Dental Veneers

What are veneers?

Veneers are a restorative dental solution that cover chipped or stained teeth and even hide gaps. They’re made of composite material or porcelain, and address a number of dental issues, such as:

• Worn down teeth

• Broken or chipped teeth

• Uneven or irregularly shaped teeth

• Gaps between teeth

Composite veneers

If you only have minor cracks, chips or discolouration, then composite material (what we use for fillings) may be all that’s required.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneer treatments involve bonding a thin porcelain coating to the front surface of the tooth. They are durable and strong, resistant to staining and look very natural. Since the veneers are custom made in a lab, the process takes two appointments.

Don’t worry if you’re unsure which type of veneer is right for you; we’ll guide you every step of the way.

How are porcelain veneers applied?

Preparation

In the first step, we reshape the surface of the tooth equal to the thickness of the veneer. An impression is then taken of the tooth and sent to a specialised lab where your unique porcelain veneer is made. In the meantime, before your next appointment, we fix a temporary veneer to the tooth.

Bonding

Before we bond the porcelain veneer to your tooth, we check it for fit and colour. Some trimming may be necessary to get the right fit. We then prepare the cement that will bond the veneer to the tooth, shading it to the same natural colour as your teeth.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers generally last for around 10 years, and potentially longer. As with all things dental, your oral hygiene is the determining factor. Brushing, flossing and rinsing need to be habits, as well as twice yearly check-ups with your dentist.