be cared for like real teeth. Maintaining your veneers requires regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.
