Why Porcelain Veneers

​Veneers are often seen as purely a cosmetic procedure to enhance a smile, but they are much more than that. Veneers are a non-invasive procedure used for a variety of reasons, sometimes to cover teeth that have become discoloured, worn down, chipped or broken, or if a patient has large gaps between their teeth or they have misaligned teeth. Veneers are a possible solution in all these cases.

Planning the Treatment
A dental appointment is the first step in finding a solution to a particular dental problem and a thorough examination will need to be conducted. After assessing the information carefully and a discussion with the patient, a decision can be made to proceed with porcelain veneers if they are deemed the correct treatment. ​

​What is the Procedure?
Veneers are described as thin shell-like layers that are bonded to the teeth. Porcelain veneers Bondi Junction have been used for many years to correct dental problems and produce radiant smiles. The procedure will normally take three to four visits to the dental surgery. In preparing the tooth it is necessary to remove a very thin layer of enamel from it. This is because by adding a thin veneer this will automatically increase the thickness of the tooth, so by removing a layer the thickness remains the same as before. At this stage an impression of the tooth will need to be made which is then sent to a dental laboratory, to make the veneer. This can take around three weeks during which time temporary veneers can be provided. Once the new porcelain veneers have been received the dentist will hold the veneer in place to ensure that the fit is correct. It may be necessary to make a few minor alterations and adjustments to get the fit to be one hundred per cent. Veneers are constructed so as to match the colour of the original teeth and to fit comfortably over them. Porcelain veneers tend to match the texture and colour of natural teeth very well. Porcelain is also hard wearing and tends not to stain easily from food and drink. 

​After ensuring that the fit is perfect a special dental bonding agent is applied to the tooth and the veneer carefully positioned. A very special light beam is used to activate the bonding agent which causes a very quick hardening of the agent securing the veneer. Any excess bonding agent is then removed and a final check is made to ensure that the patient's bite is correct.

A Final Visit
Normally it is necessary to return after a week or two for a final check to ensure that the porcelain veneer is still correctly placed. An examination of teeth and especially gums will also be routine.

Aftercare
Oral maintenance such as brushing twice a day and regular flossing can proceed as normal. Even though porcelain veneers are hard wearing and durable it is recommended to use a soft toothbrush. To ensure the longevity of porcelain veneers it is also recommended not to apply excessive pressure such as trying to open a beer bottle with the teeth. Regular twice a year surgery visits should be maintained so that cleaning and routine dental check-ups can be made.

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

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