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Smile makeovers are an excellent way in which anyone can improve the appearance of their teeth. A smile makeover involves one or more cosmetic dentistry treatments, and one of the most popular procedures is dental veneers, providing patients with beautiful white and evenly aligned teeth.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are a thin shell of tooth-coloured material fitted over the front surface and sides of the tooth and the biting or incisal surface. A veneer can be made from porcelain or composite resin material and is bonded permanently onto the tooth.

When to Consider Veneers?

Veneers are a very versatile treatment that can correct several common issues. These include:

• Mending chipped or cracked teeth
• Reducing or closing unsightly gaps between teeth
• Hiding teeth that are severely stained and won’t respond to teeth whitening treatments
• Correcting the appearance of teeth that are misshapen or too small
• Realigning slightly crooked or rotated teeth
• Correcting the appearance of worn teeth

Can Anyone Have Veneers?

Veneers are generally suitable for anyone with reasonably strong and healthy teeth. Your teeth shouldn’t have any large fillings or substantial decay, and you should have good oral health with no signs of active gum disease.

When you visit our practice, we can quickly assess your dental health and determine if veneers are a suitable treatment and will provide the results you desire. Our dentist will also help you decide how many veneers are needed. Some people choose to veneer all the teeth visible when they smile or talk, while others may only need one or two veneers.

We can explain each type of veneer in detail, including the treatment costs, when you visit our practice, but you can read a quick overview of each below.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are made from a hard-wearing, durable and stain-resistant ceramic material. Before we can fit porcelain veneers, we must first prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. Preparing your teeth ensures the final result will look and feel natural and not too bulky. Once we have prepared your teeth, we take a detailed dental impression that is sent to our dental lab so they can fabricate the veneers to our exact design. While the veneers are being made, we protect your teeth with temporary veneers. You will need a second appointment so we can fit and bond your porcelain veneers onto your teeth.

Composite Resin Veneers

Composite resin veneers are made from tooth-coloured resin, and this is the same material used for tooth-coloured fillings. First, we prepare your teeth by lightly etching the tooth surface to create a better bond between the tooth and the veneer. Next, we carefully apply small increments of tooth coloured composite resin, and the resin is hardened using a special light. Finally, our dentist will shape and polish the veneer material, so the resulting restoration looks and feels natural.

Porcelain veneers cost a little more than composite resin veneers but last longer.