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05 Nov 2022
Everything You Need to Know About Dental Veneers
Have you always wanted a dazzling celebrity smile? With dental veneers, your smile could look just like the ones you see on magazine covers. These thin layers of porcelain or composite can completely change the shape, size, position, and even colour of your teeth.
Whether you are interested in getting a few veneers or a full set, you will want to know more about this popular cosmetic dentistry treatment before you commit to it. Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting veneers, including what the process is like, how much it will cost, and which dental problems they can help you solve.
Dental Veneers Procedure Overview
Procedure for Traditional Veneers
The process for getting traditional porcelain veneers starts with a dental examination and a series of x-rays. Your dentist uses the information they gather during this period to determine if you are a suitable candidate for veneers. If you have problems with your teeth or gums, you may need to receive treatment for those issues before you can safely get your veneers.
After this, your dentist will prepare your teeth for your veneers. Using a fine drill or a special acid, they will remove a very thin layer of enamel from the front of your teeth. This will allow the dental adhesive to get a better grip on your enamel.
Your dentist will then take impressions of your prepared teeth and ask you to choose the colour of your final veneers. These impressions and colour information are sent to the lab where your veneers will be fabricated. In the meantime, your dentist will place a set of temporary veneers over your prepared teeth. These will be removed when your final set is ready.
Once your dentist has your final veneers, they will call you in for another appointment. This time, they will remove the temporary veneers and replace them with permanent ones. Your dentist may make some adjustments to their positioning based on your feedback.
When you are happy with how your veneers look and feel in your mouth, your dentist will clean away the excess dental cement and send you on your way.
Procedure for Composite Veneers
Getting composite veneers is an even simpler procedure than getting porcelain ones. Like with porcelain veneers, your dentist will examine your mouth and take some x-rays of your teeth and gums. If they determine that you are a suitable candidate for veneers, you can get them placed immediately.
Your dentist will begin by applying the composite directly to your teeth. They will slowly lay down several layers of composite material to create the veneers, shaping them as they go. You will have multiple opportunities to check on their progress and provide feedback on the shape, size, and colour of the veneers being applied. There are no injections involved, and the entire process can be completed in just one appointment.
What Problems Can Dental Veneers Fix?
Discoloured Teeth
Many people struggle to keep their teeth the shade of white that they want them to be. Teeth get more yellow with age, and some people have permanent stains in their tooth enamel that will not respond to whitening treatments. Veneers are an easy solution to problems with discolouration. Although veneers can still be stained by dark-coloured food and drink, they can give you the shiny white smile you are looking for.
Teeth with Gaps
Gapped teeth leave obvious holes in your smile that make some people feel extremely self-conscious. They can also cause problems with chewing and make you more susceptible to gum disease. Veneers can be made slightly wider than your natural teeth, allowing you to close those gaps and resolve all these issues.
Misaligned Teeth
Misaligned teeth are usually fixed with orthodontic treatment, but this process takes a long time and can be very expensive. Instead, veneers can be placed on top of your misaligned teeth to make them look as if they are straight.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Teeth can easily become cracked or chipped due to trauma. For some people, this may even be part of normal wear and tear. Placing veneers over the affected teeth can disguise these defects and make your smile whole again.
Filed Teeth
Some people have had their teeth filed down slightly for aesthetic or medical reasons. Veneers can restore your teeth to their original shape, making it look like they were never altered in the first place.
Guide to Dental Veneers Cost
Factors That Affect Pricing
The price of veneers depends on many factors. Some of the most significant include:
- The type of veneers you choose
- The number of veneers you want
- The skill of your dentist
- The location of their office
If you are considering getting veneers, ask your dentist for an estimate. Their quote will account for all of these factors and give you a concrete idea of how much this procedure will cost you.
Are Lumineers Cheaper Than Veneers?
Lumineers are a type of dental veneer that is even thinner than a standard porcelain veneer. They are custom-made and provide aesthetically pleasing results, but they are less durable and can easily break and chip if they are not properly cared for.
