While the health and function of your teeth are important, few people would downplay the significance of getting them to look beautiful. After all, who doesn’t want their teeth to look bright, straight and proportionate? If there is a dental treatment created with an overriding goal to beautify your teeth, then dental veneers certainly fit the bill. Indeed, the modern iteration of dental veneers offers one of the most visibly transformative means of achieving beautiful teeth. Discovered in the 1930s as a quick way to conceal the dental imperfections of Hollywood stars when they pose for the cameras, dental veneers have come a long way since.
Through advanced dental material science and technology, today’s porcelain veneers look uncannily real when applied to your teeth. In fact, they are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth enamel. Although dental veneers are becoming increasingly popular, they are still considered relatively new as a dental treatment. In this article, we will discuss some of the most commonly asked questions about porcelain veneers – a few of which a person acquainted with the procedure may still find interesting.
Beginning with the most obvious question, what exactly are dental (porcelain) veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells of tooth-coloured laminates that are placed over your front teeth to hide your dental imperfections. They can be shaped and colour-matched to precision so that when placed over your existing teeth, they create the appearance of natural, unblemished teeth. Besides concealing any cracks, stains, gaps or chips, dental veneers can be sculpted to make your teeth look perfectly aligned – giving you a beautiful smile line.
What are the advantages of porcelain veneers?
Dental veneers may be made from porcelain or composite resin material. The porcelain material is the preferred choice of dentists for enhancing the aesthetics of a patient’s smile. This is due to the extremely lifelike appearance of the porcelain material to create a very natural look. Porcelain veneers are prized for their ability to mimic the translucent quality of natural tooth enamel. They are also known to be more robust and durable. In terms of the treatment procedure, porcelain veneers require minimal tooth preparation, as such presents a more conservative and minimally invasive approach – an attribute welcomed by both dentists and patients alike.
Would large portions of my teeth need to be removed during the veneering procedure?
The dentist will need to remove a thin layer from your teeth to enable a tight bond between your teeth and the veneers. However, the ultra-thin layer that needs to be removed is no thicker than 1 millimetre, roughly the thickness of contact lenses. It is important to note that this necessary step does not compromise the structure and health of your existing teeth.
How long will the treatment take?
The treatment can usually be completed within two appointments. On the first visit, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth – to be used as precise measurements to fabricate the veneers – and proceed to prepare your teeth using minimally invasive techniques. Once the veneers have been created, usually at a dental lab, you will return for another appointment, this time to bond the veneers to your teeth.
For more information on the range of cosmetic dental treatment options we offer – including porcelain veneers, please contact Sydney CBD Dental at 02 9051 0503.