Porcelain Veneers
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers, also called porcelain veneers, dental veneers, or porcelain laminates, are thin wafer-like, tooth- coloured material applied to the front portion of the teeth to improve their appearance. Porcelain veneers are indicated to correct and repair tooth chips and cracks, improve a worn appearance or correct severe tooth discolouration. Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success with teeth whitening.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, translucent materials that maintain the natural appearance of your tooth enamel. They help your teeth appear uniform, straighter and whiter. The procedure is pain less and a permanent whitening solution for your teeth. Modern porcelain veneers differ from traditional veneers as they are much thinner and do not require grinding down of the teeth prior to applying them.
Procedure for Placement of Porcelain Veneers
Your dentist first creates a mould of your teeth, decides on the acceptable shade of tooth colour and then sends the mould to the lab to create customised porcelain veneers. On your second visit, your dentist will apply them onto the tooth surface without the need for injections or drilling.
Reasons for porcelain veneers
- Crooked teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Stained or discoloured teeth
- Abnormally-sized teeth
- Unwanted or uneven spaces
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Smile improvement
What is the Process for Getting Porcelain Veneers?
The process for getting dental veneers requires little or no anaesthesia and is usually completed in 2 office visits.
On your first visit, the tooth surfaces are shaped and buffed to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. A mould or impression of your teeth is then obtained, and you and your doctor will select an appropriate tooth shade.
On the second visit, your teeth are cleansed with special liquids to improve surface bonding. The tooth surface is then applied with a bonding cement and the veneer is placed. Your doctor then uses a special light beam to harden cement for a durable bond.
You will receive instructions for proper care of your veneers. You will have to brush, floss and visit your dentist regularly to help them last long.
Lumineer
A brand of veneers called Lumineers use ultra-thin, translucent materials to give your teeth a natural appearance of tooth enamel. They help your teeth appear uniform, whiter and straighter. The procedure is painless and offers a permanent whitening solution, giving your teeth a healthy appearance.
Lumineers are much thinner than traditional veneers and require no teeth grinding prior to application.
A mould of your teeth is first created, and you and your dentist decide on an acceptable tooth shade. The mould along with the shade information is then sent to the lab where customized Lumineers are created. On your next visit, the Lumineers are applied to the tooth surface by your dentist. No injections or drilling is necessary.
