We all want a beautiful smile, a smile that we are confident to display all the time. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96 percent of Americans believe an attractive smile makes you more appealing to the members of the opposite sex and three out of four adults actually feel that an unattractive smile can hurt your chances for career success. This doesn’t come as a big surprise.
If you have been determined to be a good candidate for veneers, they are probably the most aesthetically pleasing restorative option to shape your smile. They are thin, custom-made laminates that are permanently bonded to the teeth. This allows you to change the shape, size, position and colour of your teeth. Dental veneers are increasingly popular especially amongst adults who want to have their teeth appear straight and white without the use of braces.
Veneers are used to straighten teeth, close gaps, replace worn enamel or resurface discoloured teeth. The best candidates for all veneers are people whose teeth are healthy and free of decay or gum disease.
There are two types of veneers: porcelain and composite (resin) veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are extremely thin coverings made of a durable dental ceramic. The process requires at least two visits. When it is decided that you want porcelain veneers, the colour and tooth-style is decided and a mock-up is created. The dentist will then prepare the teeth accordingly and an impression is taken. This ceramic is made in a dental laboratory and when ready, the veneers will be placed on your teeth by the dentist.
Porcelain veneers have superior aesthetics and are very durable. They are also stain-resistant, which is the choice material for tea/coffee/wine drinkers or smokers.
Resin veneers
Unlike porcelain veneers, resin veneers can be made in one trip. Usually, no anaesthetic is required and they are less expensive than porcelain veneers.
Resin is a pliable material that is directly moulded onto your tooth to the ideal shape, colour and form. They are easily re-shaped, polished and maintained. Resin is best used on teeth with only minor size and shape defects. If your teeth have been untouched by any fillings, and you are not sure how much of a change you want, resin may be the best to start with. There is always the option of ‘upgrading’ to porcelain later if you wish.
Achieving the beautiful smile that you have always wanted may be easier than you think. As every person’s smile needs are different, you will need to consult your dentist to find out what is right for you. A consult with your dentist may just be a life-changing experience.
Dr Bernard Siew trained in Adelaide
Call: 6733 9882 for an appointment.
