Perfect Smiles Created

Porcelain veneers are a procedure that can help to provide a more cosmetically perfect smile, giving you teeth that are evenly coloured and aligned and which are the ideal shape and size to complement your facial features. Veneers are very thin shells of porcelain custom-made to fit perfectly over the front surfaces of one or more front teeth. Once bonded in place, the veneer is reasonably strong and durable and should look and feel entirely natural.

When to Consider Porcelain Veneers?

There are several reasons why you might wish to have porcelain veneers. These may include:

  1. Hiding small chips in teeth or edges that are worn or thinning
  2. Masking the appearance of teeth that are too small, are rotated or which aren’t quite the correct shape
  3. Bringing teeth that are only slightly crooked back into alignment
  4. Covering teeth that are severely stained and which will not respond to teeth whitening, perhaps because of exposure to excess fluoride or tetracycline during childhood
  5. Closing or minimising unsightly spaces between teeth

How Long Will Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers can last ten years or more with the proper oral care at home combined with regular professional dental care. Treat your veneers as you would your natural teeth, avoiding using them as tools as this could damage them.

What is the Procedure for Porcelain Veneers?

During your initial visit to Dr Smile, our dentist will assess your teeth and gums to ensure veneers are an appropriate treatment. We discuss your aims and desires for treatment, including any tooth imperfections you want to hide and any you would prefer to keep, and the number of veneers required.

When a person has multiple veneers, we often do a ‘mock-up’ showing how their new veneers will look using dental models. It is a very useful tool that allows you to become more involved with the process and to decide if you want any adjustments to their appearance before treatment begins. Once you are satisfied with your treatment plan, we prepare your teeth.

Usually, it is necessary to remove approximately 0.5mm of tooth structure to ensure there is enough room for your new veneers. Otherwise, they could look and feel too bulky and unnatural. Next, we take a detailed dental impression of your teeth and choose the correct shade of porcelain, so your veneers can be made by a skilled dental ceramist to our exact prescription. While your veneers are made, we protect your teeth with temporary veneers often using your ‘mock-up’ as a guide. Your veneers are fitted onto your teeth during your next visit and once you are happy with their appearance, they are permanently bonded in place.

For more information, you may reach out to any Dr Smile Family Dentist branch: