Dental Veneers

When to Choose Veneers

Veneers are best when a tooth is healthy but needs minor aesthetic enhancement. Perhaps it’s slightly crooked, uneven or peg-shaped. Their minimally-invasive design makes them a good option when your teeth are healthy but need a bit of a boost cosmetically. Their thin design is similar to what you see if you’re placing a false fingernail on your nail, except in this case it’s a layer of porcelain on your tooth.

In most cases, we’ll recommend a set of six veneers across your upper front teeth, since those are the ones that are most visible when you’re smiling
The Treatment Process
Getting cosmetic veneers requires two separate visits about a week or so apart. During the first visit, we’ll gently shave off a thin layer of enamel to prep your teeth. This step is quite conservative, so it can be completed without local anaesthetic if you prefer.

After your teeth are prepped, we’ll take moulds for our lab to use as they handcraft each restoration. Next, we’ll work together to select the best shade of porcelain for your personal appearance and cosmetic goals. Then we’ll apply a set of temporary veneers for you to wear while the permanent ones are designed.

About a week later you’ll come back to have the porcelain veneers tried on and bonded in place (assuming you’re happy with the way everything looks). At that point, we’ll review your home care and you’ll be on your way, ready to show off your new smile.
Caring for Your Veneers
It’s especially important to properly maintain your new veneers to help them last as long as possible. Daily flossing is essential. Take care to hug the floss around your tooth and slide it up and down several times, tucking it just below the edge of your gums. Lift the floss over your gums and then move to the next tooth. Flossing is not harmful to veneers but neglecting to floss them can be. Also, it’s best to invest in an electric toothbrush to use twice daily.

Although your veneers are crafted from porcelain, they’re not as strong as natural teeth. Try to avoid biting straight into harder foods, such as apples, with your top front teeth. Book a checkup every six months to have your veneers and teeth professionally cleaned and evaluated routinely. To keep your veneers as bright as possible, try to avoid things like smoking, heavy coffee or tea drinking and anything else that might cause stain.
FAQ
Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment designed for patients at least 18 years of age. Anyone with grinding habits may not qualify, as excessive pressure could cause the veneer to fracture. It’s also vital that your teeth and gums are healthy before starting any type of cosmetic treatment. If you have active gum disease or decay, you may not qualify.
Dental veneer treatment can be completed with or without local anaesthetic (numbing medication). Approximately 85% of our patients opt to have their procedure without anaesthetic since it only involves the outermost layer of the tooth. If you have relatively sensitive teeth, please let us know. Numbing medication will likely be recommended to ensure your comfort.

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Find out if cosmetic dental veneers are right for you. Contact us today to reserve an appointment.
Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.