Porcelain Veneers
Straighten and enhance your smile with porcelain veneers
Whether you have cosmetic concerns about your smile, want to slightly alter your teeth’s positioning or have experienced tooth loss from grinding or injury, you may be an excellent candidate for porcelain veneers.
At Charlestown Dental Centre in Newcastle NSW, our dentists are highly experienced in applying porcelain veneers. We use custom-designed and natural-looking veneers that blend in seamlessly with your other teeth, enhancing your smile with effective and long-lasting results.
What are porcelain veneers?
These dental veneers are thin porcelain caps for your teeth, which can reshape your smile. Durable and natural-looking, they are often chosen for aesthetic purposes. However, porcelain veneers can also be used to hide discolouration, teeth that have been grinded down and lasting mamelons (ridges found mainly on the bottom of your two front teeth).
Porcelain veneers procedure
Typically, getting dental veneers will require three appointments in total: One for a consultation, and two to make and apply the veneers to your teeth.
Consultation
Your dentist will consult with you to design the look of your new smile – you’ll have control over the way your new smile looks and you’ll be able to conceal any discrepancies or concerns. Once you’re happy with the direction, we will take a mould of the teeth to craft your porcelain veneers accordingly.
Application
At the next appointment, your dentist will bond the custom porcelain veneers to your teeth. It is important to continue to practice proper oral hygiene following the installation of your veneers. This includes brushing, flossing, and avoiding foods that cause staining such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
Replacement
At some point down the road, your veneers will need to be updated and replaced. This follows a very similar procedure to your first installation. Your dentist will remove as much of the original bonding agent as possible before taking an impression of your teeth. Once the new porcelain veneers have been custom-manufactured, they will be bonded to your teeth.
Book an appointment today
Interested in getting porcelain veneers in Newcastle? For any questions or concerns you may have regarding porcelain veneers, their installation or maintenance, please ask your dentist. For more information, book an appointment online below or come in to see us at Charlestown Dental Centre today!
We also offer other Cosmetic Dental services:
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between crown and veneer?
A dental crown covers the whole tooth, while a veneer encases only the front of the tooth. Therefore, crowns are generally applied to address severely damaged teeth, as well as to cap teeth after root canal procedures and to top off dental implants. In contrast, veneers are typically used to enhance the shape and look of teeth, as well as to improve the appearance of stains, cracks, chips and minor gaps.
If you are unsure whether your teeth are better suited to dental crowns or porcelain veneers, please contact our dentists today for tailored advice on the recommended technique.
What’s the difference between composite vs porcelain veneers?
Whereas composite veneers are made of engineered resin bonded to an outer surface, porcelain veneers have thin porcelain shells affixed to this outer surface instead. However, both types of veneers are custom-designed to blend in with your teeth and enhance your smile.
Can you get veneers if you have missing teeth?
If you have missing teeth, we recommend choosing dental implants as opposed to veneers. Veneers are typically best-suited to patients with natural teeth intact, but who wish to enhance their appearance or address minor issues.
Can you get Invisalign after veneers?
Yes, you can get Invisalign after veneers if your veneers are strong, healthy and appropriately applied to your teeth.
Can you get veneers over fillings?
We do not recommend getting veneers over fillings, as they work best when bonded to healthy teeth with no prior dental work. Once a tooth comprises a certain amount of filling, it should be encased with a dental crown to protect it from breaking apart.
Can veneers go on crooked teeth?
Yes, veneers can be applied on slightly crooked teeth. You may be able to use veneers if your teeth and bite are both healthy with only minor misalignment.
However, it’s important to understand that veneers will not act to straighten your teeth in the same way as orthodontic treatments like braces or Invisalign.
How long does it take to do veneers?
From initial consultation to final placement, it typically takes approximately 3-4 weeks to complete the porcelain veneers process.
Are veneers permanent?
Veneers are not a permanent solution. They will need to be replaced eventually to ensure maximum efficacy.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers typically last anywhere between seven to 15 years, depending on several factors, such as how experienced your dentist is and how well you adhere to healthy lifestyle habits and hygiene practices.
Do porcelain veneers stain?
While porcelain veneers are designed to be stain-resistant, continued consumption of specific foods and drinks may gradually discolour their white appearance over time.
We recommend avoiding red wine, coffee, tea, and cigarettes when possible – or at least drinking from a straw to help reduce staining.
Can you whiten veneers?
We strongly recommend against using a whitening treatment after applying veneers. This is because teeth whitening products will affect the colour of your natural teeth but not the veneers themselves, resulting in uneven shades across your smile.
If you wish to whiten your teeth, we suggest undergoing the whitening treatment before applying veneers, which can then be matched to the shade of your teeth.
Are veneers covered by health insurance?
Yes, dental veneers can be covered by health insurance. This treatment may be included under the Major Dental category of the Dental Extras section of your policy.
How much are porcelain veneers?
In general, porcelain veneers may cost anywhere between $650 and $3,000 per tooth. Your dentist will discuss the right approach for your teeth during your initial consultation before providing a tailored estimate of its cost.