Dentist Airdrie
Porcelain Dental Veneers

Veneers refer to ultra-thin shells of ceramic (usually porcelain) or some other composite resin-based material that are bonded to the front surface of damaged teeth to give them a natural look while adding to their strength and resilience. Many of our patients prefer porcelain veneers for slight position alterations, as well as to change the size, shape, and colour of one or more teeth.

Aside from porcelain, veneers can be made from other types of ceramic, including:

• Lithium disilicate – An extremely strong material that can be used to make veneers for people with bruxism. Veneers from this material can only be fabricated using CAD/CAM technology
• Stacked ceramic – This material delivers high precision for customised veneers
• Pressed ceramic – This material delivers very strong veneers, though they also tend to be thicker than other types

The Procedure for Applying Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers comprise multiple thin ceramic layers that replace your original tooth enamel. This means that a small amount of your natural tooth enamel must be removed in order to create room to apply the veneer. Only a fraction of a millimetre of tooth enamel is removed.

The bond between your natural tooth and the veneer is vital, not only because of aesthetic reasons, but also to ensure proper veneer function. During the procedure, light-sensitive resin material is placed between the etched natural tooth and the sheet of veneer, after which a special light is used to harden it.

Teeth veneers cost

The cost of applying veneers varies, but one thing to consider is whether you want the procedure completed in the traditional 2 to 3 sessions, or in a single appointment with “no prep” or “low prep” options.

Minimal preparation veneers or “no-prep” veneers are so called because the veneers are fixed to the front surface of damaged teeth after very minimal etching. Not all patients are good candidates for this, although they are less time consuming and more comfortable porcelain veneer procedure, so you should first discuss your case with your dentist to determine if it is right for you.

Benefits of having veneers for teeth

Generally, veneers are a very successful tooth restoration option for cases where the natural teeth have developed poor shape, colour, and contours. It is also a good option for gaps between teeth, fractured teeth, and minor bite-related issues. A porcelain veneer may also be a great alternative for people who’re dissatisfied with the results of bleaching or tooth whitening.

Other benefits include:

• Very close resemblance to natural teeth
• Resistant to food-related stains and tobacco use
• Minimal damage to the natural tooth (etching) compared to the use of crowns
• Ability to give you very white teeth and fix minor problems