Dental Veneers | Herald Avenue Dental Willetton

dr vincent lim checking patient's dental veneers

Dental Veneers in Willetton

Enhance your smile at Herald Avenue Dental Centre with dental veneers, thin cosmetic shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth and instantly improve their appearance.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front surface of existing teeth. Made with porcelain, ceramic or a composite resin material, veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are slightly misaligned or discoloured. They are also used to help protect the tooth’s surface from damage.

Reasons For Getting Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are often applied to the surface of a tooth that is damaged, crooked or discoloured. Examples include:

To correct a gap between two teeth
Teeth which have been worn down by use
Discoloured teeth from root canals, fillings or antibiotic use
Teeth which have been broken or chipped
Teeth which are crooked, irregularly shaped or uneven in size

Porcelain vs Composite Resin Veneers

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain is a highly durable, premium ceramic material that beautifully mimics the light-reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel. These veneers are completely custom-crafted in a dental laboratory, meaning they require two appointments to place. They are highly stain-resistant and offer a much longer lifespan, typically lasting ten to fifteen years with excellent care.

Composite Resin Veneers
Resin veneers are made from a tooth-coloured composite material that is expertly sculpted and bonded directly onto your teeth during a single visit. They are a more cost-effective option and usually require less removal of your natural tooth enamel. However, resin is slightly more prone to staining and chipping over time, usually lasting around five to seven years before needing replacement or a professional polish.

The Process of Fitting Dental Veneers

After an initial consultation to check that applying a dental veneer is the most suitable option, your tooth will begin to be prepared. An impression of your teeth and x-rays will be taken.

The tooth or teeth which are having the veneer applied will be prepared. This involves the dentist removing a small coating of enamel from the outside of the tooth, the same thickness as the veneer will be. Another impression will be taken and this is sent to the dental laboratory who will make the veneer.

Once your new veneer has been made, your dentist will carefully adhere it to your prepared tooth after doing any necessary minor adjustments. It will then be permanently bonded to your tooth with a quick drying dental cement. Final adjustments will then be made until both you and your dentist are pleased with the result.

Caring For Your Dental Veneer

Once your dental veneer has been permanently applied, it is just like any other natural tooth. Because of this, caring for your veneer is like caring for your other teeth.

Floss daily all the way down to the gum on both sides of the veneer
Avoid chewing or biting on hard or brittle foods
Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush
Wear a splint at night if you frequently bite or grind your teeth while sleeping
Be aware of stresses you place upon your teeth during strenuous exercise
If you notice any changes to your veneer or it feels slightly heavy, contact your dentist immediately

Dental Veneers FAQs

How long do dental veneers typically last?

With proper care and regular dental checkups, high-quality porcelain veneers can last fifteen to twenty years or more. Resin veneers generally have a shorter lifespan of around seven years before they may need to be polished or replaced due to natural wear and staining over time.

Will getting veneers damage my natural teeth?

To ensure your new veneers fit perfectly, we usually need to remove a microscopic layer of enamel from the front of your tooth. While this preparation is very minimal and completely painless, it does mean the procedure is permanent and that tooth will always require a veneer or crown moving forward.

Do dental veneers require any special maintenance or cleaning?

Caring for your new veneers is exactly the same as caring for your natural teeth. You should brush twice daily with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, floss every day, and attend regular checkups at Herald Avenue Dental Centre to keep the underlying tooth structure and surrounding gums perfectly healthy.

Can dental veneers become stained like natural teeth?

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to stains from coffee, tea, and red wine, meaning your teeth will stay exceptionally bright for years. Resin veneers are slightly more porous and can pick up surface stains over time, which is why we recommend limiting highly pigmented foods and drinks if you choose the resin option.

Are veneers a good option if my teeth are crooked?

Veneers are often referred to as instant orthodontics because they can easily mask minor overlaps or slightly crooked teeth, giving the immediate appearance of a perfectly straight smile. However, if your teeth are severely misaligned, we may recommend a teeth straightening treatment first to ensure the best possible long-term result.