SMILE DESIGN AND MAKEOVER
A smile makeover consultation with one of our Cosmetic Dentists will show you how you can achieve your perfect smile.
There are various different options available and designing your smile to perfection can be a complex procedure that all of our Cosmetic Dentists are well trained in.
A smile design may involve whitening teeth, porcelain veneers, composite veneers, dental implants or orthodontic treatment. Quite often, we can do a smile makeover in one day!
There are various different options available and designing your smile to perfection can be a complex procedure that all of our Cosmetic Dentists are well trained in.
A smile design may involve whitening teeth, porcelain veneers, composite veneers, dental implants or orthodontic treatment. Quite often, we can do a smile makeover in one day!
PORCELAIN VENEERS
A porcelain veneer is a thin, layered shell of porcelain that sticks on the surface of your front teeth.
They are used in situations where teeth are damaged, stained, broken, chipped or excessively worn. They can also be used to alter the shapes of teeth and close gaps between teeth as required. If looked after well, can last a long time, leaving a stunning long lasting smile. Veneers are not particularly invasive and often require minimal if any natural tooth adjustment at all.
Typically, a porcelain veneer smile makeover takes two appointments. In the first appointment, the teeth are prepared for the veneers and temporary veneers are placed. In the second appointment, the new definitive veneers are placed. The overall treatment time can be as little as two weeks.
Benefits
- Veneers enable a quick way and guaranteed way to whiten correct any minor discrepancies in tooth shape. Usually they are made of porcelain and are performed on 4-6 teeth so that the shade and shape of the new teeth are kept the same and match well
- If there are any defects or deep staining that has occurred as the tooth has developed or it has been traumatised, it sometimes can be hard to mask with whitening or composite veneers. Similarly if the underlying enamel has been damaged, porcelain veneers can be used to improve the appearance, shape and symmetry of your smile
- Minor alignment discrepancies can be camouflaged with porcelain veneers which could be camouflaged with porcelain veneers which could be of benefit particularly if you are not keen on having any brace treatment
Disadvantages
- Porcelain veneers can be more costly than other forms of smile makeover treatments such as composite bonding as the veneers are made and processed in a specialised lab by a master ceramist.
- As some of the tooth structure is being adjusted and removed, it is an irreversible procedure whereas composite bonding is less invasive. Sensitivity can sometimes occur as a result of this after the porcelain veneers have been placed on the teeth.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No – if there is any adjustment of the tooth required it is only very minimal and confined to the outer layer of the tooth that is not sensitive.
You have to brush the veneered teeth as you would normally brush and keep the rest of your teeth clean. We recommend regular visits for hygiene and regular check-ups.
Sometimes we have to make slight adjustments to the outer layer of the tooth. If this is required it is minimal. Most of the time, no adjustment is required at all.
COMPOSITE BONDING/VENEERS
The main focus of cosmetic dentistry is shifting to minimally invasive dentistry, and composite veneers are at the forefront of this treatment.
Improving the cosmetic appearance of the teeth can be achieved in a variety of ways. Quite often this can be through orthodontics to improve the position of the teeth. However, teeth can vary in shape, size and colour. This can be due to the way they have developed, dental trauma, or from general wear and tear throughout life which can result in cracks, chips and stains.
Composite is tooth coloured filling material. Composite bonding is when we use small amounts of the tooth coloured filling material to repair small chips and imperfections in teeth. Composite veneers are when we use the tooth coloured filling material to alter the size/shape/colour and proportions of the teeth, resulting in a stunning smile to be proud of.
With composite veneer treatment, there are no adjustments of the natural teeth made. This means that the treatment and smile transformation can be done on the same day! The teeth are hand sculpted by the dentist. There are a wide variety of different shades that are used, resulting in a natural looking smile that suits you
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No – there is no drilling or adjustment on any of the teeth
No – because there is no drilling, we do not to need to give any local anesthetic
Composite veneers can improve the shape, colour, alignment and proportions of your teeth.
Composite tooth coloured filling material, like any other dental material will deteriorate with time. As a result, it normally isn’t as long lasting as some other restoration techniques such as veneers or crowns. However, with good personal care and maintenance they can maintain their appearance for years.
