What is a Veneer?
Whilst a crown is a full coverage restoration, a veneer is a partial coverage restoration. A veneer covers the visible surface of the tooth above the gum (a facing) and is modelled to resemble the shape of the undamaged tooth. The best way to describe a veneer is that it is “half a crown” How closely this “false tooth facing” resembles the original tooth, depends upon the quality of veneer you choose. Remember at Aesthetique, you are in control of your treatment. |
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How can veneers benefit me?
Veneers are used predominantly in cosmetic dentistry to:
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- Change the colour
- Change the inclination (tilt)
- Change the rotation (twist)
- Correct crooked teeth
- Change the size
- Change the shape
- Mask imperfections of your teeth.
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Due to the nature of veneers, they can correct only mild imperfections with crowns being more versatile. However, veneers are less destructive to your tooth so are indicated over crowns wherever possible. Veneers do not impart strength to a tooth so if the tooth is weakened, a crown would be more appropriate.
Procedure and visit structure
Visit:
1. Inspection, examination, X-rays, photographs, consultation.
2. Preparation. The tooth is carefully prepared into the appropriate shape to receive the veneer; an imprint (impression) is taken of the preparation, neighbouring teeth and opposing teeth. A temporary veneer is constructed and stuck into place.
3. Cementation. The temporary veneer is removed and the fabricated crown is cemented or bonded into place
Please note, temporary veneers are problematic at best, but;
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"IF YOU CHOOSE A CEREC VENEER, THE WHOLE PROCEDURE CAN BE COMPLETED IN JUST ONE VISIT" |
Types of Veneers:
Porcelain veneer
| Material: |
100% porcelain |
| Colour: |
tooth coloured |
| Aesthetics: |
VERY GOOD. |
| Longevity: |
5 – 10 years (dependant upon oral hygiene competence) |
| Comments: |
Although the aesthetics are very good, due to an all porcelain, metal-free construction, The main drawback is a lack of strength – veneers by their very nature are fragile extremely susceptible to catastrophic failure due to fracture.
In some cases, it is prudent to wear a soft bite guard at night to protect the veneers. In some cases it may be prudent or even necessary to remodel the neighbouring/opposing teeth |
Ceramic veneer
| Material: |
100% reinforced ceramic |
| Colour: |
tooth coloured |
| Aesthetics: |
EXCELLENT. |
| Longevity: |
15 – 20 years (dependant upon oral hygiene competence) |
| Comments: |
Although the aesthetics are superb, due to a metal-free construction, veneers by their very nature are fragile and susceptible to failure due to fracture. However, ceramics have the edge over porcelain for strength. Ceramic veneers are also bonded to the tooth using the latest bonding techniques.
In some cases, it is prudent to wear a soft bite guard at night to protect the veneers. In some cases it may be prudent or even necessary to remodel the neighbouring/opposing teeth. |
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