Contents
- 1 General Information
- 2 What are Veneers?
- 3 How Do Veneers Work?
- 4 What Are Porcelain Veneers?
- 5 What Are Composite Veneers?
- 6 Are Veneers Worth It?
- 7 What Are Ceramic Veneers?
- 8 Who Does Veneers – A Dentist Or Orthodontist?
- 9 Why Do Veneers Need To Be Replaced?
- 10 Are Veneers Covered by Health Insurance?
- 11 How Much Are Veneers?
- 12 How Much Are Porcelain Veneers?
- 13 How Much Are Composite Veneers?
- 14 How Much Are GlamSmile Veneers?
- 15 Are Veneers More Expensive Than Crowns?
- 16 How Long Do Veneers Last?
- 17 How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?
- 18 How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
- 19 Can Veneers Get Stained?
- 20 Can You Whiten Your Veneers?
- 21 How To Keep Veneers White?
- 22 What’s The Difference Between Composite Veneers and Porcelain?
- 23 Can Veneers Go on Crooked Teeth?
- 24 Can You Get Invisalign After Veneers?
- 25 Can You Get Veneers If You Have Missing Teeth?
- 26 Can You Get Veneers Over Fillings?
- 27 Do Teeth Have to Be Straight for Veneers?
- 28 Can Veneers Be Fitted Over Crowns?
- 29 Do Veneers Ruin Your Natural Teeth?
- 30 Do Veneers Stop Tooth Decay?
- 31 Can Veneers Help with Gum Recession?
- 32 Can Veneers Fix Crowded Teeth?
- 33 Can You Get Veneers on Broken Teeth?
- 34 Can You Put Veneers over Cavities?
- 35 Interested in Veneers? Contact Designer Smiles Today
General Information
Veneers are a flexible treatment that can be used to fix a wide range of dental issues. Two different types of dental veneers are offered at Designer Smiles — porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers. Each of these veneer options is made from a different material with varying costs and durability. This blog will go into which dental veneer is suitable for you, how they can help correct your aesthetic or functional issues, and the common misunderstandings people have around veneers.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are an ultra-thin shells with the same colour as a tooth and are made from either porcelain or composite resin. Dental veneers are permanently bonded to the surface of your tooth and used to improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth and smile.
Our veneers in Sydney are an ideal option for a natural-looking restoration option. Patients will choose dental veneers because they improve smiles and can be customised in various colours and shapes to suit existing teeth.
Dental veneers are a suitable treatment option for people that suffer from chipped, broken, misshapen or uneven teeth. How many veneers you get is completely up to you. If you are currently dealing with discoloured or damaged teeth, a single veneer from our clinic can help you. We can also provide a set of dental veneers for multiple teeth to help you achieve a new smile.
How Do Veneers Work?
Our dental veneers are used to cover your existing teeth with a thin layer of either porcelain or composite resin. The veneer is bonded to your natural tooth’s enamel to complete the procedure and offer a long-lasting dental restoration option.
In some cases, our dentists will trim 0.3–0.5 mm off your existing tooth’s surface to prepare and create enough room for the veneer to be positioned and bonded. Not all patients will receive this, but it is quite common.
Other patients may receive a minimally invasive preparation involving superficial roughening of the tooth’s enamel using an acid etch. This will ensure that the dental veneer can correctly bond to the tooth’s surface using our dental cement.
Patients that choose porcelain or composite resin veneers do not need to have veneers placed on all of their teeth. Instead, veneers are used to treat only the problematic teeth or sections of the mouth. Our dentists will carefully match the veneer to the color and shape of your existing teeth. Dental veneers will typically last between 10 and 20 years, depending on the material and proper oral hygiene.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, a shell-like ceramic piece that is bonded over the surface of a patient’s tooth. This treatment option is an ideal restorative procedure to correct imperfect teeth that may be damaged, discolored, misaligned, or misshapen.
Porcelain veneers are known as traditional veneers. They are highly durable, stain-resistant, and contain a luminescence that naturally complements all smiles. Our porcelain veneers in Sydney can last for up to 15-20 years and create a long-lasting, beautiful, and healthy smile. In addition, these veneers will allow for immediate improvements and a rejuvenated smile in just a couple of dentist visits.
