This procedure involves attaching a wafer thin layer of material to the front of the teeth, which has been colour-matched to the patient’s existing, surrounding dentition. The layers or shells as they are called are also moulded to the shape of a patient’s teeth and attached with a dental bonding agent.

Are veneers purely for cosmetic benefit only?

Veneers Wagga are performed regularly and while they are generally considered a cosmetic procedure they do have more than just a cosmetic benefit. While enamel is the hardest material our bodies produce it can, over time, weaken and wear down. This can be caused by age, but also from the foods and drinks that we consume which may contain a variety of acids. Veneers create a barrier which can provide some protection from enamel thinning. They also help keep bacteria from entering small cracks in our teeth. If a patient has gaps between their teeth which are difficult to get to by brushing and flossing, veneers provide a layer of protection. 

Why would I consider veneers

They provide solutions to a variety of dental problems in a non-invasive way, for instance with patients who have slight overcrowding of the mouth, or teeth of an uneven size. They can also be used to conceal gaps and spacing between the teeth. If teeth have been worn down over the years or have chips or fissures they will benefit from this treatment. Sometimes root canal treatment or excessive fluoride use can cause tooth discolouration and veneers are a perfect solution.

What types of veneers are available?

Dental science and technology are moving very rapidly and new treatments, techniques and materials are regularly being introduced to the market. Dentists currently offer the latest composite material veneers and porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are composed of an organic polymer and particles of lithium aluminium silicate as well as quartz and a glass composed of silica and boron trioxide. This results in a tooth coloured material which can be blended to match existing teeth exactly. Many dentists provide porcelain laminates which are very popular because they are the strongest of the current veneers range.

What is the procedure?

Not everyone is eligible for veneers and dentists will conduct a comprehensive examination to determine if a patient can have them. If a patient is prone to grinding or clenching their teeth they will be considered ineligible. Very severe crowding of the mouth and poor oral hygiene will also mean that the patient cannot have veneers. The two different types of laminate involve different procedures. For porcelain laminates, the practitioner will first take X-rays and then remove a small amount of enamel to provide room for the veneer and a mould of the patient’s teeth is then made. The patient will select the shade that matches the teeth from a template of different tooth shades. The mould and the tooth shade selected are then sent off to a laboratory. While waiting for the laminates, the dentist will provide the patient with a temporary veneer. When the permanent veneers have arrived they will be fitted using a dental bonding substance after any necessary adjustments. Composite veneers are applied by layering the material directly onto the teeth and sculpting them to the form of the patient’s teeth.

Laminates for that perfect smile

A lot of dentists have been performing veneer treatments for many years and you can be confident that helping to restore your self-confidence with a perfect smile is only a telephone call away.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.