Porcelain veneers 

Not everyone is equally blessed when it comes to having a nice, white and bright smile. Ageing, decay, disease and life, in general, can all impact the appearance of our teeth — and in some cases, this can cause significant self-esteem issues for many. Problems with our teeth can have a significant influence on our comfort levels in both social and professional situations. In turn, discomfort in these situations can potentially have negative flow-on effects in both our personal lives and careers. 

But the good news is that there are cosmetic dentistry solutions available. Veneers have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to greater public awareness (often via celebrities) as well as improvements in technology. They’re less invasive than dentures or implants and can mimic the look of real teeth quite effectively — minus the imperfections, of course!

There are two primary types of veneers — resin (also known as composite veneers) and porcelain. Both have their advantages, and there isn’t necessarily a “right” choice. It really hinges on factors such as the current health of your mouth, your desired smile, your budget and whether you want the procedure to be permanent. However, today we’ll primarily look at porcelain veneers and how they can improve the overall appearance of your mouth. 

 

Why people opt for porcelain veneers 

Porcelain veneers are rather effective at creating a natural look for teeth, though you can certainly have all of your teeth fitted with veneers to get that white ‘n’ bright Hollywood look. For the most natural look, you’d want your veneers to blend in seamlessly with your existing teeth — something that’s easy with the porcelain dyeing process but trickier with resin veneers. 

Some of the other common reasons people opt for porcelain veneers include: 

• Masking discolouration or stains, especially when conventional whitening procedures aren’t effective. 
• Minor chips or wear, including the lengthening of teeth. 
• Reshaping minor irregularities in shape and size, as well as matching the shape of adjacent teeth to improve inconsistencies in the overall smile. 
• Closing or minimising gaps between teeth. 
• As an alternative to or following orthodontic treatment to correct minor misalignments. 

 

How porcelain veneers work

Porcelain veneers are very thin porcelain sheets attached to the front surfaces of your teeth to improve their appearance. They require significant knowledge and technical skill from the clinician, who is supported by an off-site dental laboratory. They are often designed with Digital Smile Design (DSD) software, allowing patients to view their new smiles as a simulation before committing to the procedure. 

At your initial consultation, you will discuss your specific goals and ideal aesthetic result with your dentist. This will involve looking at all possible procedures and outcomes prior to settling on porcelain veneers. We will then take a complete range of clinical photographs, dental x-rays, 3D scans and impressions to start planning your new smile. 

If required, at a subsequent follow-up appointment, we will show you a simulation via our Digital Smile Design software of a possible aesthetic outcome. At this point, you’ll be able to advise us of any changes you would like to make to your future smile. This can include considerations such as shade, shape and even the size of given veneers.

If you choose to go ahead, your next appointment will involve shaping your teeth to fit your new porcelain veneers. You will be given temporary veneers to wear for two weeks during the fabrication process, after which we will cement your permanent veneers to your teeth. 

 

Aftercare for your porcelain veneers 

Once your veneers are affixed to your teeth, your dentist will provide you with information about how to care for them properly. However, the broad strokes are more or less the same as caring for your real teeth — regular brushing, flossing and using mouthwash in order to avoid staining or damage. 

It’s important to note that porcelain veneers are a permanent option — porcelain veneers before and after pictures can look quite drastic! Once they’re affixed to your teeth, they can’t be removed unless it’s by a professional. They’re not easily damaged, but if you do have a chipped or damaged veneer, then you will need to replace them outright — they can’t be patched or repaired in your mouth. You will also need to replace them periodically; as a general rule, porcelain veneers typically last for about 10 to 15 years if they’re correctly cared for. 

 

Choosing Sydney Road Dental Care for your porcelain veneers

Looking for porcelain veneers in Sydney or the Northern Beaches? Sydney Road Dental Care is the place to go. Our dentists are highly trained in cosmetic dentistry and only source the best materials from dental laboratories specialising in porcelain veneers. We allow ample time to discuss, plan and provide the treatment, as we recognise the complexity of this procedure. We strongly believe that patient education is the cornerstone of all cosmetic procedures and strive to help our patients understand how we will reach their desired outcomes.

Additionally, we provide a range of dental services utilising top-line dental technology, including teeth whitening, Invisalign, orthodontics and much more. We also offer payment plans, so if you’re concerned about porcelain veneers and price, you should find our terms quite reasonable. 

So why not get in touch with us today? Whether you’re a new patient or an existing one who wants to make some changes to their teeth, we can help you find the perfect solution.