Veeners (Laminate)

Porcelain Veneers for smile makeovers

Dental veneers have long been used to create the ultimate smile makeover, with this treatment it is possible to transform crooked, stained, damaged and badly worn teeth into a brand new straight white smile as seen on many of the Hollywood greats.

So What exactly are dental Veneers?

Veneers are wafer thin lamintates or shells of tooth coloured material (which can be either porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material) that are “cemented” to the front surface of teeth to improve their cosmetic appearance. They work in a similar manner to how false finger nails are placed or glued to your existing fingernails, veneers are bonded to the front of existing teeth.

What Treatments or problems are veneers used for?

Stained Teeth - badly stained teeth that cannot be improved by teeth whitening or prophyflex treatments can be improved by dental veneers, which function to cover and "hide" any existing stains on  natural teeth.

Damaged Teeth - teeth that have either become badly worn with excessive grinding, by carbonated drinks, or have been chipped or broken in an accident can benefit from veneers. A small chip on a tooth can quickly be repaired with composite bonding or "composite veneers" which are one and the same thing. A single damaged tooth can  be repaired with a single porcelain veneer that has the same characteristics and colour to match  surrounding teeth so that it looks natural.

Gaps - spaces or gaps  between  teeth can also  be closed using dental veneers .

Difference between composite veneers or porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers offer a stronger and more durable alternative to its composite counterpart. Composite veneers are also more prone to staining and do not last as long as porcelain veneers . Composite work is ideal for small chips as this treatment preserves more of  natual tooth structure.

Proceedure of having dental veneers fitted.

1. The first part of any dental procedure is the initial consultation and examination of the dentist.

2. Before veneers are designed the teeth are to be reshaped and prepared so they could accomadate the veneers.

3. Using a special tool called a burr (a dental drill or file) a tiny amount of the front surface of teeth should be shaved off. The amount removed should be equivalent to the thickness of the veneer that will sit over the top of the tooth.

4. Next an impression of the teeth should be taken.

5. This "impression" of the teeth is then sent to a dental laboratory. The laboratory use the impression to cast an accurate model of teeth which is used as a guide to fabricate new veneers.

6. Before fitting the vaneers they should be tried over natural teeth to see how they look and maybe need some improvement.

7. Next the teeth should be cleaned and the front surfaces etched (roughened) with a special acid gel so that they provide a good surface for the dental cement to stick to.

8. The veneers are then cemented into place and a special curing light is used to activate the dental cement so that it permanenetly bonds the veneer to the front surface of the prepared tooth. If there is any excess cement it is usually trimmed away .