While they are slightly cheaper than porcelain veneers, they are more expensive than composite ones. They serve as a convenient middle ground between the two options.
Veneers Compared to Other Options
Teeth Bonding vs Veneers
Teeth bonding is the process of adding dental composite to teeth. Unlike composite veneers, teeth bonding usually does not cover the whole tooth. Instead, it is applied to specific areas to repair cracks and chips or alter the shape of a tooth. Teeth bonding is a quicker and cheaper procedure than getting veneers, but it will not last as long – just 3 to 5 years in most cases. With proper care, veneers can last triple that time and will look much more impressive.
Implants vs Veneers
Dental implants can last a lifetime and offer attractive results that look very similar to veneers. However, they can only be placed as a replacement for a lost tooth. They cannot help you make an existing tooth look better. Dental implants are also costly, take months to place, and require invasive surgery. Their main benefit over veneers is the additional function they offer. Your dentist will let you know if implants are a good fit for your needs.
Braces vs Veneers
Both veneers and braces can be used to improve the look of misaligned teeth. The difference between the two is that while braces offer a permanent, holistic solution, veneers help to visually camouflage any existing issues. Ask your dentist if your alignment problems are better addressed using braces or veneers. They will tell you if they have any concerns about your bite that would make orthodontic treatment the better option.
Crowns vs Veneers
Crowns are more durable than veneers, offering a solid reinforced structure that can support biting and chewing almost as well as natural teeth. However, they are also significantly more expensive and require more of your tooth enamel to be removed before they can be placed. They are a good option for back teeth that need to withstand more pressure, but veneers are usually a better choice for your front teeth.
Book Your Expert Consultation for Dental Veneers Today
If you are interested in getting dental veneers, your next step is to set up a consultation appointment. Contact Trillium Smile Dentistry and book an appointment with Dr. Tousi. Her many years of experience in cosmetic dentistry have made her one of the leading providers of dental veneers in Mississauga. Call us today at 905-828-9894 or use our online form to get started.
10 Jun 2022
8 Frequently Asked Questions about Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available. They can help you disguise many dental imperfections, including gaps, cracks, chips, and more. However, many people interested in getting them feel they need more information before they can decide on the matter.
To help you learn more about this procedure and decide if it is right for you, here are some of the most common questions our patients have asked about composite veneers.
8 Common Questions Patients Ask About Composite Veneers
What Are Composite Veneers?
Composite veneers are thin layers of synthetic material that are placed over teeth to improve their appearance. As their name suggests, they are made from composite, the same material that white dental fillings are made of. They may be fabricated directly by shaping the composite on the tooth or indirectly, using impressions of your teeth and laboratory equipment. When your veneers are complete, your dentist will bond them to your teeth.
It is important to note that veneers are permanent and cannot be removed. If you ever damage your veneers, you will need to replace them with new ones. Do not get veneers unless you are certain that you want to wear them for your entire life.
What Are the Benefits of Having Composite Resin Veneers?
Composite veneers are an excellent cosmetic dental solution for people with limited budgets. They can be used to improve the appearance of your smile in any way you choose, allowing you to modify the shape, structure, size, and position of certain teeth. They come in a range of different colours and can easily be matched to the colour of your natural enamel for a more realistic and subtle appearance. They are also less expensive than porcelain veneers and can be applied more quickly and with fewer appointments.
Who Can Get Composite Resin Veneers?
Any adult who wants to improve the appearance of their smile can get composite veneers. No matter what age you are or how many dental imperfections you want to disguise, veneers may be able to help.
Note that you must have healthy teeth and gums to receive dental veneers. If you have any dental or gingival health problems, be sure to have them treated before undergoing the procedure for veneers. The dentist who will be placing your veneers will be happy to diagnose and treat any oral health issues you have before beginning.
Do Composite Veneers Stain?
