Everything You Need to Know About Dental Veneers

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Cosmetic dentistry includes beneficial and innovative treatments such as teeth whitening, dental implants, and veneers which can have many benefits for patients, including:

• enhanced appearance of your teeth and smile,
• optimized oral health,
• lowered risk of periodontal disease,
• improved self-confidence,
• prevention of future dental damage,
• improved eating ability and overall health.

Affordable Cosmetic Dentistry Services in Calgary

At Marlborough Dental Centre, we understand the importance of healthy teeth, which is why we offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services including teeth whitening, veneers, and Invisalign, to help give you the beautiful, white smile you’ve always wanted.

CALGARY COSMETIC DENTISTRY

 

What are Veneers?

Veneers are a type of cosmetic dentistry treatment that is designed to improve the overall appearance of your teeth. Typically, they are placed on the front teeth and those on the sides that show when you smile.

Your dentist will bond the veneer directly to the surface of your teeth, and when done correctly, they will have a very natural appearance so no one will be able to tell you have them.

Different Types of Veneers

Whatever material you opt for, veneers must be designed to be very thin, stain resistant, and strong enough to withstand the natural wear and tear your teeth go through on a daily basis. They come in different types, each with its own set of pros and cons.

1. Ceramic Veneers

Ceramic veneers are one of the most commonly used types of veneers and are generally considered excellent for their:

• ability to mimic natural teeth
• durability
• natural appearance

However, they can take much longer to create than other types of veneers and there is a possibility that you’ll experience some tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures for a few days after the procedure.

2. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are often the material of choice for patients looking to make slight position alterations, or to change their tooth shape, size, and/or colour.

The Advantages of Porcelain Veneers

• They are thinner than ceramic veneers.
• Less of the tooth needs to be shaved down, sometimes none at all.
• They create a very life-like and natural tooth appearance.
• They can last 10-15 years with proper care.

However, it’s important to note that porcelain veneers are more expensive, they require a special polishing paste, and if they break, they cannot be repaired, but have to be replaced.

3. Resin-Based Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are a very cost-effective option for anyone looking to undergo this cosmetic dentistry treatment. They are usually done in one visit and are sculpted at the time of placement.

Some of the advantages of this type of veneer include:

• The treatment can be completed in a single visit.
• They require a lot less tooth preparation as compared to porcelain and ceramic veneers.
• Composite veneers are very affordable - the cost is usually about half that of the porcelain veneers.

However, they are more likely to stain, chip, or break, and have an expected lifespan of approximately 5-10 years if taken care of properly.

 

What Type of Problems Can Veneers Correct?

Patients who are considering veneers are often looking to correct certain structural or cosmetic issues with their teeth, including:

• Spaces between teeth
• Chips
• Cracks
• Minor misalignments
• Discoloration
• Poorly shaped or crooked teeth

Am I a Candidate for Veneers?

Veneers are not an appropriate treatment for everyone, or every tooth. Only an examination by your dentist can determine whether dental veneers are suitable for making the changes you need.

Some of the situations where certain patients or teeth ARE NOT good candidates include:

• Teeth with decays or active gum disease. These oral conditions must be treated before fabricating and bonding dental veneers.
• Weakened teeth. If a significant amount of tooth structure is missing, or has been replaced by a filling, then the tooth will not be strong enough to function with a veneer.
• Bruxism. If a patient habitually clenches and/or grinds their teeth, this can easily chip or break the veneers. This condition must be treated before treatment can proceed.
• There isn’t enough healthy enamel, because dentists usually remove a thin layer of enamel before placing the veneers.

 

Call Today

To find out more about how our cosmetic dentistry services can help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile, contact our Calgary dental clinic at 403-248-2066 or fill in our online contact form.