Dental veneers as a cosmetic treatment option
Some people think that if you have cosmetic dental treatment, it’s going to look obvious and like you’ve just had a full set of fake teeth put in. But cosmetic dentistry, or as we prefer to call it – aesthetic dentistry, is an area that is improving and expanding all the time and dental veneers are a procedure that has certainly come a long way. The results leave your teeth looking very natural and will have you flashing your pearly whites in no time.
The reasons people might want dental veneers include chipped, uneven and crooked teeth, discoloration, twisted or overlapping teeth, or irregular gaps between teeth.
Veneers are suitable in cases where less invasive options like straightening and whitening can’t fully correct the concern.
What are dental veneers?
If you’re considering a procedure that will enhance your smile, it’s important to understand what is involved in getting dental veneers. There are basically two types of dental veneers: porcelain veneers and composite bonded veneers, also known as composite resins.
Porcelain veneers are very thin shells that are fixed to the front of your teeth and are the veneers we most associate with achieving a ‘Hollywood smile’. Once fitted, your teeth will be fully functional.
The process involves assessment of your requirements, photographs and in many cases a ‘trial run’ or ‘mock-up’ to give you an idea of what the final product will look like.
If this is the right option for you, your dentist will need to remove a small layer on the teeth being fitted with veneers so there’s room in your mouth for your new tooth layer. Your veneers will be made in a laboratory in Perth, to a model of your prepared teeth, and then glued on by your dentist. Temporary veneers are placed on the teeth in the interim so that your teeth appear normal until the final veneers arrive to be fitted.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite veneers are a resin filling material that can be matched to the colour of the tooth and applied in one visit. The main difference between these and porcelain veneers is that in some cases, you can just add the resin to the tooth to make it the shape you want without having to cut any tooth away. Resin veneers can stain slightly more than porcelain over time, however they are easier to repair in the case of a chip or fracture.
The range of colours composite resins come in is quite extensive now. There’s a lot more variance in terms of translucent and opaque resins so they can be built up to make it look much like a natural tooth.
Talk it through with your dentist
It’s important to note that dental veneers are, in many cases, an irreversible procedure and like any treatment, will not last forever and require maintenance over the years. Some adjustments can be made to the veneer after it is fitted, but you won’t be able to undo the procedure as such and go back to how your teeth were before the procedure.
That’s why it’s always a good idea to talk through all your options with your dentist and make an informed decision about your teeth.
The best way to start the process is to arrange a consultation with your dentist at Pelago Dental. We can assess your concerns, answer any further questions you may have, and begin creating a plan after deciding together which option will best meet your needs.
