Veneers have exploded in popularity in recent years. Although they have been used to help average people with serious sizing and shape issues with their teeth, they can also be used to perfect someone’s already nice smile without orthodontics.
We offer both porcelain veneers and composite veneers (bonded veneers), but many solutions exist to help accomplish a perfect smile. At FirstBite, we always give you all the options.
There are many different ways to achieve the smile you want. As we can offer multiple orthodontic solutions and a mix of traditional solutions, we will always leave the choice to you. But sometimes, even perfectly straight teeth still have issues. There could have been dental trauma or teeth grinding that have affected the shape or colouration of the teeth. Regardless, everybody is different, and to help you get a clearer idea, we are answering some of the internet’s top questions.
We answer some of the most frequently asked questions about dental veneers.
What is the difference between veneers and a crown?
A veneer is like a fake fingernail over the tooth. You need to have lots of good tooth structure remaining with very small or no fillings present, otherwise, it needs to be a crown, which is a full cover of the tooth to protect it.
Should you avoid getting veneers if you have a small mouth?
No. We can fit veneers to anyone.
Should I get dental veneers or dental bonding?
Veneers are actually a type of bonding. Often when people use the term ‘bonding’ they are referring composite veneers that use the same composite that we use for fillings. This can be used for veneers as well, and it is cheaper. The colour isn’t as good and it doesn’t last as long, but a highly skilled dentist can make them look great.
What is a common myth regarding dental veneers?
That they only last for about 10 years. Many last much longer. But they all eventually need to be replaced
What is the disadvantage of having porcelain veneers?
If your teeth aren’t straight you may have to remove tooth structure, so that
the veneer can fit onto the tooth to prevent it being too bulky. This is why we often advise doing braces or Invisalign first, as the straighter the tooth the less tooth structure has to be cut.
Can a teeth gap be hidden by veneers?
Yes. This is a common purpose. Just remember when it comes to veneers that everybody’s needs are different.
What is the difference between veneers and dental implants?
Veneers work as covers for existing teeth and require good tooth structure to be executed. A dental implant is inserted via a series of minor operations into the jawbone and functions as a replacement for a missing tooth.
What are the reasons why dental veneers are worth it?
Dental veneers are an extremely quick fix for aesthetic concerns. A great smile can be created within just two weeks.
How are veneers made and applied to teeth?
There are many types of materials for a veneer. The two types of veneers we use are porcelain and composite resin. They are both bonded to the tooth.
Is it a bad idea to veneer healthy teeth?
We personally prefer braces as we put the natural teeth in the right position. However, if they are straight but are still unappealing in colour or shape then veneering is great. By straightening the teeth first, less of the tooth has to be cut which is ideal.
What are the differences between Lumineers and veneers?
They are the same. Just a brand name from a certain lab. It is suggested that they’re thinner, however, we are able to make our veneers as thin as we please.
Is there any way to remove the veneers from my teeth?
It is important to understand that nothing in medicine is permanent. Veneers will inevitably require removal and replacement. The preparation process that your teeth must undergo to fit the veneers isn’t reversible and will remove the enamel from your natural tooth, so in some ways, this is quite a permanent process.
What does getting porcelain veneers involve?
Many times we do a wax-up of the teeth first. We then take moulds and get the laboratory to set in wax veneers on the models. We can then put this onto the teeth temporarily so we can see what it looks like. This is how we determine the length, shape, angles and colour. We then prepare the teeth and impression for the veneers. The lab then uses the wax-up with any changes we saw in the mouth to make them. We then try them in two weeks later and if they’re good we cement them in place. If they’re not quite right, we make the changes and review again. This can sometimes take three visits. You leave with the temporary veneers in place each time.
How much is a full set of veneers in Turkey?
This may differ, therefore we cannot provide one single answer. The primary issue with overseas dentistry is that the best porcelains are from European countries, and these cannot be sourced and executed cheaply. A lot of dentists in Turkey are utilising porcelain from China or Pakistan which is then sacrificing the final result.
Do veneers make teeth look bigger?
If that is what you want to achieve then yes they can be created to appear larger. However, this isn’t the case with every smile.
Is there health or negative implications of dental veneers?
Just that they need to be replaced over time. They can come off and need to be recemented. Other than that they don’t pose any health risks.
Does getting a veneer for your tooth hurt?
We normally have to use a local anaesthetic to ensure there is no sensitivity or pain.
What are the prices for porcelain veneers?
The average price is over $1500 from a good clinic, however, this may differ.
Veneer pricing estimated in November 2019. Please call us for up-to-date pricing.