Dental Veneers
in Northbridge
If you want to cover up teeth that are stained, crooked, misshapen or have gaps, our dentists can discuss dental veneers. This is a dental treatment that involves removing some of the surface of one or more teeth and attaching a thin layer of porcelain or resin.
Veneers are a versatile treatment that can correct many different aesthetic issues and can cover up as many teeth as you want to. Veneers treatment isn't for everyone though, which is why we offer a consultation at our Northbridge dental clinic to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
To book a consultation and find out more about dental veneers in North Shore, call (02) 9958 0400 or contact us today.
Contact us
What are dental veneers?
Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that change the outward appearance of teeth, but won't affect your oral health. Veneers can be made from either porcelain (ceramic) or a composite resin that's built up on the visible tooth surface. Both types of veneers have their advantages.
Veneers treatment may be chosen for many different reasons, including:
- Whitening stained or discoloured teeth
- Restoring chipped or worn teeth
- Straightening slightly crooked or misshapen teeth
- Lengthening short teeth
- Closing small gaps between teeth
Once veneers have been fitted, they need to be looked after just like natural teeth. With proper care, porcelain or composite veneers can last for many years.
Can anyone get dental veneers?
Veneers can be a faster and more convenient option than some other dental treatments. During your consultation, our dentists will assess your suitability and explain what the veneers procedure involves, so you can decide if it is really the best option for you.
To be a candidate for veneers treatment, you must have good oral health and be free from problems such as tooth decay or gum disease that can affect the success of the treatment. If we do spot signs of a problem when we examine your mouth, we'll advise you about how to improve your dental hygiene to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.
If you're not eligible for veneers, or you decide you want a different treatment, we can discuss alternatives such as:
- Teeth whitening to remove some stains and discolouration
- Dental crowns to cover chipped, cracked or weakened teeth
- Orthodontics to straighten crooked teeth or close larger gaps
If you decide that veneers are the right option, we can begin your personalised treatment plan. This will involve discussions with your dentist about how many veneers you want and the shape, size, colour and materials you prefer.
To find out if you're a candidate for veneers, call (02) 9958 0400 to schedule a consultation at Sailors Bay Dentistry.
What are the different types of veneers?
We offer two types of dental veneers at our Sydney North Shore clinic – porcelain and composite. Both materials can be colour-matched to your natural teeth shade or a lighter shade if you prefer.
Your dentist will explain the pros and cons of each option so you can decide which is the best match for your needs and your price range.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain dental veneers are made from strong porcelain ceramic that can last longer than composite resin and won't affect what you're able to eat. These veneers look and feel natural, as porcelain resembles natural tooth enamel and reflects light in the same way.
Porcelain veneers cost more than composite, but they usually last longer before they need to be replaced. Traditional porcelain veneers take a week or longer to complete, as they need to be made in a dental laboratory.
Composite veneers
Composite resin veneers are made from a combination of plastic and glass, similar to a white filling. The main advantage of composite veneers is that they're cheaper than porcelain, although they don't usually last as long. The treatment also takes less time to complete, as resin is applied directly to the tooth surface and hardened.
The main downside of composite veneers is that they're not as strong as porcelain and could chip or crack if you bite something hard or have an accident. However, our dentists can usually repair a damaged veneer by applying more resin. They're also less resistant to stains.
Before and After Porcelain Veneers
Before and After Composite Veneers
What are the pros and cons of veneers?
Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. Knowing what to expect from veneers will help you to decide if they're the right choice or if you'd be better suited to a different treatment.
Benefits of dental veneers
- Depending on what you want from the treatment, veneers can have advantages over other dental procedures.
- Teeth whitening with veneers is a long-term treatment that won't fade like a teeth bleaching treatment, as long as you take care to avoid stains.
- Changing the shape or size of teeth with veneers is usually cheaper and more convenient than using crowns.
- Straightening teeth and closing gaps can sometimes be achieved in a single visit with veneers, compared to orthodontic treatment which can take 18 months or longer.
Risks of dental veneers
Having veneers fitted is an invasive procedure, as it involves removing a thin layer of enamel to permanently alter the teeth. Risks of veneers can include:
- Teeth feel more sensitive to temperature when eating or drinking. This is rare and usually temporary.
- Veneers coming loose, needing to be re-cemented
These risks are minor, but we'll make sure you have all the information you need before you agree to the veneers treatment.
What does veneers treatment involve?
If your teeth and gums are healthy, your Northbridge dentist will begin the veneers treatment by removing a thin layer of enamel from the front of the teeth you want to modify. This is to make sure that the veneers will fit properly.
Porcelain veneers procedure
If you choose porcelain veneers, we'll take an impression of your teeth after preparation that will be used to design your custom veneers.
When your custom porcelain veneers are ready, we'll make any final adjustments and bond them into place on your teeth. If your veneers are made off-site, this can take 1 to 2 weeks. We'll provide temporary veneers to protect your teeth until your next appointment.
Composite veneers procedure
If you're having composite resin veneers, usually these don't need to be prepared, as they are applied directly to your teeth. We will apply the resin in layers, which is hardened using a light.
When the veneer has reached its full size and shape, we'll polish its surface to look as close as possible to natural tooth enamel.
Dental veneers FAQ
What's the recovery time from dental veneers?
Once your veneers are fitted, you'll normally be able to return to normal activities right away, unless you had the treatment under sedation.
Your teeth may feel more sensitive to hot and cold food and drink after the enamel has been removed. This is usually only temporary, but in rare cases it can be permanent.
If you have other unexpected symptoms, contact our dental clinic to make an emergency appointment.
How long will my veneers last?
Porcelain veneers last an average of 7 to 15 years, while composite veneers can last 4 to 8 years. This depends on how well you look after the veneers and your oral health.
Your dentist will check the condition of your veneers when you visit our clinic for your regular check-up. If veneers get damaged or worn down, they will need to be replaced.
How can I care for my veneers?
Avoiding hard, crunchy and sticky foods will lower the risk of veneers breaking or coming loose, especially for composite veneers.
It's important to maintain good oral hygiene, as problems such as tooth decay and gum disease can cause the gums to swell, recede or change shape, which can damage veneers or cause them to fall out.
How much do dental veneers cost?
The cost of veneers is based on the number and type of veneers you have. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite resin. We'll give you a breakdown of prices during your consultation so you can decide if veneers are right for you.
As a cosmetic dentistry treatment, veneers do have partial coverage by health insurance, but we can discuss a dental veneers payment plan to help you manage the cost of your treatment.
Book a consultation for dental veneers.
Contact our friendly team at Sailors Bay Dentistry to find out more about the veneers treatment and arrange your consultation at a time that works for you. Call (02) 9958 0400 or fill in our contact form.
We provide dental veneers in across all of North Shore and the following suburbs: Castlecrag, Naremburn, Chatswood, Artarmon, Crows Nest and Lane Cove.