Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the aesthetic of your smile.
At A.L. Dental, we use different treatment techniques to achieve the best appearance outcome for you. Cosmetic dental treatments are very broad and include teeth whitening, direct and indirect veneers, crowns, bridges, implants, orthodontics, gum alterations, botox and much more. Veneers are one of the common cosmetic dentistry treatments.
There are 2 main types of material used for veneers: porcelain and composite.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain is the common material used for veneers. Porcelain veneers are indirectly fabricated by a dental technician and typically bonded to the surface of the teeth by resin cement.
These veneers are thin and can be translucent, which produces a very natural appearance. The porcelain veneers last longer and are stronger than composite veneers.
Composite veneers
Composite veneers are an alternative to porcelain veneers.
They are made of composite resin material. They are tooth-coloured dental fillings that are directly bonded to the surface of the teeth.
The advantages of composite veneers are that they are more conservative and have a short procedure time. However, it is relatively less strong than porcelain veneers and can stain more easily over time.
Dental veneers are indicated for patients with discoloured teeth, enamel defects, malformed teeth, fluorosis, tetracycline staining, tooth fracture, or unaesthetic teeth.
The porcelain veneers may last from 7 to 15 years on average.
Whereas the composite veneers may last on average, about 4 to 8 years. The longevity of the veneers depends on how well you look after your veneers.
- Good oral hygiene – brush and floss regularly to avoid plaque accumulation.
- Wear oral protection – an occlusal splint is indicated if you’re a grinder or a clencher.
- Mouthguard – consider a mouthguard when playing sports to avoid potential damage to your veneers.
- Avoid biting on hard surfaces – don’t use your teeth to open packages or loosen knots.