Porcelain veneers are custom designed shells bonded to your teeth to address a wide variety of aesthetic issues, including gaps, discolouring, stains, chipped or crooked teeth – or even the basic shape of your teeth. Through porcelain veneers, your smile will dramatically transform to the colour, shape and style of your choosing – instantly.
Over the course of two appointments, your dream smile will become a reality. Our team of specialists will work with you to design your perfect smile based on your chosen characteristics. Your natural teeth will remain intact; however, a minimal amount of tooth enamel will be shaved off to ensure your veneers bond strongly to your natural teeth. Your stain-resistant porcelain veneers are then carefully crafted and applied during your second visit with us and can be cared for just like natural teeth.
The alternative to Porcelain Veneers is Resin Veneers – made up of white composite filling material. The resin can be bonded directly onto your teeth and can be made in very thin sections. Resin Veneers can look great, especially directly after they have been completed, and they are generally less expensive. They are roughly 2.5 times weaker than porcelain and the material is quite porous, so it does have the tendency to darken, stain and break over longer periods.
Before we determine if you are a suitable candidate for veneers. We will give your mouth a thorough assessment and address any underlying problems. This means identifying and addressing any decay, tooth damage, missing teeth or severely crooked teeth. Once these issues are fixed, we will determine your suitability for veneers.
Dental veneers can last for many years, though their lifespan can lessen if decay is allowed to develop. Porcelain Veneers are not easily broken, but they can chip or fracture if subjected to trauma or structural overload. And just like natural tooth enamel, a veneer can still wear or become damaged. Porcelain Veneers are difficult to repair and mostly require full replacement, while Resin Veneers are repairable.
Although veneers might be considered expensive, with Porcelain Veneers costing more than composite Resin Veneers, patients are extremely satisfied with the results and recognise the benefits, such as improved aesthetics and (in the case of porcelain) a stronger, longer-lasting material.