Veneers

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are essentially very thin, custom-made "shells" that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They're crafted from either porcelain or composite resin and are designed to improve how your teeth look. Think of them as a cosmetic upgrade for your smile. They can address issues like discoloured, chipped, cracked, or gapped teeth, or even slight misalignments, giving you a more even and attractive appearance.

Porcelain veneers vs composite resin veneers.

When exploring dental veneers, you'll primarily encounter two types: porcelain and composite resin. The main distinctions between these options are their material composition, application method, longevity, aesthetic appeal, and cost.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are custom-fabricated shells made in a dental laboratory. They're highly valued for their exceptional stain resistance and impressive durability, often lasting 10 to 15 years or even longer. Aesthetically, porcelain veneers offer a remarkably natural, translucent appearance that closely mimics the look of natural tooth enamel. The process for porcelain veneers typically involves at least two dental appointments and requires the irreversible removal of a small amount of your tooth's surface.

Composite Resin Veneers

In contrast, composite resin veneers are built directly onto your teeth by your dentist, usually in a single visit. This type uses a tooth-coloured resin material. While generally more affordable and often requiring less or no tooth preparation (making them potentially reversible), composite veneers are less durable than porcelain and are more prone to staining over time. They typically last around 5 to 7 years before needing touch-ups or replacement.

Can you go back to normal teeth after veneers?

Whether you can go back to your natural teeth after getting veneers really depends on the type you choose.

If you opt for composite resin veneers, generally, yes, you can. This is because composite veneers are a minimally invasive procedure, often requiring little to no alteration of your natural tooth enamel. If you decide to have them removed, the composite material can typically be taken off without causing lasting damage, letting your teeth return to their original state.

However, the story is different with porcelain veneers. To ensure they fit perfectly and look natural, getting porcelain veneers involves the irreversible removal of a small layer of your tooth enamel. Once that enamel is gone, it won't grow back. So, if porcelain veneers are ever removed, your teeth will then need to be covered with new veneers or other dental restorations; you can't just go back to your completely natural, unprepared teeth.

Dreaming of a brighter, more confident smile? If you're considering cosmetic dental treatment, now's the perfect moment to explore what's possible. Reach out to us today to book your consultation. We'll discuss your goals and help you discover how solutions like veneers, teeth whitening, or other cosmetic options can transform your smile. Let's make your dream smile a reality!