Fill in Gaps or Change the Colour and Shape of Teeth

Dental veneers are usually placed over the front teeth for aesthetic purpose; to allow changes to the colour and shape of the teeth that ruin an otherwise great smile. A veneer will do little to strengthen a heavily restored tooth, but can mask minor chips and fillings. Teeth that are too small, have large gaps between them, crooked, unusually coloured or pitted teeth, or those that have funny looking craters or bulges in them can be changed in a week.

• Porcelain veneers are similar to false fingernails, but are much, much stronger.
• Only a small amount of tooth is touched by the dentist.
• Smile whitening must be completed before veneer impressions are completed, to obtain the correct colour for your complexion
• There are very few problems at all with veneers, because they don't change colour and are very strong.
• Glues that bond the veneers to the enamel are exceptionally strong and durable.
• Veneers last from 8 to 15 years, but can demand more regular attention if your bite places excessive forces on them.

We find that people from all walks of life can benefit from the improved confidence a better smile can give.

What Are They?

Porcelain veneers are very thin coverings of porcelain glued onto the enamel of your teeth to change the appearance of discoloured, chipped or irregularly shaped teeth. Porcelain has an incredibly natural appearance that will keep you smiling all day long. It is possible to achieve a similar, but not as long lasting effect, with tooth coloured composite resin filling material. You will need to first discuss your options with your dentist.

How is it Made?

A very small amount of tooth enamel is removed from the front portion of the tooth. The veneer is cemented (much like gluing) onto the tooth, replacing this section of enamel.

If we need to send impressions to the dental technician, a second visit will be needed later to cemented it to the tooth. A temporary veneer may be placed on the tooth or teeth in the meantime.

Veneers were placed as small lateral incisor had large space.
Both the lateral incisor and the canine had to be veneered as the space was very large.

Porcelain Veneers & Composite Resin Bonding (Case 1)
Large gap (or 'diastoma') between the front teeth, has been changed with porcelain veneers and composite resin bonding to front incisors. Our patient is a busy 30 year old working mother.

Porcelain Veneers & Composite Resin Bonding (Case 2)
After orthodontic treatment to straighten her teeth, this young patient was still unsatisfied with the look of her smile. Due to her natural tooth shape, spaces were still evident. To achieve a more desirable smile, the spaces were filled in with veneers and were bonded with composite resin (tooth coloured restorations)

Questions that will Determine if You are Suitable for Ceramic Crowns or Veneers.

• Do your front teeth currently have fillings?
• Do your front teeth have cracks?
• Do you have front teeth with white spots (fluorosis)?
• Are there deficiencies and/or deformities on the surfaces of your front teeth?
• Do your front teeth appear crowded or overlap?
• Is one of your front teeth particularly grey and discoloured?

If you answer yes to any of the above points, you may be a likely candidate for ceramic crowns or veneers. Please contact Camp Hill Dental to schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr Perry, or one of her experienced colleagues.