Get a Bright White Smile With Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are carefully crafted custom made facings that are permanently bonded to the front of your teeth to correct issues such as:
- Stained teeth
- Chipped Tooth
- Teeth that are worn down
- Close gaps in your teeth
- Correct (minor) crooked teeth
They can be made from ceramic (or porcelain) or composite resin enhancing their colour and shape while providing an effective solution to these problems.
Veneers can be fitted over any number of teeth, usually fitted over the front 4, 6 or 8 teeth. Most people have them placed on their upper teeth only, but depending on what is visible in your smile, the lower teeth can receive veneers too.
To create space for these thin veneers, your teeth are meticulously prepared, removing a very thin outer layer of the tooth. The veneer is precisely fitted resulting in a very natural restoration with a seamless transition to the gum line.
Before and After Results
What kind of results can I expect? Below are "before and after" photos of some of Dental Veneers work, helping our patients by enhancing their appearance and dental health through cosmetic dental procedures.
Who Can Benefit From This Procedure?
If you and your dentist decide that dental veneers are the best option for you, you will need to participate in treatment planning to determine the best course of action for your treatment. Treatment planning will include discussion about the appropriate preparation of your teeth for the dental veneer deemed the best option for you as well as a discussion about what is needed in order for your dental veneer to look and fit properly
Treatment planning allows you to become actively involved in your dental veneer procedure and overall “smile design”. During your treatment planning, you should inform your dentist of your preference for the shape, colour or shade, length and width – your experienced North Sydney Dental Practice dentist can also provide recommendations as to what will look best and suit your needs. We take the time to understand your individual preferences which can range from a very subtle, natural look to a glamorous, bright, “Hollywood’’ smile.
What to Expect During the Treatment
The procedure can be completed in as little as two visits over the course of approximately two weeks. After determining your suitability and creating a customised plan for you, you will be ready for your dental veneer treatment.
Well in advance, your dentist would have formed your smile design with you to create a pretend mock-up of the shape of the new teeth that can essentially be “tried in” the mouth. This is to check that you are happy with the size, shape, length and overall look of your new smile. This try-in will also function as a temporary restoration for you in the two week period after preparation appointment.
Once you have approved the aesthetic look, your dentist will apply a local anaesthetic to the treatment area to reduce any discomfort during the preparation stage. Please let us know if you are a nervous patient as there are many sedation options available at North Sydney Dental Practice to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Your dentist will then minimally reshape your tooth to provide the best fit for the veneer.
If you are receiving porcelain veneers, a mould of your mouth will be made which is then sent to a high end laboratory to custom design your veneers. At North Sydney Dental Practice, we are committed to using Australian laboratories that produce material of the highest quality. This is ensure that you get the best results possible to achieve the dream smile you imagined.
Once the veneers are custom created by our master ceramists in the laboratory, they are then sent back to our dental practice, ready to be applied. Your dentist will try them in and show you how they look to ensure that you are totally happy before we bond them in. Your dentist will also check that the veneers are fitted with absolute precision, are easily cleaned and will not cause any discomfort or alignment issues in the future.
Your custom veneers are then bonded to your teeth, a highly important stage of the procedure that will be carried out with meticulous care by your North Sydney dentist. Both the surface of the porcelain and the surface of the enamel are cleaned and prepared for bonding, the veneers are carefully seated and the bonding material is set using a curing light. You can then immediately enjoy your new, bright healthy teeth. We want you to absolutely love your new smile.
Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers
Composite resin veneers are a cost-effective solution for a short to medium term result. The results can be very good, but not as natural, precise and brilliant as porcelain which offers the best looking results. This is because composite resin is applied directly onto the teeth, rather than a model, with fewer colours/shades available.
In some situations however, such as small chips at the edges of your teeth, composite veneers can be perfectly suitable. This is because they can be thinner and also require less of your natural tooth to be removed before placement, allowing your dentist to give you a conservative solution.
Composite veneers can often be done in a single appointment. Your dentist will apply a layer of shaded composite directly onto your teeth which is then shaped to the desired appearance. Once the correct shape is achieved, the composite is hardened with a special light, then finished and polished to complete the procedure.
Advantages of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers offer a number of cosmetic and functional advantages.
- Veneers improve the look of your smile by changing the shape, colour, length, width and straightness of your teeth
- They provide a natural look, which mimics the cosmetic look of your natural teeth, or they can be designed to provide a brighter, whiter smile if desired.
- Your smile transformation can be provided in a matter of two to three weeks, or even in one visit if having composite veneers.
- Porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains than composite veneers.
- Many different shades of porcelain can be selected to match the natural shade of your teeth.
- Gums are able to easily tolerate both porcelain and composite veneers
How Long do Veneers Last?
On average, dental veneers can last for around 5 to 10 years before they will need to be replaced. Many can last longer, depending on how well the gums are cleaned, how much someone clenches and grinds their jaw and other habits. However, if you experience a chip or crack you should visit your dentist straight away.
Your Next Step - Call Us
If you consistently find yourself covering your teeth when you speak or smile, contact our team at North Sydney Dental Practice and see how we can create a brilliant smile you will love.
