What are veneers?
Veneers go by many names - teeth veneers, dental veneers, bondings, composite veneers, and porcelain veneers. Although there are slight differences in the types of materials used to construct the veneers they are in effect all the same thing - where a covering goes over the front surface of the tooth, acting to change the shape, colour and overall appearance of the teeth. Darkened or yellowed teeth, chipped or misshapen teeth can all be changed to an amazing smile by the use of teeth veneers. Veneering your teeth is a process similar to having a false fingernail placed over the top of the tooth
What are the benefits of porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers have superior aesthetics and look most like real teeth. You can achieve a great natural smile or even a Hollywood smile with porcelain veneers, as it is a very versatile material with a great colour range and natural translucency options to choose from.
Aesthetics
Porcelain is a beautiful material which can be made to look very natural and aesthetic with the same colour translucency range to match seamlessly your other teeth and shaped to the natural contours of your teeth. It is very hard to differentiate the appearance of porcelain veneers from a natural tooth
Long-lasting & strong
Durable material which will last for 10 - 15 years depending on how well you care for your teeth. Porcelain can occasionally break, however, this is very rare and may be influenced by habits such as grinding or clenching of teeth.
Stain resistant
You can drink tea, coffee and juices without worrying about staining
Easy to keep clean
The smooth surface of porcelain is very easy to keep clean with your at-home oral hygiene routines
How do bondings differ?
Made out of a resin material moulded directly onto the tooth and requires a dentist with an artistic skill and experienced eye to improve the shape of the tooth. Although you can produce fantastic smiles they won’t have the same degree of translucency as that which can be achieved with porcelain.
You will walk out in the same day with a fab new smile - so the transformation is fast. This is great if you are looking for a change before a special event
Unfortunately bondings can pick up stains if you drink a lot of tea and coffee, however these can be polished off at your regular check-up and clean appointments
How much do teeth veneers cost?
The costs will always depend on what option is selected for you, and what outcome you hope to achieve.
Porcelain veneers are made in a dental laboratory and require the combined artistry of a dentist working together with a dental ceramist to perfect the right colour, shape as well as translucency for your teeth This is reflected in the greater cost of a porcelain veneer which can be anything from $1200 - $2000 depending on the complexity and specifics of materials used for your treatment, as well as a few appointments which will be required to get the ideal result for you.
Dental Bondings are generally cheaper than porcelain veneers however they won’t tend to last as long. Bondings are sculpted by the dentist within the same appointment. Depending on the number of bondings you are having done and the amount of change required to the teeth will affect the length of the appointment however it may take about 2 hours on average. Per tooth they are less than porcelain veneers and can range from around $400- $900
Sometimes you need a combination of approaches and sometimes you will have better results if your teeth are whitened prior to treatment. This can be necessary if teeth have discoloured due to prior trauma or injuries. This may involve things such as in-surgery whitening or internal tooth bleaching. We use a range of solutions however Zoom products are great.
Like all dental treatments there is a lifespan to the restoration and as with all things dental excellent at home oral hygiene practices are essential to looking after your restorations long term
Where to from here?
The very first step is to book your consultation as there are many things which need to be discussed. The existing nature of your teeth and the health of your gums are very important to assess prior to the commencement of any treatment.
Dr Fraser takes the time to listen to what it is you want to change about your smile and what features you would like in your new smile - whether it’s whiter teeth or a better shape, all of the options can be discussed and you work together to create your dream smile. You might be seeking a simple change to one or 2 teeth in an otherwise attractive smile or you may be after a more dramatic change creating a whole new smile.
Minimal preparation of the tooth surface is required to achieve an amazing smile transformation. Porcelain veers will require a few visits for the preparation and insertion and sometimes try in stages. Whereas dental bondings can be created in one appointment allowing you to walk out with a completely transformed smile all on the same day.
Why wait for your new smile - call now to schedule your consult 9592 5947