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    Dental Veneers

    Dental veneers are custom made thin shells bonded to the tooth surface to enhance their colour, shape or size. Veneers can be one of the more conservative forms of dental restoration to address issues that are relatively minor and aesthetic in nature.

    About Dental Veneers

    When Would I Need Dental Veneers?

    As a procedure to enhance the appearance of your teeth, dental veneers are best suited for teeth that require minimal reconstruction of tooth structure. They are mostly used for aesthetic restorations of the following dental conditions:

    • Chipped or broken teeth
    • Discoloured or stained teeth that cannot be whitened
    • Gaps between teeth
    • Crooked or misshapen teeth

    Benefits of Dental Veneers

    While the benefits that dental veneers offer may differ depending on the type of material used, here are some advantages of veneers in general:

    • Provide natural tooth appearance
    • Less invasive compared to other forms of dental restoration as less extensive shaping is required
    • Simple patient maintenance required
    3d render of teeth with veneer over white

    Types of Dental Veneers - Which is Better?

    There are primarily 2 types of Dental Veneers for consideration - Porcelain Veneers and Composite Veneers. Determining which type of veneer is right for you comes down to a few factors:
    COMPOSITE VENEERS
    PORCELAIN VENEERS
    Complexity of Procedure
    Manufactured in our clinic by the dentist and applied directly to the teeth, a single appointment is all that’s needed for this procedure. Moreover, as Composite Veneers shells are thinner than that of Porcelain Veneers, little to no shaving of your natural tooth is required.
    While porcelain veneers serve the same purpose as composite veneers, the procedure requires at least 2 dental appointments as they are made in a laboratory. More trimming of natural tooth is also required as compared to composite veneers.
    Durability
    Where good oral care and function is observed, composite veneers can last a few years. They are more brittle and prone to chipping than porcelain veneers. Fortunately, it can be repaired more easily than its porcelain alternative.
    With good oral care and function, porcelain veneers can last longer than composite veneers. They are durable once bonded to teeth. However, unlike composite veneers which can be repaired, porcelain veneers requires replacement if chipped or broken.
    Aesthetics Result
    Composite veneers can produce great aesthetics. Composite veneers are prone to stains as compared to Porcelain Veneers.
    Translucent properties of porcelain allow the veneer to reflect light the same way a natural tooth does, making it appearing more natural. It is also more stain-resistant than composite veneers.

    Procedure of Getting Dental Veneers

    First Appointment

    Similar to many other dental treatments, getting dental veneers begin with a preliminary consultant where X-Ray will be taken to investigate for signs of dental problems. The dentist will then trim about half a millimeter of the surface of your tooth enamel to prepare for the veneer. An impression or mould of your tooth may be taken to prepare for the veneer.

    For porcelain veneer, the mould will be sent to the lab, and a temporary veneer may be used to protect your natural tooth before the next appointment. For composite veneer, the permanent veneer can be fixed onto your tooth on the same appointment.

    Second Appointment

    The temporary fittings will be replaced with the permanent veneer. The dentist will also check the fit and colour before the installation and trim if adjustments are needed, until the restoration fit is satisfactory before the veneer will be cemented to the surface of the tooth. A follow-up procedure may be scheduled.

    While dental veneers are a simple procedure to restore the aesthetics of your teeth, they may not be suitable for all, especially if there is greater volume of the teeth to be replaced. In this case, crowns & bridges can be a better option to restore the entire tooth. A comprehensive examination with a dentist is necessary to determine your suitability.

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    FAQs

    Yes, it is possible. However, we often do not recommend this.

    Because they are two different materials, choosing the same shade of colour does not provide the exact match. Also, composite veneers are prone to staining as opposed to porcelain. Overtime, the difference would be even more visible.

    Dental veneers go through wear and tear and will eventually need to be replaced. However, many patients are able to maintain their veneers well, depending on oral health condition and personal habits.

    Because enamel has been removed, the tooth of some individuals may become more sensitive to hot/cold food and beverages. Should you experience severe sensitivity, it could be caused by two reasons:

    1. Chipped veneer shell
    2. Decay of tooth under the veneer shell

    Should you experience intense sensitivity, kindly make a dental appointment.

    Veneers can remain in good condition for a very long time with good oral habits. To prevent chips and dislodging (falling out) of veneers, refrain from the below habits:

    • nail biting
    • chewing on hard objects and food eg. ice, pencil, etc
    • grinding of teeth
    • clenching of teeth

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