Veneers

What are veneers?

Looking for a way to upgrade your smile? Dental veneers could be the answer. These are super thin, custom-made coverings that get bonded right onto the front of your teeth. They're typically made from either porcelain or composite resin, and they're meticulously crafted to match your natural teeth or give you that ideal color, shape, and size you're aiming for. Veneers are a popular cosmetic fix for all sorts of issues, like discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, or even slight misalignments, ultimately giving you a more uniform and attractive smile.

Porcelain veneers vs composite resin veneers.

When considering dental veneers, you'll generally encounter two main types: porcelain and composite resin. The biggest distinctions between them come down to their material, how they're applied, their longevity, how natural they look, and the cost.

Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells crafted in a dental lab. They're renowned for their excellent stain resistance, superior durability (often lasting 10 to 15 years or even longer), and a remarkably natural, translucent appearance that closely mimics your tooth enamel. Getting porcelain veneers usually requires a couple of dental visits and involves some permanent removal of a thin layer of your tooth enamel.

On the other hand, composite resin veneers are built directly onto your teeth by your dentist, often in a single appointment. They use a tooth-coloured resin material. While they're generally more affordable and usually require less or no tooth preparation (making them potentially reversible), composite veneers are less durable and more prone to staining over time. They typically last around 5 to 7 years before they might need some touch-ups or replacement.

Can you go back to normal teeth after veneers?

Whether you can return to your natural teeth after getting veneers largely depends on the type you choose.

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

However, the situation is different with porcelain veneers. To achieve a proper fit and natural look, the process for porcelain veneers involves the irreversible removal of a small layer of your tooth enamel. Once this enamel is gone, it won't regenerate. This means that if porcelain veneers are removed, your teeth will then require new veneers or other restorative dental work; you won't be able to simply go back to your completely natural, unprepared teeth.

Thinking about how cosmetic dental treatment could refresh your look and boost your confidence? Now is the perfect moment to explore the possibilities. Contact us today to book a consultation. Let's discuss your smile goals and craft a personalized plan to help you achieve the dazzling results you're looking for.