When embarking on the quest for the perfect smile, many people are now investing in dental veneers over other professional services on the market. Not only can veneers offer a perfect and even white colour, but they can also be used to reshape, reposition, and improve the symmetry of a person’s smile.

What are veneers?

Veneers are made up of one of two things. Either a thin layer of porcelain or a layer of resin composite materials, simply known as composite veneers. These thin layers are directly fitted to the front of a person’s teeth in order to provide a better colouration as well as mimicking the shine of a natural tooth. Many people compare dental veneers to false nails for your mouth. This process can be used to improve the colour of one’s teeth alone, or then can also be used to fix chips, gaps, and crooked teeth. The aim of the game is to provide the client with a perfect set of straight, symmetrical, and pearly white teeth.

How long do veneers last?

Veneers last far longer than some people believe. It depends on what kind of veneer you invest in and how well you look after them, but each veneer should last you a number of years. Veneers made from resin composite material usually last a person between five and ten years, providing they are kept clean and not put under unnecessary stress such as nail biting and chewing on items like clothing, straws, and forks. On the other hand, porcelain veneers last a good deal longer, with each tooth being good for between ten and twenty-five years. So, if you are thinking about longevity, then porcelain veneers are definitely the way to go.

How much do dental veneers cost?

When it comes to cost, prices can vary depending on a number of different factors. Each dental professional will likely charge a different price, depending on their reputation, location and quality of materials. Costs may also vary from patient to patient depending on what you are looking for and how much work needs to be done to achieve your desired smile. It also depends on how many veneers you are looking to have fitted.

Some people only go for the teeth at the very front of their mouth, while others like to have the veneers running far further back. The average price changes against depending on whether you go for composite veneers or porcelain veneers. The difference in price largely comes down to how long the dental veneers last, with some porcelain versions lasting double the length of the composite equivalents. In terms of value for money, porcelain veneers are the way to go if you are looking at something that will last for the long-term.

Many people believe that veneers damage your real teeth, however, this is simply not true. This idea may come about from the process in which your dental professional prepares your teeth for the veneers. Do veneers ruin your natural teeth? This involves removing a thin layer of enamel to make room for the dental veneers to be fitted to the front of the tooth.

This process can leave the teeth feeling a lot less smooth than they normally would, but this should not be mistaken for dirt or a lack of health, it is just part of the process. In actual fact, the purpose of a veneer is to improve the visual appearance of your teeth without compromising on their natural health. Having said this, the idea of healthy teeth beneath a set of veneers does rely on a good standard of oral hygiene. You must undertake the same process of cleaning as you would for your normal teeth, including brushing and flossing twice a day. However, the veneers themselves will cause no direct harm to your teeth.

Can permanent veneers fall off?

This is extremely rare and will likely never happen to you, but it is possible for permanent dental veneers to fall off. Having said that, even if this does occur, it is important not to panic. Having a veneer fall off is nothing major, it simply means that a dental professional will re-attach it for you. Contact the dentist you used to get the original veneer treatment and explain what has happened. Keep the veneer itself safe and take it with you to your appointment to have it reattached. You may want to change your diet slightly between the veneer falling off and your appointment as you could find that the exposed tooth is a little more sensitive than usual. The important thing to stress is that this is rare, but not the end of the world if it happens either.

Are veneers painful?

This is one of the most popular questions people have when it comes to veneers, and the simple answer is no. In some cases, a local anaesthetic will be used when it comes to removing the enamel in the preparation phase, but this is usually not necessary. When it comes to actually attaching the veneers themselves, a numbing agent of some kind is usually used beforehand. This ensures that all the patient feels during the treatment is a slight numbness around their mouth and gum. This avoids all sense of pain as the veneers are attached. If you have only had a few veneers fitted at a time, you will likely only feel a mild ache once the numbness wears off. If you have had eight or more fitted, you may feel a more noticeable ache or soreness. This should not last for too long and can be with medicine that can be bought over the counter.

Do veneers stain? Can they be whitened?

Veneers are far less prone to staining than your natural teeth, which is the main allure of them as a treatment. Essentially, your teeth will remain whiter for longer. Veneers usually do not need whitening and traditional treatments of this kind will have no effect on them. Veneers can be replaced over time if needed.

Do you have to replace veneers after a certain amount of time?

You should maintain a good level of oral hygiene to ensure you get the best out of your veneers, but they can be replaced after a number of years. Composite veneers last between five and ten years, while porcelain veneers last between ten and twenty-five years.

How strong are veneers?

Veneers are pretty strong and resistant to staining, but they should still be treated with care. Maintain good oral hygiene and do not put them under stress with bad habits such as nail biting.

Where should I go for porcelain veneers in Melbourne?

The team at Stanley Street Dental have been providing top quality dental care for the people of Melbourne for years. Their dedicated staff, led by Dr Frank Nikakhtar are experienced in the art of veneers and would be happy to answer any and all questions you may have.