Veneers
Cosmetic Veneers at East Adelaide Dental Studio
Dental veneers are cosmetic restorations that cover the visible surfaces of your front teeth. We use them for masking aesthetic irregularities and to give your overall smile a brighter, more uniform appearance.
Unlike restorative crowns, which cover your entire tooth, veneers are bonded to the front side of healthy teeth for aesthetic purposes only. They’re not meant to repair weak or decaying structures, but rather to address issues like:
- Crowding and tooth misalignment
- Uneven or chipped enamel
- Severe stain and discoloration
- Irregular tooth size
“How Many Veneers Will I Need?”
Everyone’s smile is different. When you look in the mirror or at photographs of yourself, how many teeth do you see?
Most people get somewhere between 6-10 veneers on their upper front teeth, simply covering their “smile zone”. While veneers on lower front teeth are less common, they may also play a factor into how many veneers you need and the total cost of your procedure.
Since veneers require some reduction in the thickness of your tooth (so that they’re not bulky) any old or failing veneers will need to be replaced with new ones. Veneers are not a reversible treatment option that can be removed at a later date.
Types of Dental Veneers
Veneers come in two designs: porcelain and composite. Composite resin involves little preparation and the chairside veneers can be placed on the same day. However, they’re not as durable or aesthetic as porcelain veneers, making them preferred for situations involving one or two problem areas. They’re also the most affordable of the two.
Porcelain veneers on the other hand, are crafted for optimal aesthetics and durability. They’re created offsite by a ceramist and then placed about two weeks after your preparation and impression visit. Opting for porcelain veneers is best for cases involving multiple teeth or more significant cosmetic needs.
Protecting Your New Smile
At East Adelaide Dental Studio, we recommend wearing a bite splint at night to prevent any chipping or wear in your porcelain/composite. Additionally, it’s important to brush and floss your veneers thoroughly each day. Choose a non-abrasive toothpaste so as not to scratch the surfaces.
Although your veneers can’t decay, the supporting tooth underneath is still prone to bacterial infections. Flossing and regular checkups are a must!
