A self-assured smile can transform all things, including the way you enter a room, the way you feel in a photograph, and the way you project yourself to the world. If chipped teeth, stubborn stains, or frustrating gaps have been holding your smile back, dental veneers might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Veneers are now among the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in the world with thousands of Australians enjoying the perfect camera ready smiles they always desired. However, it is always good to know what is involved before you make a commitment. This is a breakdown of cosmetic dentistry veneers in full-costs, process and outcomes.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are shells that are extremely thin, and are usually made of porcelain or composite resin and are designed to be attached to the front of your teeth. They are among the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures in the market today since they provide dramatic and natural appearance with relatively less intervention. Veneers provide a flexible solution regardless of the discolouration, misalignment, uneven shape, or gaps.
Who Are Veneers Best for?
Veneers are effective when it comes to a broad variety of aesthetic issues. They work especially well in two typical situations:
Veneers for stained teeth: These are some of the discolouration that can be attributed to medications, overload of fluoride or natural stains which do not respond to professional whitening. Porcelain veneers are laid over the whole body of the tooth and this gives a permanently white appearance which lasts many years.
Veneers for teeth gap: Minor to moderate gaps between teeth (a condition known as diastema) can be fixed using veneers without using orthodontics. The veneers are cut a bit broader to fill the gap in its natural state making it look like there was no gap between the teeth at all.
Veneers can also be used in broken or chipped teeth, slightly crooked teeth, misshapen or unevenly-shaped teeth.
The Veneers Procedure: Step by Step
This is usually done in two or three visits:
- Consultation and planning – Your dentist examines your teeth, talks with you about what you want, and decides whether you should have veneers or not. Digital scan or X-rays can be done. It is also the best opportunity to ask, watch smile simulation, and look at shade options that match your skin tone and facial features.
- Tooth preparation – A small quantity of enamel (typically less than a millimetre) is taken off the tooth surface to allow the veneer to fit. It is an important consideration because this step is irreversible.
- Impressions – Moulds or computerized impressions of your teeth are sent to one of the dental laboratories, where your own veneers are made. Meanwhile your ready teeth may be covered with temporary veneers which will give you a preview of your new smile.
- Bonding – On your last visit, the veneers are adjusted to fit and colour and permanently bonded to your teeth with a special dental adhesive and cured with a light.
The entire process usually takes two to four weeks from start to finish.
Pros and Cons of Veneers
Like any dental treatment, veneers come with both benefits and drawbacks.
Veneers benefits:
- Change the look of your smile so fast.
- Porcelain veneers are very stain resistant.
- They are natural to the touch and sight.
- Durable- porcelain veneers have a life span of 10-15 years and longer with care.
- One treatment is used to treat several cosmetic problems simultaneously.
Veneers risks and drawbacks:
- It is irreversible because of the removal of the enamel.
- Teeth: Temporarily, teeth may be sensitive following preparation.
- Veneers can crack or break when they are overloaded.
- They cannot be used in patients with high degree of tooth decay, periodontal disease or those who grind their teeth a lot.
- Cost can be a barrier to some patients.
How Much Do Veneers Cost in Australia?
One of the most frequently asked questions by patients is cost, and it is understandable. The cost of porcelain veneers is different around Australia with an average cost of $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth depending on the case, material and location of a dental practice. The composite resin veneers are cheaper and have a price of around $500 to $1500 per tooth but they are not as strong and are easily stained.
When considering the cost of veneers in the area of Bayswater, in particular, the prices are widely comparable with the averages in metropolitan Melbourne. It is worth mentioning that veneers are commonly viewed as a cosmetic operation and are not included under the normal health insurance, but some funds may provide some rebates on them always ask your provider.
Are Veneers Right for You?
The real truth is: it depends. Veneers are a good choice to individuals who are generally healthy in terms of oral health and wish to solve cosmetic issues that cannot be addressed using whitening and orthodontics. They however need a commitment, both in terms of money and time and thus a good consultation with a reliable dental practitioner is vital before going ahead with it.
Bottom Line
Are you thinking about veneers and looking to get expert and personalised advice? then the team at the Bayswater Dentist is there to guide you. Having a patient-centred approach to cosmetic dentistry, Bayswater Dentist provides in-depth smile consultations to make you realise that veneers are not the right option to achieve your individual objectives and dental structure. Since the first visit to the last outcome, you will be guided by a well-trained team who will make sure that you get beautiful natural looking results.
The only difference is that Bayswater Dentist is devoted to honest and transparent advice, they will not suggest veneers unless it is really the best solution to your smile. You will not find any pressure or overselling, only quality care as per you. Book your appointment now and take the first confident stride to the smile you had always desired.