Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are ideal for people with dental imperfections such as stained, chipped, and unevenly aligned teeth. They are a long-term cosmetic dentistry option designed to deliver a natural-looking smile more conveniently.

At Cherry Trees Dental, we are committed to helping you and your family maintain healthy teeth through comprehensive dental care. We understand the role of porcelain veneers not just in enhancing your appearance but in strengthening damaged teeth and improving your overall oral health.

If you or a family member wants to correct a dental imperfection by fitting a porcelain veneer, you can count on us to do a perfect fitting.

What Is a Porcelain Veneer?

A porcelain veneer is a tooth-coloured thin shell of ceramic material that is custom-crafted to cover the tooth’s front surface. It is used to conceal dental imperfections such as discolouration, chipped and irregularly spaced teeth, and other surface flaws.

Unlike other cosmetic dentistry, such as crowns, fixing porcelain veneer is a minimally invasive procedure that leaves the tooth intact; only a thin layer of enamel is removed to allow the veneer to fit into the tooth and achieve a natural look.

Porcelain Veneers Explained

Dental veneers have been used since the 1930s primarily for cosmetic purposes, though they serve a dual role, including protecting teeth from damage. The tooth preparation process is irreversible since it involves removing a thin layer of enamel. The thin ceramic shell is then bonded to the tooth’s surface using dental cement.

If you are hesitant about changing the tooth structure, you may want to discuss with the dentist other alternatives, especially if you are only interested in fixing teeth discolouration. However, porcelain veneer wins over other cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening, because it is stain-resistant and lasts longer with proper care.

Though it is more time-consuming, it is worth the effort since the veneer is like a replica of natural teeth. It has a tooth-like texture and reflects light more naturally, like real enamel.

But you must take good care of the teeth to enjoy the benefits of porcelain veneers for longer. For instance, veneers can detach from the teeth or crack if you bite hard surfaces. As such, you should refrain from using your teeth to open cans/bottles or loosen knots.

The Porcelain Veneers Process

The process of fitting porcelain veneers involves several steps and stages. Once the dentist evaluates the x-rays of your teeth and determines you are eligible for the procedure, they discuss your preferences for the veneers’ width, length, shape, and colour to ensure the outcome meets your expectations.

The dentist will then prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel and take a mould of your teeth. The mould is sent to the dental lab, where custom veneers are made.

Once the veneers are ready, the dentist fits them on the teeth to check they fit properly, then makes any necessary adjustments. After this, the veneers are bonded to the teeth using dental cement.

The process may take several days, from the first appointment to the bonding. But the bonding is a one-day procedure that can take between one and two hours.

Cost of Porcelain Veneers

The cost of porcelain veneers may vary widely depending on the number of veneers and the extent of damage on teeth. Please consult your dentist for an estimate tailored to your treatment needs.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

There are many benefits to choosing porcelain veneers over other cosmetic dentistry options. Here are a few.

  • Low maintenance – Porcelain veneers are non-porous, which makes them resist stains and cavities better. Nonetheless, you still need to maintain a good oral regime for your overall dental health.
  • Replace damaged enamel – Once enamel wears away, e.g., due to the consumption of highly acidic foods, it predisposes your tooth to decay, opening you up to more dental health woes. Fitting porcelain veneers replace the enamel and help cover the tooth to avert more damage.
  • Whiter smile – If you are fitting a full set of veneers, you can have them glazed several shades brighter than your natural teeth should you prefer a whiter smile. This helps resolve the challenge with other dental restorations, such as teeth whitening, which are easily reversed with continued consumption of dark-coloured foods.
  • Enhance appearance – Porcelain veneers can correct various dental imperfections, including concealing unevenly spaced teeth, cracked teeth, uneven surfaces, etc. So, they help enhance your appearance.

The benefits of porcelain veneers are numerous, we cannot mention them all.

Book Your Porcelain Veneer Fitting at Cherry Trees Dental and Enhance Your Smile

If you have a dental imperfection denying you a perfect smile, consider porcelain veneers. Whether you have worn enamel, discoloured teeth, or even a broken tooth, a porcelain veneer can hide the imperfection and enhance your appearance.

Here at Cherry Trees Dental, we are committed to resolving your cosmetic dental flaws to help you smile brighter and more confidently. Book your appointment here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can a dental veneer achieve?

A dental veneer can conceal many dental imperfections, including discoloured teeth, mishappen teeth, cracked teeth, uneven spaces between teeth, worn enamel, etc.

Which type of veneer is best?

There are different types of veneers, including porcelain, composite, and non-prep veneers. They all have their pros and cons when you compare them based on factors such as cost, longevity, length of the installation, and appearance. Generally, while composite and non-prep veneers are good alternatives to porcelain, studies have shown that porcelain is superior in terms of aesthetic results and longevity.

Are porcelain veneers painful?

Your teeth might experience sensitivity to extreme cold and hot temperatures immediately after the procedure, but it wears off after a few days. Generally, no serious pain is involved in the process.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

Porcelain veneers can last for at least ten years. But they can go for more than 15 years with good routine dental care.

How to Take Care of Your Veneers

You can increase the lifespan of porcelain veneers with good maintenance. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.

  • Brush and floss your teeth daily
  • Avoid clenching your teeth
  • Don’t bite hard surfaces or attempt to open things using your teeth
  • Wear a mouthguard when playing a sport or if you grind your teeth during sleep
  • Use the right oral tools to clean the veneers

Are my teeth suitable for veneers?

You might be the right candidate for porcelain veneers if you have the following cosmetic flaws;

  • Stained teeth that cannot be whitened with bleaching
  • Worn enamel
  • Misshapen and chipped teeth

Finally, qualifying for porcelain veneer fitting also requires you have healthy teeth and gums.