Yes, composite veneers can become stained. This happens the same way that natural teeth stain. Particles from dark-coloured food and drink, including wine, coffee, tea, tomato sauce, soy sauce, curry sauce, and more, stick to your veneers when you consume those items.
Over time, those particles bond to the surface of the veneers and permanently change their colour. This can also happen with tobacco smoke due to the tar that is present in many cigarette products. Avoid these items to keep your veneers white and shiny for as long as possible.
Can You Whiten Composite Veneers?
To an extent, yes. Composite veneers can be polished similarly to natural teeth, which is sometimes enough to remove some surface stains. You can also sometimes lighten the teeth beneath the veneers enough to make the veneers themselves look lighter.
However, whitening composite veneers is more difficult than whitening natural teeth and results are not guaranteed. The best way to keep your veneers white is to avoid stains in the first place. Once stains set in, you will almost certainly have to get your veneers replaced to whiten your smile again.
How Are Composite Veneers Applied?
The first step in the process of applying composite veneers is to remove a thin layer of enamel from the front of your teeth. This gives the veneers enough room to adhere to your teeth without feeling too bulky.
After this, the veneers are made. While most types of veneers must be fabricated in a lab, composite veneers can be sculpted directly on the altered surface of your teeth. Your dentist may also take an impression of your teeth and have the veneers fabricated off-site instead.
Once you have approved the final look of your veneers, they are bonded directly onto the teeth using a special light. Your dentist will then touch them up slightly to perfect their shape and polish them to make them shine. By the end of the procedure, your new veneers should look almost indistinguishable from your other teeth.
How Much Do Composite Veneers Cost?
The cost of composite veneers can vary significantly depending on factors such as where your dentist’s office is located, their skill level, and how many veneers you need. You can expect to pay less than you would if you were getting porcelain veneers from the same dental office, but beyond that, the cost is impossible to predict.
If you are trying to fit the cost of composite veneers into your budget, ask your dentist for an estimate. Only they know the specifics of your case and can give you an accurate estimate that reflects all those variables.
How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?
Composite veneers do not last as long as porcelain veneers do – usually just 5 to 7 years instead of 10 to 15. However, you can extend the life of your veneers by taking good care of them.
Avoid opening packages or biting hard foods with your front teeth. Use tools like knives and scissors instead. If you grind your teeth at night, get a mouthguard to keep the habit from putting extra stress on your veneers. Brush your teeth regularly to avoid built-up stains.
Get Stunning Composite Veneers in Mississauga at Trillium Smile Dentistry
Composite veneers can completely change the look of your teeth, restoring your natural beauty and self-confidence. If you are interested in undergoing this procedure, invest in dazzling high-quality veneers from Trillium Smile Dentistry. Contact us at 905-828-9894 or through our online form and book an appointment today. Our team will walk you through all the steps in the process of getting composite veneers and help you determine how best to achieve your dream smile.
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10 May 2022
A Complete Guide to Veneers
Have you ever thought about an aspect of your smile that you would like to fix? Perhaps you chipped a tooth in your childhood and never got it fixed. Maybe you were born with porous, easily stained enamel that never responded to whitening treatments as you hoped. You may even have teeth that are too small or oddly shaped for your liking.
Veneers are the perfect solution to all these problems and more. These cosmetic prostheses allow you to hide your natural teeth behind shells of synthetic material that are shaped to your exact specifications. Our guide will explain this popular cosmetic treatment, including how veneers work, why you might want them, and how to care for them once you get them.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin slivers of synthetic material that are placed on top of the front portion of a tooth. They are created using impressions of your teeth and high-tech laboratory equipment and are shaped according to your treatment plan.
Veneers are a popular option because they allow you to camouflage stained, misaligned, or misshapen teeth. Dental veneers for the front teeth are much more common than ones made for back teeth.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Veneers?
To be a good candidate for veneers, you must:
- Practice good oral hygiene
- Have few large fillings and no untreated decay
- Have healthy gums
- Do not grind or clench your teeth
- Have a properly aligned bite
If your teeth or gums are not healthy enough for the procedure, your cosmetic dentist will guide you on how to prepare for get your veneers.
