We use customised shells to cover the front part of the teeth to achieve your desired look. They are thin and have a unique colour that blends in with the rest of your teeth to create a natural, translucent surface that improves the appearance of the visible portion of the tooth instantly. It is imperative to initially go for a consultation with one of our experienced veneer specialists at our Cardiff dental practice. This is because dental veneers may not be the ideal solution for certain dental problems.
Porcelain veneers make an excellent corrective dental procedure for people with chipped, discoloured or misshapen teeth. They comprise thin shells of porcelain that are customised to fit your teeth, creating a natural, attractive look. There are two types of veneers, porcelain and composite resin. The porcelain requires longer to fix compared to composite resin. They are also strong, don’t stain easily and require minimal enamel removal.
Veneers can be used on one tooth or a large number of teeth. Patients with the following conditions are eligible for treatment:
The beauty of using porcelain veneers is that you get to maintain the natural appearance of your teeth. This is because they are created based on the impression the dentists takes of your teeth. As such, the colour and the contouring of the veneer shell resemble that of your natural tooth enamel. What’s more, the ceramic layer hides the cracked or stained part of your teeth, so you can talk and eat normally. The dentist may make slight adjustments to match the colour of your tooth enamel or cut the excess material for a secure fit.
Unlike other dental procedures that require intensive processes, our placement is complete after two visits. During the first appointment, the dentist prepares your teeth and takes impressions that fabricate the veneers. You only need one other appointment to place the veneers. Also, veneer placement does not require recovery time, and you will experience instant improvement almost immediately.
Porcelain teeth don’t need special maintenance procedures; you take care of them just like natural teeth. Follow your daily routine, i.e., brush twice a day and floss to reduce plaque buildup. You may require regular dental checkups to ensure the veneers remain in good condition. What’s more, veneers are non-porous, which means they resist cavities and stains better than natural teeth thus, minimising maintenance procedures.
Porcelain veneers take longer to fix than composite resin as each one needs to be crafted individually. They are primarily used to repair minor problems like the shape, size and colour of the teeth. Patients with gaps between teeth can also use porcelain veneers. These are also ideal for patients looking to shorten or lengthen teeth.
A composite veneer is a dental restoration attached to the front of your tooth. They are used to reshape or address discolouration, crookedness or chips. They differ from the porcelain kind as composite veneers are added in layers as opposed to bonded to your tooth.
At Birchgrove Dental we use different approaches based on the patient’s desired outcome and the material used for the procedure. For example, those who need a simple change in tooth colouring undergo a relatively straightforward procedure that is completed in two or three stages.
Normally, there are two ways of applying them; the traditional and prep less methods. The traditional method involves the removal of a thin layer of enamel before application, considered irreversible. The second method does not always require enamel removal and follows specific criteria for optimal results.
Our dentist begins by removing a small portion of the enamel and taking an impression of the problematic tooth.
The imprint is sent to the lab that designs veneers. This process lasts as long as a week, which the dentist will schedule a return visit. If the patient opts for the composite option, the dentist does not need to schedule another appointment.
Contact us today to book a consultation for porcelain or composite veneers at our Cardiff dental practice.