Veneers

Veneers are a fantastic way to restore front teeth to improve their appearance. To create a great smile, veneers can:

• Close spaces between the teeth (diastemas)
• Restore broken, chipped, mis-shapen or crooked teeth
• Restore unsightly, stained or washed out fillings
• Cover permanently stained or discolored teeth
• Straighten your smile (instant orthodontics)

Veneers are thin, yet strong tooth-coloured porcelain shells that are bonded on to the front of your teeth. They have a “life like” appearance with the strength, beauty, and durability only porcelain restorations can create. Veneers have several advantages over other methods used for the same purpose. There is no “dark line” that is sometimes seen with older front crowns. They transmit light better and, therefore, have a more translucent appearance, giving a very natural, aesthetic look. People will never know you have them. Veneers could just be your solution to change the appearance of your smile dramatically!

How is it done?

Once we have established just what you wish to accomplish, your first appointment usually involves some minor contouring of the front teeth. Impressions are taken and from these impressions, the veneers are made by a dental technician. During this time, temporary veneers are cemented to place. A follow up visit is made in a week where the veneers are tried in, and if satisfactory, they are bonded in place. The results are instant and spectacular!

Maintenance of your new porcelain veneers

The maintenance of your veneers is relatively simple. We do like to make a few suggestions, to help you:

1. Please brush and floss as you normally would to prevent oral hygiene problems. Once placed, Porcelain Veneers are typically the kindest restoration to the gum tissues that we currently have access to. Do not be afraid of damaging your veneers by either flossing or brushing. Any good toothpaste is acceptable. A good home care regime will ensure the aesthetic success of your veneer restorations for years to come.
2. Some sensitivity to hot and cold may be experienced after the placement of your veneers. This relates to the amount of enamel left on your tooth after preparation, the proximity of the nerve as well as several other factors. Some sensitivity is absolutely normal and usually dissipates after one-two weeks. If this sensitivity should remain or concern you at all, please feel free to contact us and we can advise of the best possible treatment.
3. A normal diet should pose no problem at all. Please avoid anything that will tend to bend or twist the veneers.
4. If you are known to grind your teeth or clench your jaw, please let us know. We may recommend and create a soft night time guard for you to wear to minimise the stresses placed upon your teeth while you sleep.

Approximately one week after the placement of your veneers you will be asked to return to the office for a treatment evaluation. This visit is extremely important. It gives us the opportunity to evaluate the placement of the veneers, the tissue response and to answer any questions you might have regarding your new smile.