There are also a few potential drawbacks to getting veneers.
- Your teeth may be permanently more sensitive after the procedure.
- You may need to change the way that you eat to keep your veneers intact.
- Once veneers are placed, they cannot be easily removed. You must be committed to replacing your veneers when they wear down or become damaged over time.
It is important that you are prepared to accept these drawbacks if you want to proceed with getting veneers.
Types of Veneers
Two types of veneers are typically used in most procedures:
- Porcelain Veneers. These veneers are made from premium white porcelain. This material simulates the translucency and shine of real teeth very well, making these veneers look exceptionally attractive. However, they are also the most costly option.
- Composite Veneers. These veneers are made from composite resin that is similar to the material used in dental fillings. They are less expensive and require less enamel to be removed for placement, but they also do not look as convincing or attractive as the porcelain variety.
Top Benefits of Getting Dental Veneers
There are many reasons to choose veneers for your next cosmetic dental enhancement.
- They look like pearly natural teeth. Even though they are only thin shells of synthetic material, no one who looks at them would ever guess that they are not real.
- They come in many different shades of white. This lets them easily suit the shade of your natural enamel. If you choose the colour of your veneers carefully, they will blend right in with your natural teeth.
- They can disguise and prevent tooth stains. This includes intrinsic stains that cannot be removed from your tooth enamel.
- They are faster than crowns. While crowns often require multiple appointments, veneers can be applied in one visit in some cases.
- They require less enamel to be removed than crowns. They allow you to enjoy impressive results while preserving as much of your natural teeth as possible.
- They may help prevent tooth decay. By covering your teeth, they reduce the number of tooth surfaces that are exposed to sugars and acids.
- They need little ongoing maintenance. Once your veneers are in place, you should not need to replace them for several years.
Front Teeth Dental Veneers Procedure
When you show interest in veneers, your dentist will set up an initial appointment to discuss the procedure with you.
During this visit, they will examine your teeth and discuss your expectations for treatment. It is important that you understand what veneers can and cannot accomplish before proceeding with treatment. Your dentist will also discuss the cost of your veneers so you can determine how to fit the expense into your budget.
Once you have decided to get veneers, your dentist will make a second appointment to begin the procedure. Your dentist will remove some enamel from your teeth to prepare them for the veneers. They will then take an impression of your teeth to get a perfect representation of their shape. These will then be sent to a lab where the veneers will be fabricated.
When your finished veneers arrive, your dentist will schedule an appointment with you to install them. During this appointment, you will see what the veneers will look like in your mouth. Your dentist can then adjust the shape and colour of the veneers as needed to meet your expectations.
When you are happy with the result, the veneers are bonded to your teeth using dental cement. This process is permanent, so be sure that you are truly satisfied with your veneers before proceeding to this final step.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
Most dental veneers last between 5 to 7 years, and some can last 10 years or more. If you want yours to last as long as possible, be sure to take excellent care of them as soon as they are installed.
How Do You Care for Veneers?
Veneers are a relatively low-maintenance cosmetic dental treatment. Follow the tips below to keep yours clean, intact, and firmly in place.
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day.
- Do not chew on hard objects like pencils, ice, or fingernails.
- Never use your teeth to open packaging.
- Do not bite into food with your front teeth. Instead, use your back teeth to chew as much as possible.
- Wear a mouthguard while playing sports, as well as at night if you grind your teeth.
Visit the Best Dentist for Porcelain Veneers in Mississauga
Ready to create the smile you have always dreamed of? Trillium Smile Dentistry makes it easy to get stunning dental veneers in Mississauga. Our staff will walk you through the entire procedure from start to finish to ensure that you receive results you are happy with. Contact us today at 905-828-9894 or through our online form to book your initial appointment and discuss your needs with one of the best cosmetic dentists in the GTA.
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