man with nice teeth smiling at dental visit

Veneers in Burwood

A chipped tooth. A small gap. A couple of teeth that look shorter or more uneven than the rest. Sometimes it’s one small detail that makes you start thinking about changing your smile.

Veneers are one option your dentist may discuss with you. At Burwood Dental Centre, the first step is to look at the health of your teeth and gums, talk about what you’d like to change and work out whether veneers actually make sense for you.

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Porcelain or Composite?

Both types can change the appearance of selected teeth, but they’re made differently and come with different considerations.

Porcelain veneers are made for you in a dental laboratory. They are designed to resemble natural tooth enamel and tend to resist staining well. In most cases, a small amount of enamel has to be permanently removed so the veneer can sit properly on the tooth. Because of that, porcelain veneer treatment is usually not reversible.

Composite veneers are made from tooth-coloured resin and shaped directly onto the tooth by your dentist. In suitable cases, less tooth preparation may be needed. Composite can also often be repaired if it chips.

The trade-off is that composite generally stains and wears more easily than porcelain, so it may need polishing, repair or replacement sooner.

There isn’t one option that suits everyone. Your dentist will go through the pros and cons of each, including cost, preparation, maintenance and expected longevity.

When Might Veneers Be Considered?

People ask about veneers for all sorts of reasons. Some of the more common ones include:

Chipped or worn tooth edges
Staining or discolouration
Small gaps

Short or unevenly shaped teeth
Minor differences in alignment
Teeth that look uneven in size or proportion

Before going ahead, your dentist will check that your teeth and gums are healthy and that there is enough enamel to support the veneers.

Your bite matters too. If you grind or clench your teeth, that can place extra pressure on veneers and increase the chance of them chipping, cracking or coming loose.

woman smiling over shoulder

What Happens During Treatment?

The first step is a consultation.

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, check your bite and ask what you’d like to change. If there are existing dental problems, those may need to be dealt with before cosmetic treatment begins.

If veneers look like a suitable option, you’ll talk about how many teeth may be involved, which material to use and the sort of colour, shape and proportion you’re aiming for.

For porcelain veneers, your dentist may take impressions, moulds or digital scans. The iTero Element oral scanner may also be used where appropriate. These records are then used by the dental laboratory to create your veneers.

Before porcelain veneers are bonded into place, your dentist will check the fit, shape and colour and make any needed adjustments.

Composite veneers are generally built up and shaped directly on the teeth.

Once treatment is complete, we’ll explain how to care for your veneers. A follow-up visit may also be recommended so your bite can be checked.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

There isn’t a single price because every case is different.

The cost can depend on:

Whether you choose porcelain or composite
How many teeth are being treated
How much preparation is needed

The complexity of the changes
Whether other dental care is required first
Laboratory and material costs

After your consultation, you’ll be given a personalised treatment plan with the costs explained before you decide whether to go ahead.

Looking After Your Veneers

Your treated teeth still need the same day-to-day care as your natural teeth.

That means brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth and keeping up with regular dental check-ups and professional cleans.

It’s also a good idea to avoid biting hard objects such as ice, pens or fingernails, and not to use your teeth to tear open packaging.

If you grind or clench, your dentist may recommend a protective appliance.

Porcelain itself is resistant to staining, but the natural teeth around it can still change colour over time. Composite veneers can pick up surface staining and may need professional polishing.

How long veneers last varies from person to person. Porcelain often lasts longer than composite, but neither should be considered permanent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do veneers look natural?

They’re designed to work with the colour, shape and proportion of your existing teeth. The final appearance depends on the material used, the treatment plan and your individual teeth.

Are they reversible?

Porcelain veneers generally aren’t, because a small amount of enamel usually needs to be permanently removed. Composite veneers may need less preparation in suitable cases.

How long do they last?

There’s no set lifespan. Your bite, oral hygiene, habits and the material used all make a difference. Porcelain generally lasts longer and resists staining better than composite.

Can veneers close gaps?

They may be used to disguise small spaces between selected teeth. Larger gaps or issues involving tooth position may be better suited to clear aligners or another orthodontic option.

Can veneers straighten uneven teeth?

They can change the visible shape of mildly uneven teeth, but they don’t move the teeth themselves. If crowding or misalignment is more significant, orthodontic treatment may be more appropriate.

What if I grind my teeth?

Grinding and clenching can put extra pressure on veneers. Your dentist will assess your bite and may recommend a protective appliance.

Will my teeth need to be shaved down?

That depends on the type of veneer and the position of the tooth. Porcelain veneers usually require a small amount of enamel to be permanently removed. Your dentist will explain how much preparation is proposed before treatment starts.

How many veneers will I need?

Some people only consider one. Others look at several across the teeth that show when they smile. It depends on what you want to change and the condition of the surrounding teeth.

Find Out If Veneers Are Right for You

If there are a few things about your smile you’d like to change, a consultation is a chance to find out what your options actually are.

Contact Burwood Dental Centre to book a consultation and talk through whether porcelain veneers, composite veneers or another approach may be suitable for you.

Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.

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