For how dramatic a transformation their smile may obtain, dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental projects. Thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve your appearance. From porcelain to composite to no-prep, there are types of veneers available for you, followed by a multi-step process of application that guarantees a beautiful smile that lasts.
With the latest techniques and materials in the field of dentistry, let us explore from the first consultation until the proper aftercare, how veneers are applied. We will also cover common concerns, benefits and risks, and information that will help you understand the veneer application process from top to bottom.
How Many Kinds of Veneers Are There?
There are different types of veneers, and the best one will depend on a few factors, including your needs and your budget. The most common types are:
- Porcelain Veneers – Highly durable and stain-resistant, porcelain veneers provide a natural aesthetic. They are custom fit in a dental lab. They are very durable and if taken care of can be used for as much as 10-15 years.
- Composite Veneers – Composite veneers are made of a material based on resin, and they are sculpted directly on your teeth in a single dental appointment. Less expensive than porcelain, they may need to be replaced sooner.
- No-Prep Veneers – These veneers are placed with little to no enamel removal, making them a non-invasive choice. They are also perfect for those looking for a reversible solution but are usually less strong than traditional porcelain veneers.
Veneers Procedure: Step by Step
Step 1. Consultation & Treatment Planning
It all starts with an extensive consultation regarding veneers. During this visit, your dentist will examine your smile and talk about your goals for getting your smile perfected. This is a perfect opportunity to discuss which variety of veneer you prefer — porcelain, composite, or no-prep, according to durability, aesthetics and budget.
Your dentist might take X-rays or do a visual examination to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for the procedure. Next, impressions (or digital scans) of your teeth will be taken to create a mould of your bite, which will assist the lab in fabricating the custom veneers. This is during when you discuss your shade of veneers to ensure they blend naturally well with your natural teeth.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation
To give the veneer something to bond with, a little bit of enamel (typically around 0.5mm) is removed from the tooth surface. This process makes sure that the veneers fit properly and do not add unnecessary bulk to the teeth. No-prep veneers: As the name implies, these types of veneers require little to no removal of enamel and are therefore less invasive.
Your dentist will carefully remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth for veneer placement. This helps the veneers bond to your teeth properly and results in a more natural appearance.
Step 3: Impressions or Digital Scans
Once the teeth are prepared, your Dentist Belconnen will make impressions (or scans, if using digital technology) of the teeth. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom veneers will be made. However, you only need to be conscious regarding porcelain veneers, as this is the most important step to obtain a good fit for every single one of your teeth.
Temporary veneers may be put in place to protect your prepared teeth and offer you a natural look until your permanent veneers are available.
Step 4: Making The Veneers
This means that the impressions or scans that your dentist makes on your teeth are sent off to a dental laboratory where specialised technicians will use the impressions as a guideline to create veneers according to the exact specifications made by your dentist. This normally takes one to two weeks, depending on the complexity.
Porcelain veneers are typically made with thin layers of porcelain to achieve the cosmetic translucence and texture/shade desired. The color and shape are tailored according to your facial features so that they appear as natural as they can and match your smile.
Step 5: Insert Temporary Veneers (If Necessary)
In the meantime, if needed, your dentist will provide you with temporary veneers until your final ones are ready. These protect your prepared teeth and help you maintain a natural look until your permanent veneers are ready.
Step 6: Attachment of the Veeners
After around two weeks, your permanent veneers will be available, and your dentist will check their fit, making any necessary adjustments. They will be fitting the veneers to ensure that they sit correctly in your bite, resulting in an aesthetic and comfortable smile.
The next step is bonding. Your dentist will thoroughly clean and prepare the surface of your teeth before applying a bonding agent to hold the veneer securely in place. An adhesive is applied, and the veneer is placed on top of your tooth, where a special light will harden the bonding material. Once in place, your dentist will trim away excess bonding cement and finish by ensuring the veneer is snugly secured to your smile.
Step 7: Making Your Final Adjustments & Polishing
Once the veneers are bonded, your dentist will adjust your bite to avoid discomfort and polish the veneers to a smooth, natural finish. This process makes sure that your new veneers feel comfortable in your mouth just like your natural teeth.
Benefits of Veneers: Why Get Veneers?
Veneers have many advantages especially for people who want to improve their smile. Here are a few of the main benefits:
| Benefit | Description |
| Aesthetic Improvement | Veneers can instantly improve the colour, shape, and alignment of your teeth for a perfect smile. |
| Durability | Porcelain veneers are highly durable, offering long-lasting results that can withstand everyday wear. |
| Stain Resistance | Porcelain veneers resist staining from coffee, tea, or tobacco, making them a great option for a white smile. |
| Minimal Tooth Removal | Compared to crowns, veneers require less removal of the natural tooth structure, preserving more of your natural tooth. |
What Are the Risks and Considerations?
Although veneers offer numerous advantages, there are a few steps to take before getting the treatment:
| Consideration | Description |
| Irreversible Process | For traditional veneers, enamel removal is permanent. Once you have veneers, you will need to maintain them with replacements or other treatments. |
| Tooth Sensitivity | Some patients may experience temporary tooth sensitivity after the procedure, especially if significant enamel was removed. |
| Cost | Veneers can be expensive, especially porcelain veneers. The price may range from £400 to £1,000 per tooth, depending on the material and complexity. |
What Is Veneers Aftercare?
After receiving veneers, it is crucial that you follow the proper oral care guide to help ensure they last for as long as possible:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss like you would your natural teeth but be extra careful not to chip the edges of the veneers.
Avoid Hard Foods: This may be tough as you’re finally able to chew properly (and with aesthetics) again.
Regular Check-ups: It is essential to visit your dentist for regular check-ups to make sure that the veneers are in good condition and to prevent and address any problems that may arise.
Welcome To Macquarie Dental Care Belconnen – Transforming Your Smile!
At Macquarie Dental Care Belconnen, we appreciate that a smile is one of your greatest assets. With high-quality cosmetic dental treatments, including veneers, our team of dental professionals is here to improve your smile and give you the self-confidence you deserve. Using the most advanced techniques and materials, we make sure your veneers are comfortable and give you a natural appearance so you’ll be left with a smile that you will want to show off. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey towards a beautiful smile that lasts with veneers!
Read More: How Do Veneers Work? The Ultimate Guide to Your New Smile
References
- Australian Dental Association. (2020). Veneers.
- Australian Society of Implant Dentistry. (2021). Veneer Application Procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How long do veneers last?
After all, if well cared for, veneers can last 10 to 15 years, particularly porcelain veneers.
- Are veneers painful?
Placing veneers is not usually painful, but you may experience some discomfort from the enamel removal process or afterward.
- How much do veneers cost?
The cost of veneers will vary depending on the type of material. Porcelain veneers are usually costlier than composite veneers, and cost on average between £400 and £1,000 per tooth.
- Can veneers be removed?
Veneers are a permanent cosmetic option. Once they are put in place, they cannot be taken out without harming the underneath tooth structure.
- Do veneers stain?
Porcelain veneers are way more resistant to stains than composite veneers which may discolour over time.
- Can I eat normal with veneers?
Yes, after veneers are placed, you can eat normally. Of course, it is advised to refrain from chewing on hard objects to avoid damage.