What Are Composite Veneers?
Composite veneers are a more affordable alternative to porcelain veneers. They are made from tooth-colored resin that is bonded directly to your original set of teeth.
Our composite veneers in Sydney are applied in layers and fitted right onto the tooth to create the appropriate shape. The application of the layers is then followed by a bonding process that uses a curing light to attach the material securely onto the tooth enamel.
Composite veneers work in the same way as porcelain and solve various dental issues, including crooked, chipped, and gaps between teeth. Depending on the state of your dental health, the composite veneers treatment may also be less invasive and quicker as it can be performed in just one appointment.
Are Veneers Worth It?
Whether you think veneers are worth it for you will depend on various factors. This includes what type of veneers you desire, how much money you are willing to spend (or how much you can afford over the course of a payment plan), how complicated your dental concerns will be to rectify, and what kind of transformation you are searching for. Veneers are not always the most suitable restorative option, meaning it is best to speak to a professional cosmetic dentist about all your options and whether veneers are suitable for you.
Veneers will transform the aesthetics and functionality of your teeth. These enhancements will boost your self-confidence, provide you with reliable results, and allow you to show off a natural-looking smile for years to come.
What Are Ceramic Veneers?
Ceramic veneers are another name for laboratory-designed veneers made from ceramic materials, such as porcelain or zirconia. Ceramic veneers are thin shells individually shaped from tooth-colored materials such as feldspathic, porcelain, zirconia, lithium disilicate, or leucite-reinforced glass.
While these materials vary in durability and optical properties, they can be used together and create a stunning, functionally sound smile. Ceramic material is less likely to accumulate plaque or bacteria and is much less resistant to staining.
Ceramic veneers are completely customizable as our dentists will create shells that match your teeth color, shape, and size perfectly. Ceramic veneers are also highly durable and can last for years – making them a cost-effective alternative to other dental restorative treatments.
Who Does Veneers – A Dentist Or Orthodontist?
Veneers are not considered to be an orthodontic treatment. Although they can make your teeth appear straighter and close minor gaps, a dentist will perform your veneer process. A cosmetic dentist will conduct all stages of the process, including designing your new smile, preparing each tooth for the procedure, taking impressions or 3D scans, and bonding the veneers to your teeth.
Depending on what type of veneer treatment you have chosen, your dentist may also send an impression of your teeth to the dental lab, where your customized porcelain or ceramic veneers will be formulated. An aesthetic or cosmetic dentist is highly experienced with veneer treatments and will guide you on the best way to achieve your smile goals.
Why Do Veneers Need To Be Replaced?
On average, veneers will last for 10-15 years. However, when it comes to daily wear and tear, veneers will act as natural teeth and will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. While porcelain and resin are both durable materials, they will deteriorate over time. This can be because of various reasons, including:
- Chipped or cracked veneers from biting or chewing on hard foods
- Poor dental hygiene that leads to gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Loose veneers (either over time or due to poor installation)
- Natural movement of teeth over time
With proper care and maintenance, you will be able to prevent damage to your veneers and ensure they last for as long as possible without needing replacing. Practice a good oral hygiene routine that includes regular brushing and staying away from highly stain-prone foods and drinks to keep your veneers in optimal condition.
Are Veneers Covered by Health Insurance?
Dental insurance providers do not usually cover veneers as they are normally considered to be cosmetic treatments. Regular health insurance providers will only cover major dental procedures performed to restore the functionality and performance of the teeth.
However, if you are looking for financing options, you can opt for payment plans that will allow you to pay for your veneers over a manageable period of time. Payment plans can be tailored to suit your needs and budget – allowing more people to access high-quality dental care without any added stress about costs.
In some cases, we may also help you gain early access to superannuation funds to cover major dental treatments, including restorative work such as crowns and veneers.
How Much Are Veneers?
The price of your dental veneers will depend on what material you choose – porcelain or resin and the original condition of your teeth and gums. In Australia, the average cost of porcelain veneers is between $850-$2,000 per tooth. In contrast, our composite veneers in Cremorne will cost between $300-$1,500 per tooth – making them the more affordable option.
Porcelain veneers tend to be more expensive as they are created by a ceramist in a dental laboratory using high-grade materials. Porcelain is more robust and durable than resin. However, both are capable of transforming the visual appeal of your teeth and generating a complete smile makeover.
