Summer is quickly approaching and with it a season of endless pictures! Whether you’re going on a holiday or posing for a professional wedding shoot, it’s that time of the year when you smile and smile, and well… smile some more! But how about my yellow teeth or that chipped front tooth, you may ask?
Broken, stained, or gapped teeth can make smiling embarrassing. If you’re eager to have your picture taken and smile confidently again, it’s time you select a dental procedure that takes care of them, dental veneers!
Those of you in and around Melbourne are in luck! At Hampstead Dental, our team of dental professionals help design high-quality dental veneers that take your smile to another level! Before you go ahead with them, here is everything you need to know about veneers!
WHAT ARE DENTAL VENEERS?
A dental veneer is an ultra-thin shell of tooth-coloured material that is cemented onto the front, visible portions of the teeth. Veneers are fastened onto the teeth with the intention to correct dental issues such as worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing, tooth discolouration, and chips or cracks. These strong veneers also help improve cosmetic issues with tooth colour, sizing, and shape.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DENTAL VENEERS?
Dental veneers are primarily of two different types: porcelain and resin, each with its own set of benefits and shortcomings. Your dentist in Melbourne will be able to walk you through the best choice of dental veneers for your needs.
- Porcelain veneers
These dental veneers are more durable than their resin counterparts. Made with high-strength material, they’re more resistant to things like chips or stains, making them reliable and long-time companions for you. Additionally, porcelain is a material with optic properties identical to that of your natural teeth. In other words, they reflect light the same way a natural tooth would without looking freakishly white or shiny. - Resin veneers
Resin or composite veneers are affordable veneer options for people with minor aesthetic concerns. One of the biggest benefits of resin veneers is that you don’t have to replace the entire thing if it stains or gets damaged (unlike porcelain veneers). Instead, you can simply opt to repair that one part.
DENTAL PROBLEMS THAT DENTAL VENEERS CAN FIX
Dental veneers, both porcelain and resin, are versatile in their application. They help correct numerous types of oral conditions while also improving the look of your teeth. Here is a quick list of some of the common dental complaints veneers can fix:
- Worn enamel
- Wear and tear
- Uneven spacing
- Misshapen teeth
- Stained teeth
WHAT IS A DENTAL VENEER PROCEDURE?
Composite resin veneers can generally be completed in a single visit. Porcelain veneers will take two sittings to complete.
In general, most veneers are completed within one to three visits that look like this:
- Appointment 1: Initial consultation
The process will begin with a face-to-face consultation where the dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth. Any x-rays or moulds of the mouth that are necessary for the treatment process will be taken. The dentist will then make an informed decision on how exactly to proceed with the personalized veneer treatment plan. - Appointment 2: Tooth preparation
The tooth is prepared for the veneer. This involves removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth (this will accommodate the veneer in the third appointment). Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will take a digital 3D scan of your teeth. This scan is sent to the lab to fabricate your veneer. You’ll be sent home with a temporary veneer. - Appointment 3: Permanent veneers fixed
When the porcelain veneers are received from the lab, the dentist proceeds to prepare the tooth by applying a gel-like substance that helps produce a rough surface for the veneer to effectively “bond” to the tooth. The permanent veneers are finally fixed in place and set with the help of a special light.
HOW TO CARE FOR DENTAL VENEERS?
Once the process of dental veneers is complete and you can go home with a nice set of new teeth. However your at-home care routine will make all the difference for the longevity of the veneer. Brushing and flossing should be continued as usual using a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
You should also consider limiting your coffee intake in addition to other highly-pigmented foods. Smoking is not recommended if you want your dental veneers to last as long as they should. Remember, a veneer will need to be replaced at some point no matter how well you take care of them. By maintaining proper oral hygiene, you can push back the date for a veneer replacement!
Tired of your smile looking awkward and unnatural as ever? Choose not to let your imperfect teeth dim your happiness today! Get your set of dental veneers at Hampstead Dental in Melbourne.
