DENTAL VENEERS

Porcelain and Composite Veneers

Dental Veneers are thin facings made of either composite or porcelain material made to cover the visible surfaces of front teeth. Veneers are specifically designed to change the colour, shape, size, length and position of anterior teeth to change your smile. They are often made to significantly improve the appearance of your teeth, and in turn, the overall aesthetics of one's smile.

Dental veneers are a pivotal part of Aesthetic Dentistry. In some cases, veneers may be considered akin to a form of 'instant orthodontics'.

Compared to full coverage tooth reconstructions such as dental crowns, dental veneers are considered a more conservative restorative treatment option because less tooth structure is removed to enable their placement.

When Should Dental Veneers be Considered?

Veneers may be recommended to correct and improve the appearance of:

  • discoloured teeth,
  • worn teeth,
  • chipped or broken teeth,
  • slightly misaligned teeth
  • irregularly shaped teeth,
  • gaps between teeth

Types of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers may be constructed from either composite resin filling material or dental porcelain/ceramics. Veneers made from composite resin are known as Composite Veneers. They are made and attached to the teeth with little to no tooth preparation by a process called 'dental bonding'. Composite veneers can also be referred to as 'direct veneers' as they are made in a single dental appointment and constructed on the patient in real time.

Dental veneers made from dental ceramics are called Porcelain Veneers. They are also known as 'indirect veneers', because they are constructed outside of the mouth. They involve a more complex design and construction process. As a consequence they offer a better aesthetic result. Indirect treatments require multiple dental appointments. Information is sent to a dental laboratory so porcelain veneers can be custom made and digitally printed before being inserted in the mouth.

Porcelain veneers may often last significantly longer and provide a superior aesthetic result compared to composite veneers. But they are a more expensive treatment option compared to composite veneers.

Planning Your New Dental Veneers

First of all, our goal is to help you improve your smile confidence, in a realistic and minimally invasive way. As the materials used for veneers are different, consideration needs to be given regarding the suitability of each material for the circumstances of each patient.

If you are a candidate for dental veneers, the most suitable material for your treatment can be determined following a professional consultation and smile analysis at our practice.

We take into consideration:

  • your aesthetic goals for your smile, your expectations and budget
  • the nature of your dental problem,
  • the quality and amount of suitable natural tooth structure present,
  • your tooth alignment and bite,
  • whether prior orthodontic alignment enable a better final result
  • the health of your gums, your gum profile and contours,
  • what may reasonably and safely be achieved,
  • whether prior teeth whitening may improve your overall result,
  • the desired treatment prognosis
  • whether referral to a specialist Prosthodontist may offer the best pathway for your circumstances

How are Porcelain Veneers Made?

At Melbourne Dentistry, Dr Maria will listen to your concerns. She will undertake a comprehensive dental examination of your mouth, tissues and teeth. Following this, she will need to take a digital scan of your mouth to better visualise your teeth and analyse your treatment needs. This will help her assess your current dental condition and bite, to plan your treatment.

A 'mock up' of your proposed veneers will then be made for you to review. Treatment will only be commenced once you are satisfied with the proposed plan and approve the design of your new veneers.

When you are ready, Dr Maria will shape and prepare your teeth for your planned veneers. She will scan your newly prepared teeth. Your porcelain veneers will be constructed from this digital scan in a dental laboratory.

While you are waiting for your new smile to be constructed, temporary facings are attached to protect your teeth and let you function normally. Once ready, Dr Maria will bond your veneers to your teeth during a subsequent appointment and you smile with your beautiful new smile!

Composite and Porcelain Veneers at Melbourne Dentistry

Let us help you with planning your new smile. Schedule an appointment with us today!