Dental veneers are delicately crafted, custom-made wafer-thin shells that are bonded to the biting surfaces of your teeth. They are a type of dental restoration with a purpose to replicate natural tooth structure, blending in with your surrounding dentition. Veneers provide an effective solution to improving the appearance of your teeth, creating the beautiful smile you have always wanted.

The wafer-thin shells are commonly used to correct misaligned, small gaps, irregular shaped and worn down teeth. They are also most effective in covering or replacing discoloured, stained, chipped and broken tooth structure. Veneers offer a more conservative approach compared to crowns, providing a strong and more aesthetic alternative.

There are generally two different kinds of veneers, both in which can either be made from resin composite or porcelain materials as recommended to you by the dentist upon consultation. Composite veneers require minimal removal of tooth surface before placement and are thinner than porcelain veneers. This procedure doesn’t require the use of a dental technician and can typically be completed in one dental visit. Porcelain veneers better resist stains and effectively mimic natural teeth and their light reflecting properties compared to resin composite veneers. The surrounding gum tissue tolerate porcelain materials very well and can last for at least 10 years. This procedure can be completed in just two to three appointments.

Overall veneers provide a restorative solution for up to 5 and 10 years and will generally require maintenance or replacement after this time. Should you maintain good oral hygiene practices, dental veneers generally will not require any special care. However, the dentist may recommend that you avoid an excessive consumption of stain causing foods such as red wine, coffee or tea.

Porcelain Veneers