How Porcelain Veneers Work
The application of porcelain veneers will significantly benefit your smile. Whether you have chipped, discoloured, or slightly misaligned teeth, these thin porcelain shells offer a way to achieve a bright, natural-looking smile with minimal hassle.
If you’ve ever wondered how they work and whether they might be right for you, here’s what you need to know.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Your teeth receive front surface coverage through custom-made porcelain shells that measure just one wafer-thin layer. Dental porcelain is the material for creating veneers, replicating natural teeth by their light-transmitting properties and brilliant shine.
Unlike composite veneers, which are applied in layers directly onto the tooth, porcelain veneers are fabricated in a lab to ensure precision and durability.
The dental veneer treatment aims to improve the aesthetics of your smile without distorting the appearance of your natural teeth. They are a flexible cosmetic option that can resolve a range of dental problems, such as:
- Intense tooth staining causing permanent discolouration requires veneers as a treatment option
- Chips and cracks
- Gaps between teeth
- Slight misalignment or uneven teeth
- Teeth that are worn down over time
The Process: From Consultation to Final Smile
Getting porcelain veneers isn’t an overnight transformation, but the process is straightforward and well worth the effort. Here’s how it works:
1. Consultation and Smile Assessment
Your dental makeover starts with a thorough meeting with our staff. This consultation time allows you to share your dental objectives and worries with your dental provider.
They will evaluate your teeth, discuss possible outcomes, and determine whether porcelain veneers are the best option for you. Sometimes, other treatments—such as orthodontics or teeth whitening—may be recommended with veneers to achieve the best results.
2. Preparing Your Teeth
Once you decide to proceed, the next step is preparing your teeth. This involves removing a small amount of enamel—typically less than a millimetre—from the front of each tooth that will receive a veneer.
The result becomes a natural-looking smile when the veneers are installed.
A local anaesthetic may be used to keep you comfortable during this process. Following enamel removal, your dentist takes impressions of your teeth, which are sent to a professional dental lab for custom veneer fabrication.
Your dentist may temporarily fit temporary veneers to safeguard the teeth while giving you the appearance of your future smile.
3. Custom Veneer Fabrication
Creating your porcelain veneers takes about one to two weeks. During this time, skilled dental technicians carefully shape and colour-match the veneers to ensure they blend naturally with your existing teeth.
The final product is designed to be strong, stain-resistant, and long-lasting.
4. Fitting and Bonding the Veneers
Once your veneers are ready, you’ll return for the fitting. Your dentist needs to position each veneer to verify its fit and examine its shapes and colour match. Minor adjustments can be made before they are permanently bonded.
To bond the veneers, your dentist will clean your teeth and apply a unique adhesive. A curing light is then used to harden the bond, securing the veneers. After a final polish, your new smile is complete.
What to Expect After Getting Veneers
It may take a few days to adjust to the feel of your new veneers, but most people quickly adapt. Your Melbourne CBD dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to check on your bite and make any necessary refinements.
Porcelain veneers are durable, but they still require care. Here’s how to keep them in great shape:
- Practice good oral hygiene – Brush and floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Avoid excessive force – While veneers are strong, they can chip or crack under pressure. Avoid biting into tough foods or using your teeth as tools.
- Visit your dentist regularly – Regular dental check-ups assist in maintaining both your veneers’ excellent performance and dental health.
Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?
Veneers are a fantastic option for many people, but they’re not for everyone. Healthy teeth and gums ensure their support, so maintaining them requires practising proper dental hygiene.
The dentist may prescribe nightguards for individuals who grind their teeth to stop veneer damage.
If you’re considering veneers, the best way to know if they’re right for you is to schedule a consultation. Your dentist can assess your smile and discuss your options in detail.
Porcelain Veneers in Melbourne CBD
A vibrant smile develops your self-assurance while transforming how you transact with others. If porcelain veneers sound like the right fit for you, why wait?
Schedule a consultation at Art De Dente Melbourne CBD today and take the first step toward a smile you’ll love to show off!
Call us on 03 9125 6201 or request an appointment online.
Visit us at Level 17, 190 Queen Street in Melbourne CBD.