Do you have discoloured, crooked or chipped teeth?
Discoloured, crooked or chipped teeth can be one of the reasons we look for a way to achieve a brighter smile. Thankfully, the expertise and technology available to dentists mean we don’t have to suffer in silence. Porcelain or dental veneers can hide a host of problems including discoloured, chipped & crooked teeth.
Different Veneer Types
Moulded from porcelain or a composite resin, veneers are custom-made shells designed to fit snugly onto your existing teeth. While the porcelain veneers have the benefit of being more natural-looking and longer lasting, they take much longer to fit. Veneers made from composite resin can be reshaped and sculpted to fit the teeth more easily, making the treatment quicker, and more likely to be a two-visit procedure, but aren’t as hard-wearing as their porcelain counterparts.
How are Porcelain Veneers applied?
As a fantastic solution to chips and cracks, porcelain veneers require up to three visits to your cosmetic dentist. This is because porcelain veneers are a more involved dental procedure and require slightly more time to deliver long-lasting and effective results compared to other quick fixes.
Consultation and Diagnosis
When you first step into the practice at Aesthetic Laser Dentistry, one of our dentists will sit down and chat with you about what you are hoping to achieve with the treatment. Once your needs and desires have been talked about, the dentist will make a full examination of the teeth, in addition to x-rays, photographs and impressions of your teeth and mouth. You will also have the opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about the treatment and any possible side effects or complications.
Prepare for Change
A veneer can’t simply be glued onto the front surface of your tooth. Your second visit to the dentist will involve the preparation of your teeth prior to the application of the veneers. Your dentist first needs to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to allow for the extra width of the veneers. Once the teeth are trimmed, the dentist will take another impression of your mouth which is then used to construct the veneers according to your specific needs. The veneers usually take around two to four weeks to complete, after which you can return for your third and final visit.
Bonding the Veneers
For most people, this third step is the most exciting as it is now that they’ll see their smile transformed. So, how are porcelain veneers applied? Well, a special cement is used to bond the thin shells of porcelain to the tooth but, before they are all fixed in position, the dentist will apply each one individually to confirm that it fits correctly and matches the desired natural tooth colour.
Veneers can be trimmed and altered during this process to ensure the closest fit. Once the veneer is in place, the cement is applied, and the veneer secured. A special light beam is then used to activate the cement and create a firm, permanent bond. Once that is complete, the dentist will remove any excess cement and double-check that the application of the veneers hasn’t disrupted your bite, tweaking individual veneers in the process.
Follow Up
In some instances, your dentist may ask you to pop back after a few weeks or months to ensure the veneers are settled and to confirm there is no irritation to your mouth or gums because of the treatment.
Maintaining Your Veneers
Once you’ve had your veneers applied, now is the time to keep them in the best shape possible and show them off to maximum effect. It’s recommended to avoid food and drink that can stain your veneers if you’re not careful, such as coffee, tea, red wine and chocolate.
It’s also important to understand your level of coverage provided by your health insurance, as most will only provide coverage for restorative treatments. However, it’s best to speak with one of our dentists to get a full picture of your treatment payment options.
Miles of Smiles
If you’re considering porcelain veneers to enhance your smile or a cracked tooth drop into Aesthetic Laser Dentistry for some expert advice and more details information about the treatment process. The team at Aesthetic Laser Dentistry offer honest advice and the latest techniques and procedures.
For outstanding cosmetic dentistry treatment, book your consultation today.
