Improve Your Smile with Dental Veneers

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of veneers:

1. Porcelain Veneers
   • Material:
     Made from durable, high-quality ceramic (porcelain).
   • Pros:
     • Mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.
     • Stain-resistant and long-lasting (10-15 years or more with proper care).
     • Custom-made for a natural look and precise fit.
   • Cons:
     • Requires more enamel removal.
     • Higher cost compared to other types.
     • Ideal for severe discolouration, chips, and moderate misalignments.
2. Composite Veneers
   • Material:
     Made from composite resin, similar to materials used for tooth-coloured fillings.
   • Pros:
     • Less expensive than porcelain veneers.
     • Can be applied in one dental visit.
     • Easier to repair if damaged.
   • Cons:
     • Not as durable or stain-resistant as porcelain veneers (last around 5-7 years).
     • May look less natural compared to porcelain.
     • Ideal for minor tooth imperfections like small chips or stains.
3. Lumineers
   • Material:
     A type of ultra-thin porcelain veneer (about 0.2 mm thick).
   • Pros:
     • Requires minimal or no enamel removal.
     • Reversible in some cases, as little tooth structure is altered.
     • Less invasive procedure.
   • Cons:
     • May not be suitable for severely discoloured or damaged teeth.
     • Less durable than traditional porcelain veneers in some cases.
     • Ideal for patients seeking minor cosmetic changes with minimal dental prep.
4. Removable Veneers (Snap-On Veneers)
   • Material:
     Usually made of resin-based or flexible plastic.
   • Pros:
     • Non-permanent and reversible.
     • No tooth reduction or enamel removal required.
     • Affordable, and can be worn on special occasions or temporarily.
   • Cons:
     • Less natural-looking and bulkier than porcelain or composite veneers.
     • Not designed for long-term wear; may feel uncomfortable over time.
     • More prone to damage and staining.
     • Ideal for temporary cosmetic restorations, special events, or those who want a preview of what porcelain or composite veneers would look like.

Several alternative treatments can help enhance the appearance of teeth. Each option has unique benefits, and the suitable choice depends on your specific dental needs and aesthetic goals.

• Teeth whitening:

  For patients who primarily want to address discolouration, professional teeth whitening is a popular alternative to veneers. This treatment process brightens your smile by reducing stains and lightening the colour of your teeth.

• Dental bonding:

  Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-coloured resin material to your teeth to address minor aesthetic issues, such as chips, cracks, or gaps. This treatment is less invasive than dental veneers, as it usually requires no removal of tooth enamel. Dental bonding is a good choice for those looking to address specific cosmetic issues while preserving natural tooth structure.

• Dental crowns:

  If your teeth are damaged and weakened, dental crowns can provide both aesthetic and structural benefits. They cover the entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, and appearance. Unlike veneers, which only cover the front surface, crowns offer more protection.

If dental veneers are deemed unsuitable for you, various alternatives are available that can still achieve the desired cosmetic outcome. It’s essential to consult with your dentist to discuss your specific needs and explore which option is suited to enhance your beautiful smile.

The dental veneer procedure is a treatment for enhancing the appearance of your teeth, as it significantly transforms your smile. Here’s what you might expect during the process:

• Initial consultation and planning:

  Your treatment begins with a consultation, during which your dentist will discuss your goals, examine your teeth, and determine if veneers are the right option for you. This examination may include taking X-rays and impressions of your teeth. You’ll also have the opportunity to discuss your expectations from the treatment, including the colour, shape and size of teeth you want to achieve with dental veneers. Then, your dentist will fabricate a treatment plan.

• Tooth preparation:

  To prepare your teeth for veneers, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from the front surface of each tooth. This step is essential so the veneers fit well and look natural. The amount of enamel removed is usually minimal, often less than a millimetre. A local anaesthetic may be used to keep you comfortable during this process.

• Taking impressions:

  Once your teeth are prepared, your dentist will take impressions of them. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where a laboratory technician will fabricate your veneers. This process can take a couple of weeks. In the meantime, your dentist may provide temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth and maintain your smile’s appearance.

• Fitting and bonding the veneers:

  When your custom veneers are ready, you’ll return to the dentist for the final fitting. Your dentist will place each veneer on your teeth to check the fit and colour and make any necessary adjustments. Once everything looks right, your teeth will be cleaned and polished, and the veneers will be bonded to your teeth using dental cement. A special light is used to harden the dental cement quickly.

• Final adjustments and follow-up:

  After the dental veneers are bonded, your dentist will make any final adjustments to achieve proper fit and bite. You’ll likely be scheduled for a follow-up visit to check how your gums are responding to the veneers and to check that the veneers are securely in place.

Your dentist will explain the details of the dental veneer procedure during your consultation appointment. They can elaborate more on each step so you can align your expectations and decide about the treatment. You can consult our team of dentists at Ashburton Dental Centre for more information.

Dental veneers are often considered cosmetic treatments, as they primarily improve the appearance of teeth by addressing issues like discolouration and minor gaps. Because cosmetic procedures are generally not seen as essential for oral health, many health funds may not cover the cost of dental veneers under standard policies.

However, this still depends on the level of your dental plan. Health funds generally offer different levels of cover, ranging from basic to comprehensive plans. Veneers are more likely to be included in higher-level or comprehensive policies under the “major dental” category.

In many cases, even with health fund cover, there may still be out-of-pocket costs for dental veneers. It’s advisable to obtain a detailed quote from your dentist and then consult with your health fund provider to understand what portion of the cost they will cover.

At Ashburton Dental Centre, our team can answer your questions regarding health fund cover. We encourage you to make a dental appointment to learn more.