Are you considering dental veneers to help you achieve a beautiful smile? Veneers are thin shells or covers attached to the front surface of the teeth to conceal imperfections and give the appearance of a white, even smile. But how do veneers work? Follow along as we discuss veneers, how they work and the treatment procedure. 

Types of veneers

There are two main types of dental veneers – composite resin and porcelain. The latter are more resistant to stains than resin veneers and look more natural since porcelain has similar light-reflecting properties to tooth enamel. Your dentist can discuss the best choice of dental veneers for your smile goals and budget. 

How do veneers work – what issues can they fix?

Dental veneers are commonly used to fix teeth that are:

• Discoloured from certain medications such as antibiotics
• Cracked or chipped
• Worn down
• Misshapen, uneven or mildly misaligned
• Gapped

What is the dental veneers procedure?

As with any cosmetic treatment, the procedure begins with an initial consultation. During this appointment, you can tell us the results you’re trying to achieve. Our dentist will also examine your teeth and discuss the procedure and its limitations. 

How do veneers work?

Composite veneers are referred to as direct restorations because they’re applied directly to the teeth and completed in a single visit. The dentist applies tooth-coloured resin directly to the tooth surface and moulds it into shape before smoothing and polishing it to match the surrounding teeth. The veneer is then cured with a high-intensity light to harden it, and the patient is free to leave the clinic.

In contrast, porcelain veneers are indirect restorations because they are manufactured in a dental lab before being attached to the teeth. The procedure typically requires two dental visits with a few weeks between appointments. 

So, how do porcelain veneers work?

When getting porcelain veneers, the teeth must first be prepared by the dentist. This involves removing a thin layer of tooth enamel (the same thickness as the veneer) to ensure the veneers sit flush within the smile. Once the teeth have been prepared, the teeth are digitally scanned, and the images are sent to the dental lab making the custom veneers. The patient is then fitted with temporary veneers while waiting for their permanent ones to be ready.

Each veneer is custom made and carefully matched to the colour of the surrounding teeth, so they blend seamlessly into the smile. Once the porcelain veneers are back from the dental lab, the patient will be asked back to the clinic. 

The ‘temporaries’ are removed during this second appointment, and the permanent porcelain veneers are tried on the patient. The dentist checks the colour, fit and bite and when both parties are satisfied, etches the surface of the teeth and bonds them securely into place. And that’s it … the beautiful smile you’ve been dreaming of. Patients can expect their veneers to last between seven and fifteen years, after which they will need replacing. 

Hopefully, we’ve answered the question, “how do veneers work?” and you’re excited to take the next step towards your new smile. 

Want to know more?

Why not schedule a consultation with the experienced team at Boutique Dental to see if porcelain veneers are right for you. If not, our dentists will be happy to discuss other treatments that could help you achieve your dream smile. Call today on (02) 9054 5281 or use our online booking system. We can’t wait to see you smile! 

References

Colgate – Medicines that Stain Your Teeth
https://www.colgate.com/en-in/oral-health/teeth-whitening/medicines-that-stain-your-teeth

WebMD –  Dental Veneers
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#:~:text=Dental%20veneers%20(sometimes%20called%20porcelain,shape%2C%20size%2C%20or%20length