Porcelain Veneers Preston

Initial Consultation and Planning

The journey to getting porcelain veneers begins at a dental clinic where an initial consultation is conducted. Here at Preston dental clinic, dentists assess the suitability of veneers for your dental needs. This involves examining your teeth and discussing the desired outcome. Dentists may take X-rays or make impressions of your mouth and teeth.

Tooth Preparation

The next step involves preparing the teeth. This process includes the removal of a thin layer of enamel from the tooth surface. This enamel removal is crucial as it makes room for the veneer, ensuring it fits seamlessly and looks natural. The amount removed is minimal, roughly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added.

Impressions and Temporary Veneers

Once your teeth are prepared, the dentist takes a mould or impression of your teeth. This impression is sent to a dental lab where your custom veneers are made. This process can take a few weeks. In the interim, temporary veneers might be placed to protect the prepared teeth.

Choosing the Right Shade

Selecting the right shade for the dental veneers is a crucial aspect of ensuring they blend in with your natural teeth. During this process, the dentist will help you choose a shade that not only suits your individual preference but also complements your overall appearance for a brighter smile.

Trial with Temporary Veneers

Temporary dental veneers also serve as a trial for the final look. They provide an idea of how the permanent veneers will feel and look. Any adjustments in size, shape, or colour are noted and communicated to the lab for the final porcelain veneers.

Creation of Porcelain Veneers

In the dental lab, skilled technicians craft the porcelain veneers. They use the impressions taken by the dentist to create veneers that match the contours of your prepared teeth and meet your aesthetic expectations. Porcelain is favoured for its stain-resistant properties and its ability to mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth.

Fitting of Permanent Veneers

Once your porcelain veneers are ready, you'll return to the dental clinic for fitting. The dentist positions the veneers on your teeth to assess their fit and colour, making any necessary final modifications. The teeth are then cleaned, polished, and etched to ensure a strong bonding process.

Bonding Process

A special adhesive is applied to the veneers, and then they are positioned on your teeth. Once properly aligned, a special light beam is applied to the veneers. This light activates chemicals in the adhesive, causing it to harden rapidly. This process is known as curing.

Final Adjustments and Review

After the veneers are bonded, the dentist removes any excess material and evaluates your bite to make necessary adjustments. You may be requested to come back for a follow-up appointment a few weeks later to assess how your gums are reacting to the veneers.

Porcelain veneers are a transformative solution in cosmetic dentistry, offering a path to a brighter, more confident smile. This procedure, though intricate, is a worthwhile investment for those looking to enhance multiple teeth with a durable, aesthetically pleasing solution. Keep in mind that the key to long-lasting results lies in good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

Practise Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. To uphold proper oral hygiene, remember to brush your teeth at least twice every day using a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. This helps in preventing stained teeth and keeps your veneers looking bright. Flossing daily is equally important to remove debris and plaque from between the teeth and veneers.

Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods

While veneers are quite durable, they are not indestructible. Avoid biting into hard foods like candies or ice, as these can cause damage. Similarly, sticky foods can dislodge composite resin veneers. For porcelain veneers, while more robust, it's still wise to exercise caution.

Minimise Stain-Causing Substances

Although porcelain veneers are resistant to staining, the adhesive that bonds them isn't. Regular consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can lead to stained teeth and discoloured veneer edges. Minimising exposure to these substances can keep your veneers looking brighter for longer.

Use a Night Guard if Necessary

If you have a tendency to grind or clench your teeth, especially while sleeping, it's advisable to contemplate the use of a night guard. This will protect both your veneers and natural teeth from excessive wear or damage.

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Regular visits to the dental clinic are vital. These check-ups allow for professional cleaning, which can manage potential issues like misaligned teeth that might affect your veneers. Your dentist can also polish your veneers to keep them looking their best.

Avoid Using Teeth as Tools

Never use your teeth – veneered or not – as tools to open packaging or bite nails. This can put undue stress on the veneers, leading to chips or cracks.

Taking care of dental veneers involves good oral hygiene practices, being mindful of dietary choices, protecting them from physical stress, and maintaining regular dental visits. This not only ensures the longevity of your veneers but also promotes overall oral health.

You may need a porcelain veneer if you have stained, chipped, or misaligned teeth that you want to cosmetically enhance for a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile. Veneers are also ideal for closing gaps between teeth or correcting minor shape issues.

The lifespan of porcelain veneers depends on how well you care for them. They typically last between 10 to 15 years. Good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and avoiding hard foods can help extend their lifespan.

In Australia, porcelain veneers generally cost between $700 and $2,000 per tooth. Although they are the more expensive option, porcelain veneers look more natural and are more durable than composites, typically lasting much longer.