Cosmetic veneers are surface facings used on the front upper and/or lowers teeth to enhance or change your overall smile.  Cosmetic veneers typically whiten, lengthen, widen and straighten the underlying teeth, hiding imperfections.

The two most common types of veneers are made out of porcelain or composite resin

Porcelain veneers: Cosmetic veneers made from porcelain are the most natural appearing veneer option, reflecting light in a similar manner to natural tooth enamel. The porcelain ceramic material offers wonderful aesthetics whilst also providing good longevity. Porcelain veneers are created by technicians in our trusted Melbourne based Australian laboratories from moulds taken of prepared teeth carried out by The Smile Team dentists. Porcelain veneers can be tinted or shaped to resemble a natural tooth and a tooth that matches the individual’s desired smile. Porcelain veneers are very popular when the highest levels of aesthetic results are sought.

Composite resin veneers: Cosmetic veneers made from composite resin (advanced plastics) are similar in strength to a normal filling. Composite resin veneers are an affordable alternative to porcelain veneers in the short term. Resin veneers can be placed in the mouth directly onto the teeth by The Smile Team dentists, requiring fewer appointments, however often more time needs to be spent in chair perfecting the shape and colours. Although the initial investment is less than porcelain veneers, resin veneers are more porous and therefore can lose their lustre or shine and discolour faster resulting in the need for more regular polishing to maintain them.

The Smile Team veneer steps

Composite resin veneers require just one visit.

• First, the colour of the ideal final result is selected.
• The tooth is assessed to ensure there is enough support for the veneer. The underlying tooth is prepared, if necessary to allow reliable adhesion. Composite resin veneers require very little of your tooth to be removed in the treatment process.
• Next, white composite resin material is placed in thin layers and then hardened with a blue LED light. This process is then repeated until the desired length, width and shade are achieved
• Finally the veneer is polished until smooth and shiny to resemble a natural tooth.

For porcelain veneers more than one visit is required.

• To begin, The Smile Team dentist will assess your tooth to check that there is enough natural tooth to accept the porcelain veneer. A radiograph may be taken to assess the overall health of the tooth.
• Next, your tooth is prepared by shaving back a thin layer to provide a surface for the porcelain to adhere to.
• A temporary veneer is prepared and placed over the tooth while your porcelain veneer is being created by the technicians at our Melbourne laboratory.
• About two weeks later your new porcelain veneer will replace the temporary veneer and is permanently attached.

Caring for veneers

Regular home and professional dental care are both required to maintain dental veneers. It is ideal to review the bond of the veneer and underlying tooth as some parts of the natural tooth are still exposed to the oral environment and any breakdown could result in decay. Twice- yearly thorough hygiene cleaning along with twice daily brushing, flossing and fluoride toothpaste will help to maintain the veneers for the long term.