Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of ceramic designed to bond to, and cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance.  Veneers can be made of either porcelain or composite resin.

Resin Veneers

Direct laminate veneers are a thin layer of our usual composite resin restorative material placed over the front of the teeth, and then polished and contoured to recreate the natural colour and shape of your tooth.  They are a conservative option, as very little tooth structure needs to be removed in order for them to be bonded in place.  They are also more cost effective, as they don’t involve impressions or laboratory manufacturing.  They can be repaired and removed often without damaging the teeth underneath.  They are not as strong as porcelain veneers.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-coloured porcelain shells carefully crafted to bond to the front of teeth.

Usually two to three visits are required where your dentist will prepare the teeth for veneers, usually by shaving a small amount of tooth away and then taking an impression.  This impression is sent away to a dental ceramist, who manufactures the porcelain veneers to fit your teeth.  You then return for cementation of the veneers, after the fit and colour are checked by your dentist.

Porcelain veneers are strong, natural looking and more conservative than crowns.  They will not discolour like composite veneers, and are less likely to chip.

They can chip and be damaged if you don’t look after them, grind your teeth, and are more expensive than composite resin.  Our mouths are constantly changing, and no restoration lasts forever, so they may need replacement after several years.