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Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, discoloured, misaligned, or unevenly spaced. These veneers closely mimic the natural colour and translucency of real teeth, making them one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments available.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin coverings that are placed on the front surface of your teeth. They are made of a strong, tooth-coloured material. Porcelain veneers are referred to as dental ceramic.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers:
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Natural Appearance: Porcelain is known for its remarkable ability to mimic the natural light-reflecting properties of tooth enamel. This makes porcelain teeth veneers nearly indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
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Durable & Long-Lasting: With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for 10 to 15 years, providing a durable solution to enhance your smile.
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Stain-Resistant: Porcelain is resistant to staining from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, helping you maintain a bright, white smile for longer.
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Minimally Invasive: The procedure for applying veneers is minimally invasive, requiring only a small amount of enamel to be removed to ensure a perfect fit.
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Customisable: Each veneer is tailored to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a flawless and customised result.
Who Benefits From Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are an excellent option for individuals who want to enhance the appearance of their teeth and address a variety of dental concerns:
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Stains that are not responding to teeth whitening.
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Chipped or broken teeth.
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Small gaps between your teeth.
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Mildly crooked teeth.
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Irregularly shaped teeth.
Veneers may not be a good option for these patients:
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Have already lost a lot of tooth enamel.
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Grind their teeth
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Have a habit of biting their nails.
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Have unhealthy teeth and gums.
Porcelain Veneers Procedure
1. Initial Consultation
During the first appointment, the dentist evaluates the patient’s dental health and discusses the desired outcome. X-rays may be taken to plan the treatment.
2. Tooth Preparation
The dentist removes a small layer of enamel (usually about 0.5 mm) from the tooth surface to make room for the veneer. This step is crucial for ensuring the veneer fits naturally and comfortably.
3. Taking Impressions
Once the teeth are prepared, impressions (molds) of the teeth are taken. These are sent to a dental laboratory where the custom porcelain veneers are created. This process usually takes 2 weeks.
4. Temporary Veneers
In some cases, temporary veneers are placed on the prepared teeth while waiting for the permanent veneers to be made. Temporary veneers help protect the teeth and give an idea of how the final results will look.
5. Bonding the Veneers
When the permanent porcelain veneers are ready, the dentist checks them for fit, shape, and colour. Adjustments are made if necessary. The dentist then cleans and etches the tooth surface to create a better bond. A special adhesive is applied, and the veneer is placed on the tooth. A curing light is used to harden the adhesive quickly.
6. Final Adjustments
Once bonded, the dentist makes any final adjustments to the porcelain teeth veneers to ensure the bite is comfortable and natural. The teeth are polished for a finished, glossy look.
Patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure. The gums may take a few days to adjust to the new veneers, and it’s essential to practice good oral hygiene to avoid irritation. With proper dental care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or more. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups are crucial. Avoid biting hard objects (e.g., ice or pens) to prevent damage.
FAQs
1. How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain teeth veneers typically last 10–15 years with proper care. Good oral hygiene and avoiding habits like biting hard objects can extend their lifespan.
2. What are the downsides of porcelain veneers?
Downsides include permanent enamel removal, potential sensitivity, and cost. If damaged, veneers cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
3. How much do porcelain veneers cost?
Here at The Dental Suite, porcelain veneers start from €750 across all our clinics in Carlow, Rathdrum and Athy.
4. What happens to teeth under veneers?
Teeth under veneers remain intact but lose a thin layer of enamel for veneer placement. Proper care prevents decay and damage.
5. Can you go back to normal teeth after veneers?
No, because the enamel removal is irreversible, teeth will always require some form of covering after veneers.
6. Are veneers painful to get?
The procedure is minimally invasive and typically pain-free. Some sensitivity may occur after the procedure.