The overall cost of your procedure will depend on whether you will need to undergo preparation procedures before the dentist can begin to transform your teeth. Your dentist will need to ensure that your oral health is completely stabilized before beginning, as a veneer treatment will not be performed on teeth with decay or gum disease.
How Much Are Porcelain Veneers?
Traditional porcelain veneers will usually cost anywhere between $850-$2,000. However, there is no set price for the treatment as the overall cost will depend on various factors, including your location, how many teeth need to be treated, and the complexity of the treatment.
Depending on the shape of your smile, a set of veneers varies between 6 to 10 shells. They are then attached to either the upper or lower arch. Hence, this will have a significant impact on the price of the smile makeover.
In general, our porcelain veneers in Cremorne are more costly as they require more labour and better material. However, they last longer and are more natural-looking, which immediately improves aesthetics which mean they are a better value solution over the long run.
How Much Are Composite Veneers?
In Australia, the average cost of composite resin veneers ranges between $300-$1,500. Composite veneers are known as a more affordable alternative to porcelain veneers. Composite veneers will still transform the look of your teeth and create a straighter, brighter smile.
While dental health insurance may not cover the veneers treatment, you can still access a range of comprehensive payment plans that will make gaining your dream smile a more affordable and straightforward experience. Speak to your dentist today about which payment plan is most suitable for you.
How Much Are GlamSmile Veneers?
The cost of GlamSmile veneers will begin at $600 per tooth. However, the final price is dependent on various factors, such as how many teeth require veneers, the complexity of the treatment, and the severity of your dental concerns.
GlamSmile aims to keep the price of premium porcelain veneers extremely low to ensure more people can access the best dental health care without needing to worry about prices. While there is no fixed price for the GlamSmile procedure, your dentist will be able to supply you with an accurate quote after assessing your dental health.
Are Veneers More Expensive Than Crowns?
Dental crowns are generally more expensive than dental veneers. This is because the two serve different purposes in both aesthetics and functionality. A crown will completely surround the tooth to restore its strength and structure.
However, a veneer only covers the surface of the tooth. The average price of veneers can vary between $850-$2,000 per tooth. However, a dental crown will cost between $1,000-$3,500. This is because a dental crown may include other procedures, such as a core build-up or a root canal. Hence, dental veneers are a more affordable option when transforming the appearance of your teeth and wanting to preserve the natural tissue of your teeth.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
The lifespan of your dental veneers depends on what material they are made from and how well they have been looked after. Porcelain veneers will usually last for 10-15 years, but they can often last much longer with the proper care and maintenance. This includes regular brushing and adhering to good oral hygiene practices, such as booking routine check-ups. In contrast, composite veneers will last between 5-10 years before needing to be replaced. However, just like porcelain veneers, their longevity can be extended by avoiding bad dental health habits.
How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?
Composite resin veneers will also last for an average of 5-10 years. After this time, you will need to replace your veneers to rejuvenate your smile. Composite veneers tend to have a significantly shorter lifespan than traditional porcelain veneers but will have the same aesthetic outcomes. To ensure your resin veneers remain in the best condition, you must adhere to a strict and regular care and maintenance routine. This will include brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste, resisting the urge to chew on hard foods, and practising good oral hygiene. You may also want to stay away from foods or beverages that stain, such as wine and coffee.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers will last for 10-15 years but can last longer if cared for properly. While porcelain veneers are more durable and stronger than composite resin, they still require routine care to keep them in the best condition possible. Ensuring your porcelain veneers remain in optimal condition is as simple as caring for your natural teeth. This includes being cautious of any hard or chewy foods and a regular dental hygiene routine that includes brushing, flossing, and professional cleans. Your dentist can also refine your porcelain veneers using specific equipment to keep them looking lustrous and appealing.
Can Veneers Get Stained?
Although dental veneers made from porcelain are stain-resistant, they are still susceptible to staining over time. Veneers will not stain easily, but they can discolor when exposed to certain foods and beverages. This includes red wine, coffee, and highly pigmented or acidic drinks.
