Do you have a chip in your front tooth that has been bothering you for some time? Or do you want your teeth to look less yellow and more white?
If you’re tired of hiding your smile and are looking for a cosmetic dental procedure to enhance your smile, porcelain veneers may be the solution for you. They cover your tooth surface, covering imperfections and stains for a more dazzling smile.
What are porcelain veneers and how do they work? Lear more about their benefits, cost and procedure with your local Boon Dental dentists. Read on to find out more.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells made of porcelain. They are applied to the tooth surface to cover minor teeth flaws such as cracks, chips, and discolouration. Porcelain veneers can also help fix misshapen, crooked or uneven teeth.
Porcelain veneers can be used for one tooth or multiple teeth. If you only want veneers on a few teeth to cover chips or alter the shape, or want them on all your teeth for a whiter look – it’s all up to you.
But not everyone may be a suitable candidate for porcelain veneers. People with multiple dental restorations or gum diseases may not be able to get porcelain veneers. However, there are various other cosmetic dental procedures you can choose from. Talk to your dentist about suitable alternatives if porcelain veneers may not suit your dental condition.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer an excellent solution to fix teeth flaws and enhance your smile. They are customised to match your tooth colour and improve teeth appearance for a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Some of the benefits of porcelain veneers include:
- Instant results – The results from porcelain veneers are visible instantly once the application is complete, giving you an instant smile makeover
- Durable & Less Prone to Staining – Porcelain veneers are made of high-quality dental porcelain that’s durable and resistant to staining. The porcelain covering is non-porous, so it doesn’t stain as easily as tooth enamel
- Long Lasting – Porcelain veneers can last as long as 10 years or more with the proper aftercare and maintenance
- Look and Feel Natural – The porcelain used for the veneers is wafer-thin and mimics the appearance of your natural teeth. This makes them comfortable and almost undetectable
- Protects your teeth from Further Damage – Porcelain veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth, covering minor imperfections and protecting damaged teeth from further damage and discolouration
What is the Procedure for Getting Porcelain Veneer?
The procedure for getting dental veneers involves multiple steps. They include:
Diagnosis and Planning for Treatment
The first step is to get an initial consultation to discuss your smile goals and determine if this is the right treatment for you. Your dentist will also perform an oral examination, take your medical history and discuss the process and maintenance of the veneers. Your teeth impressions are taken to get your porcelain veneers ready. At Boon Dental, we also take your teeth X-rays and check your bite to ensure we get a flawless fit for your porcelain veneers. It generally takes two to four weeks for your veneers to be prepared. You’re given temporary veneers to wear until yours are ready.
Preparation
The second step involves shaping and trimming the teeth for a uniform look when the veneers are placed. Then your teeth are prepared for the bonding adhesive with etching, a gel to roughen the tooth surface for better bonding.
Application and Bonding
After your teeth have been prepared, your dentist will apply the porcelain veneers to your tooth surface, trimming and adjusting them until they look perfect and fit comfortably. The veneers are then cemented onto your teeth using a special light to harden them.
At Boon Dental, we polish and prepare your teeth before applying your new veneers. If there were any existing problems identified before the procedure, such as root canals and fillings, we treat them before the porcelain veneers for an impeccable and lasting finish.
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
The cost of porcelain veneers depends on the quality of the material used and the number of teeth you are getting veneers on. The location, damage to the teeth and the dentist’s expertise can also contribute to the cost. Since dental porcelain is durable, custom-made, less resistant to stains and has a natural texture and finish, it costs more than other types of veneers.
How to Take Care of Porcelain Veneers
Similar to any cosmetic dental treatment, proper aftercare is vital to make your veneers last longer. Regular brushing and flossing are necessary to keep both your veneers and natural teeth white and healthy. Since porcelain veneers can crack under pressure, avoid hard and chewy foods, cracking nuts or opening things with your mouth. If you have a habit of grinding teeth or clenching your jaw when you sleep, talk to your dentist about a night guard to protect your veneers from cracking. We also recommend using a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid tooth or gum abrasion and reducing the consumption of coloured drinks to prevent staining. Lastly, don’t forget to keep up with your half-yearly dental checkups and deep cleaning to remove plaque buildup and protect your teeth from cavities or decay.
Get your New Smile Today
At Boon Dental, we offer a range of cosmetic dental treatments to make your smile bright and healthy. We understand each smile is unique and a reflection of the owner’s personality. That’s why we work with you to meet your dental and aesthetic needs for a smile that’s just right for you. Whether you’re interested in porcelain veneers or looking to explore other options, we’ve got you covered – with a team of friendly and reliable dentists dedicated to your oral health and happiness. Talk to our dentists about porcelain veneers today.
