What are Dental Veneers?

Every smile is beautiful! But if you feel a little self conscious or unhappy about the appearance of your smile, veneers are a fast and effective solution.

Dental veneers (also known as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin shells made from either porcelain or a resin composite. They are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve the appearance of tooth shape, colour, size, and alignment.

Dental veneers can assist in creating a straight, symmetrical, white smile and are an ideal solution for people wanting to improve the appearance of:

• teeth that are discoloured due to root canal treatment, stains from tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride, or the presence of large resin fillings
• worn down teeth
• chipped or broken teeth
• misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth
• teeth with unsightly gaps between them

Veneers can last up to 15 years, depending on the type of veneer selected and how well the veneers are maintained.

Veneers are not a good choice for individuals who clench and grind their teeth; have unhealthy, weakened teeth; or have an inadequate amount of existing enamel on the tooth surface.

We are proud of our dentists who are ethical and honest. You can rely on us to provide you with clear explanations about your options so that you can make informed decisions that are right for you and your oral health.

FAQ about Dental Veneers

Q: Are dental veneers permanent?

Veneers can be replaced however they are designed to last for 7-15 years if they are well looked after. While veneers are very thin layers of porcelain or composite and generally require minimal trimming of tooth structure, in some veneer cases, a small amount of enamel has to be reduced during the preparation. If you are thinking about having dental veneers, make sure you go to a dentist that is experienced in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry and will handle your teeth with care, as you want optimum results for veneers that will not only last, but also keep your teeth in a healthy condition.

Q: Are veneers painful?

A: Veneers preparation is not a painful procedure.  Local anaesthesia is usually given before the start of the treatment process. Sometimes, Patients may feel some sensitivity to hot or cold ,or a slight discomfort after treatment but that is usually temporary. However, it really depends on how healthy your teeth are at the time of the veneers preparation. Your teeth will have to be assessed to see if they are suitable for veneers and x-rays may be needed to examine the situation.  

Q: Can veneers be whitened or bleached?

Veneers can’t be whitened with traditional teeth whitening, so make sure you discuss the different shades with your dentist before they are bonded on your teeth  If you don’t like the colour/shade of your current veneers, you may wish to replace them with new, whiter ones. Keep in mind, (while very minimal!) removal of dental restorations may come with inevitable removal of some tooth structure.

Q: Can veneers be removed?

While veneers can be removed, a small amount of tooth structure may be removed in the process as they are meant to be a long-term solution. You may also notice a difference in your teeth shape, texture and size after removing veneers, so you will most likely want to replace those veneers rather than just having them removed

Q. What happens if I crack my veneers?

Call your dentist! Your veneer and/or your tooth will need to be examined and treatment will be planned accordingly. If the veneer (and your tooth!) is sound and it just came off, it can be re-bonded to your tooth, however if it is cracked, then it may need to be replaced. Your veneers are durable and meant to last. Especially porcelain veneers which are extremely durable and can last for up to 15 years or longer. However, if a situation happens where you do crack your veneer, your dentist will be able to replace it for you. 

Q. Are Veneers worth it?

Veneers can provide you with a more appealing smile and increase your self-confidence, particularly if you have stained, heavily filled, or crooked teeth that you intend to correct with dental veneers. Veneers today are very realistic and natural looking, which can give you the peace of mind that the smile of your dreams is very achievable. ! There are different types of veneers that can suit each and every case, so make sure that your dentist knows all about the cosmetic dental treatments available. Our dentists at Legends Dental have taken extra miles in their education to provide you with the best aesthetic dental treatments.