Other reasons your veneers may stain include age, receding gums, and the lifecycle of your veneers. Alternatively, composite veneers may be more vulnerable to staining than porcelain due to the resin material used to create them. Hence, choosing the appropriate material for your smile makeover will determine the lifespan of the veneers as well as whether they will stain easily.
Can You Whiten Your Veneers?
Veneers will not respond well to traditional at-home or in-chair whitening procedures. Whitening kits, bleaching trays, and laser teeth whitening services will not brighten the look of your veneers as the treatment does not work in the same way as it would on a natural set of teeth. Instead, to whiten your porcelain veneers, it is suggested that you opt for a professional clean and polish, which will eliminate any stains on the surface. You can also speak to your dentist about other potential whitening options for your dental veneers.
How To Keep Veneers White?
There is a multitude of ways to keep your dental veneers white and looking beautiful. This includes routine cleaning with a soft bristle toothbrush, as this will keep the veneers clean and prevent any staining. You can also swish your mouth with water after eating or drinking anything likely to stain – especially coffee, wine or coloured soft drinks. It is also worth investing in high-quality toothpaste that will polish your veneers and does not include baking soda (which is abrasive for porcelain veneers, causing them to wear down earlier and become discoloured).
If your veneers are becoming extremely discoloured, a regular professional clean is highly recommended. This process will keep your veneers looking fresh throughout their lifecycle. Alternatively, discoloured veneers causing aesthetic problems will likely need to be replaced to restore natural appeal.
What’s The Difference Between Composite Veneers and Porcelain?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of ceramic material that are attached to the surface of each impacted tooth. In contrast, composite veneers are made from soft resin material and shaped onto your teeth and hardened with a special curing light.
The two differ in various ways, including characteristics, treatment time, cost, durability, and aesthetics. Porcelain veneers are more expensive and will last longer (about 10-15 years). They are more durable and provide a natural appearance. Composite veneers will still transform the aesthetic appeal of your teeth but are more prone to staining and less durable – meaning they may need to be replaced quicker.
The type of veneers that you choose will depend on your dental history and oral health goals. Speak to your dentist today about the best dental veneer treatment for you.
Can Veneers Go on Crooked Teeth?
You do not need completely straight teeth for dental veneers. If you suffer from slightly crooked teeth, porcelain veneers can effectively transform your smile and create an overall straighter set of teeth. However, dental veneers may not be the appropriate cosmetic dental procedure if your teeth are overly crooked. Porcelain veneers can mend aesthetic issues without the need for orthodontic treatment; however, it is best to check with your dentist to make sure your teeth are suitable for the veneer procedure.
Can You Get Invisalign After Veneers?
Usually, you would not undergo Invisalign or orthodontic treatments on teeth that contain veneers. However, teeth may move once veneers have been placed on. As veneers are created with precise margins, it would cause damage for them to be moved. This includes cracking, breaking, or even falling off if they are put under too much pressure. Therefore, you can use orthodontic aligners to move them back into the appropriate position.
Many patients are now opting for a two-part cosmetic procedure, which involves Invisalign treatment to straighten teeth and then using minimally invasive veneers to improve the aesthetic structure, including color and shape. Talk to your dentist about Invisalign treatment, and they will let you know what the best option for your teeth is.
Can You Get Veneers If You Have Missing Teeth?
You cannot get veneers on a space with a missing tooth. This is because the veneer procedure involves placing a thin shell over the existing tooth’s surface – meaning that without the tooth, the veneer has nothing to bond to. Hence, there are two main solutions to missing teeth, implant dentistry or a dental bridge. Both options can be used in conjunction with dental veneers to replace the missing tooth and improve the appearance of your overall set of teeth. A professional cosmetic dentist will design a treatment plan that combines the veneer and tooth replacement treatments to form a completely new smile that you will love.
Can You Get Veneers Over Fillings?
Being able to get dental veneers over fillings will depend on various factors. This includes which tooth needs the veneer and what area of it contains the filling. It is not recommended that you put a veneer over a tooth with a composite filling and instead opt for a dental crown. However, each set of teeth is different, and it ultimately depends on the structural stability of the tooth and the design of the veneer.
Do Teeth Have to Be Straight for Veneers?
Teeth do not need to be completely straight for dental veneers. However, they cannot be extremely crooked either. For teeth that are only slightly crooked, veneers can correct aesthetic concerns and create a straighter, more uniform smile.
