Dental Veneers

 

Current Promotion until 1 June 2011: Veneers @ THb 10,000 each approx $330 AUD
 

With a beautiful smile you will feel better physically and mentally. You will also have greater self esteem and more confidence which could improve your performance in every area of life.

Veneers are wafer-thin laminates or shells of tooth-coloured material (which can be either porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material). They are “cemented” to the front surface of teeth to improve their cosmetic appearance. Many dentists use the analogy that dental veneers are for your teeth what false fingernails are for your hands. 

Dental veneers are one of the cosmetic dentistry options available to correct stained, chipped, or crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers are made of the translucent ceramic material, which is applied to the front of the teeth. When applied by a qualified cosmetic dentist, porcelain veneers should be virtually indistinguishable other teeth. To accomplish the desired effect, dental veneers take approximately three visits to the cosmetic dentist's office.

Veneers are routinely used to fix:

• Teeth that are discoloured either because of root canal treatment; stains from 
tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride or other causes; or the presence of large resin fillings that have discoloured the tooth
• Teeth that are worn down
• Teeth that are chipped or broken
• Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped (for example, have craters or bulges in them)
• Teeth with gaps between them (to close the space between these teeth)

 

Advantages

They provide a natural tooth appearance. 
Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well. 
Porcelain veneers are stain resistant. 
The colour of a porcelain veneer can be selected such that it makes dark teeth 
appear whiter. 
Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth's colour and shape - veneers generally don't require the extensive shaping prior to the procedure that crowns do, yet offer a stronger, more esthetic alternative to bonding. 

 

Dental Veneer Procedure 

Teeth are prepared for dental veneers by very lightly grinding to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Records are taken to determine the color, bite, length and shape of each dental veneer. An impression is also taken in the same visit for a replica model of the teeth. In the next visit, your custom made dental veneer is then placed directly onto your tooth to verify their perfect fit and the shade or color. The tooth is then cleansed to achieve a maximum bond. Once the dental cement is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used to harden the cement. A quality assurance check is done for any re-adjustments or re-works of your dental veneer.  

 

Types of Veneers (Porcelain and Composite) 

The most popular type of veneers is porcelain, which offers 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. Porcelain veneers also offer a more natural looking, translucent appearance. Composite veneers are much cheaper than porcelain veneers in general, but considering that they do not last as long and need replacing more often, they could end up costing more in the long run. Composite work is ideal for small chips, as this treatment preserves more of your natural tooth structure. 

 

How Long Do Veneers Last? 

Porcelain veneers will typically last between five and ten years, while composite veneers last a year or two at most. The bottom line is that your veneers will eventually need to be replaced. Although veneers are strongly cemented into place, there have been cases where they come loose and fall off. In such situations, it is important that you keep hold of your veneer and contact your dentist immediately. To make your veneers last longer, follow a good oral hygiene program and visit your dentist for check-ups on a regular basis.