Dental veneers: improve your smile instantly
Are you unhappy with your smile? Dr Bernard Siew of SMILEFOCUS reveals the latest restorative options, sure to have you beaming ear-to-ear in no time at all.
American country singer Garth Brooks once crooned, “The only thing that warms the heart as much as a beautiful song, is a beautiful smile”. And it’s no secret – we all want a beautiful, confident smile. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96 percent of Americans believe an attractive smile makes us more appealing to members of the opposite sex, while three out of four adults consider an unattractive smile an obstacle to career advancement.
Thanks to modern technology, shaping your smile is now easier than ever before. Several options are available, with dental veneers being one of the most aesthetically pleasing and popular choices.
Veneers are thin, custom-made laminates which are permanently bonded to your teeth. They can straighten or close gaps, replace worn enamel and resurface discoloured teeth. Because veneers allow you to change the shape, size, position and colour of your teeth, they’ve become increasingly popular. Especially if you want straighter, whiter teeth without the time delay of wearing braces. People whose teeth are healthy and free of decay or gum disease benefit the most from veneers and there are two types available:
Porcelain Veneers are extremely thin coverings, made of a very durable dental ceramic. Realistic looking, they’re also stain-resistant – an important factor for smokers and tea, coffee and wine drinkers. The entire process requires at least two visits to the dentist. First, your dentist determines the colour and style of your tooth and takes an impression of your teeth to create a mock-up. The ceramic veneer is then made in a dental laboratory and placed on your teeth.
Composite or resin veneers Unlike porcelain veneers, resin veneers can be made and fitted in a single dental visit. Usually no anaesthetic is required and they cost less than porcelain veneers. Resin is a pliable material directly moulded onto your tooth, with your dentist creating the final aesthetics of shape, colour and form. Resin veneers can be easily reshaped, polished and maintained. They work best on teeth with minor defects in size or shape. If you’ve never had a filling or aren’t sure how radical a change you want, it’s a good idea to start with resin. You can then always upgrade to porcelain veneers in the future, should you wish to.
As everyone’s needs are different, it’s always best to consult your dentist to determine which of these options will best help you achieve a life-changing smile.
Dr Bernard Siew B.D.S (Adelaide)Dr Bernard Siew, originally from Australia, is a general dentist who concentrates primarily on cosmetic dentistry. He is experienced in teeth whitening and total smile makeovers using veneers, crowns and bridgework.