This is not possible for teeth that overlap each other as it becomes too difficult to apply a veneer to the tooth’s surface. Therefore, your dentist will conduct a dental examination of your teeth and let you know if dental veneers are the most practical option for your set of teeth.
Can Veneers Be Fitted Over Crowns?
Veneers are usually not fitted over crowns. This is because crowns cover the entire tooth, whereas a veneer is bonded only to the surface. Therefore, the natural tooth must be intact for a veneer to be fitted over it.
Attempting to place a veneer over a crown will result in functional and aesthetic issues. If you have a dental crown but are also interested in veneers, your dentist can match your veneers to your existing crown or replace the crown with veneers to ensure they are the same shade, colour, and shape.
Do Veneers Ruin Your Natural Teeth?
Dental veneers will not ruin your natural teeth. Ultra-thin shells are designed to fit over your natural teeth without having to cut back healthy tooth tissue. Depending on the intricacy of your dental issues, preparation may need to be completed beforehand. This may include creating a small margin within your tooth enamel to securely place the dental veneer in.
In more complex cases, more intensive preparation methods may be needed to achieve the desired result. However, none of this will compromise the natural structure of your tooth, including its strength and durability. Your dentist will guide you through the veneers process and answer any questions you may have about how the procedure affects your natural set of teeth.
Do Veneers Stop Tooth Decay?
While dental veneers will not stop tooth decay, they will add another level of protection to your teeth. By covering the tooth’s front surface, the veneers will prevent decay from forming. However, they cannot stop or eliminate tooth decay or cavities in other parts of the tooth.
Therefore, you must prevent these issues from occurring through regular care and maintenance. Avoiding decay with veneers does not require a specialized routine. Practice good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day, flossing, and attaining a professional clean to keep your mouth in the best condition possible
Can Veneers Help with Gum Recession?
While dental veneers may help with some aspects of gum recession, they will not treat gum disease or gum recession. Receding gums leaves the roots of your teeth heavily exposed and can cause intense tooth sensitivity.
To fix this as an aesthetic issue, you have a few options. You can attach porcelain veneers which will help cover the exposed roots of your teeth. You can also get veneers with receding gums to enhance visual appeal; however, the treatment will not fix the issue, and recession may increase. Alternatively, you can opt for gum recession surgical treatments such as gum grafting and rebuilding.
Can Veneers Fix Crowded Teeth?
You do not need completely straight teeth for veneers. However, your teeth cannot be overly crooked or overcrowded either. When your teeth start to overlap with one another, the veneers cannot be bonded to the tooth’s surface properly and will not incorporate with your entire smile.
If you suffer from mild crowding, porcelain veneers can effectively transform your smile. Dental veneers can be used to enhance aesthetic appeal, restore the shape and size of your tooth after damage, and fix minor dental concerns. For overcrowded teeth, your dentist may suggest an orthodontic procedure as a more suitable option.
Can You Get Veneers on Broken Teeth?
Veneers can be used to rectify various dental concerns, including chipped, discoloured, and broken teeth. The number of veneers you get is completely up to you and can cover just one broken tooth or rejuvenate your entire set of teeth and restore your smile.
Porcelain and composite veneers are cosmetic dental treatments that can easily mend cracks, chips, and worn teeth to ensure they last for years to come. However, veneers are not suitable for completely compromised teeth or severely damaged and will require other, more intensive restorative procedures.
Can You Put Veneers over Cavities?
All cavities and decay must be treated before undergoing a dental veneers procedure. The addition of veneers may alter the look of your teeth, but they cannot effectively treat any form of tooth decay. Therefore, a cavity needs careful evaluation and a proper treatment plan.
Applying veneers over teeth that are already suffering from decay may worsen the problem and even amount to tooth loss over time. Cavities can also arise if a veneer has been placed on but is not being properly cared for. Without the proper oral health care practices, decay can still occur underneath the veneer and cause a range of issues.
Interested in Veneers? Contact Designer Smiles Today
Veneers are a reliable solution when you want to transform the aesthetic appearance and functionality of your teeth. For high-quality, tailor-made veneers, contact our team at Designer Smiles today or call us on (02) 80741722. You can also book an appointment with us to discuss your treatment options.