Some people may dislike the appearance of their front teeth, whether it is due to the shape, position, colour, or aesthetics. This may lead to low self-esteem and a reluctance to smile.
In select cases, this can be improved by porcelain veneers, which are a thin piece of tooth-coloured porcelain bonded to the front surface of a tooth. They are a more conservative option than a crown as less shaping (or preparing) of the tooth is required. They are also stronger and more aesthetic compared to composite veneers.
If you are unhappy with the current colour (shade) of your natural teeth, we may recommend whitening (bleaching) your teeth prior to porcelain veneers, to ensure that we can match the colour of the veneers to the rest of the teeth in your mouth.
The procedure of porcelain veneers:
- A thin layer is removed from the front surface of the tooth to make space for the porcelain veneer
- A mould is then taken of your teeth, which is sent to our local dental ceramist for fabrication of the veneer
- At the next appointment, the appearance and colour of the veneer will be checked with you, before the veneer is glued (cemented) onto the tooth
To ensure your porcelain veneers stay in good condition, they need to be checked regularly. Over time, stains may form around the join line between the tooth and the porcelain veneer.
New and superficial stains are easier to remove than old and deep stains. It is also important to ensure that the gum health around the teeth with veneers remain optimal. If gum disease develops, shrinkage of the gums may result in the root surface becoming visible, which is often a more yellowish colour.
