Dental Veneers
Dental veneers can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, worn, discoloured, uneven or irregularly shaped. Veneers are placed over the front surface of selected teeth to change their colour, shape, size or overall appearance.
At Medina Dental Clinic, we provide composite and porcelain veneers for patients in Calista, Kwinana and surrounding areas. Our dentists will assess your teeth, gums and bite and discuss what you would like to achieve before recommending a treatment option.
Our aim is to create a smile that complements your natural teeth and facial features while taking your long-term dental health into consideration.
What Can Dental Veneers Improve?
Depending on your individual situation, veneers may be considered for:
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Discoloured or stained teeth
- Uneven or irregularly shaped teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Teeth that appear too small or disproportionate
- Improving the overall appearance and symmetry of your smile
Veneers aren’t appropriate for every cosmetic concern. Your dentist will assess your teeth and discuss whether veneers or another treatment would be more suitable.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are created using tooth-coloured composite resin that is applied and carefully shaped directly onto the tooth.
One of the advantages of composite veneers is that they can often be completed in a relatively short treatment time and may require less alteration of the natural tooth than some other restorative options.
The colour and shape can be customised to complement your existing teeth and smile.
Composite veneers can also generally be repaired or modified if required in the future.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made ceramic restorations designed to cover the visible front surface of a tooth.
They can provide excellent aesthetics, with ceramic materials designed to reproduce the colour and light-reflecting characteristics of natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers are individually planned and made to achieve the desired shape, proportions and appearance.
Treatment usually requires careful preparation and planning before the final veneers are bonded to the teeth.
Composite or Porcelain Veneers?
Both options can produce attractive results, but there are important differences.
Composite veneers are applied directly to the teeth using tooth-coloured resin. They can often be completed more quickly and may be a more affordable option.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made from ceramic and generally offer greater stain resistance and durability than composite resin.
The best choice depends on your teeth, bite, cosmetic goals, expectations and budget.
Rather than recommending one material for everyone, we’ll discuss the advantages and limitations of each option so you can make an informed decision.
What Happens During Veneer Treatment?
The first step is a consultation to discuss what you would like to change about your smile.
Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums and bite and determine whether your teeth are suitable for veneers. Photographs, scans or other records may be taken where appropriate to assist with treatment planning.
For composite veneers, tooth-coloured resin is carefully applied and shaped before being polished to create the planned appearance.
For porcelain veneers, the teeth are prepared as required and records are taken so the ceramic restorations can be designed and made. The completed veneers are then checked for fit, appearance and bite before being bonded to the teeth.
The exact process will depend on your individual treatment plan.
Veneers or Teeth Whitening?
If your main concern is the colour of otherwise healthy teeth, teeth whitening may be a more conservative option than veneers.
Whitening is designed to lighten natural tooth colour, whereas veneers can alter several characteristics including colour, shape, size and proportions.
Your dentist can help determine which approach is more appropriate for what you would like to achieve.
Veneers or Clear Aligners?
If the main concern is the position or alignment of your teeth, Invisalign or clear aligner treatment may sometimes be worth considering before cosmetic restorations.
Clear aligners move the natural teeth rather than covering their front surfaces. In some cases, orthodontic alignment can also be combined with whitening, composite bonding or veneers as part of a broader treatment plan.
Caring for Your Veneers
Good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations remain important after veneer treatment.
Brush and clean between your teeth as recommended, and avoid habits that could unnecessarily damage your veneers or natural teeth, such as biting hard objects.
Patients who grind or clench their teeth may also need additional protection. In appropriate cases, your dentist may recommend a custom-made night guard or occlusal splint.
Dental Veneers in Kwinana & Calista
If you’re considering changing the shape, colour or appearance of your teeth, arrange a consultation with Medina Dental Clinic.
We’ll assess your smile, discuss what you’d like to achieve and explain whether composite veneers, porcelain veneers or another cosmetic dental treatment may be appropriate for you.
Contact Medina Dental Clinic to arrange a veneers consultation.