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Have you always wanted a dazzling celebrity smile? With dental veneers, your smile could look just like the ones you see on magazine covers. These thin layers of porcelain or composite can completely change the shape, size, position, and even colour of your teeth.

Whether you are interested in getting a few veneers or a full set, you will want to know more about this popular cosmetic dentistry treatment before you commit to it. Our guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting veneers, including what the process is like, how much it will cost, and which dental problems they can help you solve.

Dental Veneers Procedure Overview

Procedure for Traditional Veneers

The process for getting traditional porcelain veneers starts with a dental examination and a series of x-rays. Your dentist uses the information they gather during this period to determine if you are a suitable candidate for veneers. If you have problems with your teeth or gums, you may need to receive treatment for those issues before you can safely get your veneers.

After this, your dentist will prepare your teeth for your veneers. Using a fine drill or a special acid, they will remove a very thin layer of enamel from the front of your teeth. This will allow the dental adhesive to get a better grip on your enamel.

Your dentist will then take impressions of your prepared teeth and ask you to choose the colour of your final veneers. These impressions and colour information are sent to the lab where your veneers will be fabricated. In the meantime, your dentist will place a set of temporary veneers over your prepared teeth. These will be removed when your final set is ready.

Once your dentist has your final veneers, they will call you in for another appointment. This time, they will remove the temporary veneers and replace them with permanent ones. Your dentist may make some adjustments to their positioning based on your feedback.

When you are happy with how your veneers look and feel in your mouth, your dentist will clean away the excess dental cement and send you on your way.

Procedure for Composite Veneers

Getting composite veneers is an even simpler procedure than getting porcelain ones. Like with porcelain veneers, your dentist will examine your mouth and take some x-rays of your teeth and gums. If they determine that you are a suitable candidate for veneers, you can get them placed immediately.

Your dentist will begin by applying the composite directly to your teeth. They will slowly lay down several layers of composite material to create the veneers, shaping them as they go. You will have multiple opportunities to check on their progress and provide feedback on the shape, size, and colour of the veneers being applied. There are no injections involved, and the entire process can be completed in just one appointment.

What Problems Can Dental Veneers Fix?

Discoloured Teeth

Many people struggle to keep their teeth the shade of white that they want them to be. Teeth get more yellow with age, and some people have permanent stains in their tooth enamel that will not respond to whitening treatments. Veneers are an easy solution to problems with discolouration. Although veneers can still be stained by dark-coloured food and drink, they can give you the shiny white smile you are looking for.

Teeth with Gaps

Gapped teeth leave obvious holes in your smile that make some people feel extremely self-conscious. They can also cause problems with chewing and make you more susceptible to gum disease. Veneers can be made slightly wider than your natural teeth, allowing you to close those gaps and resolve all these issues.

Misaligned Teeth

Misaligned teeth are usually fixed with orthodontic treatment, but this process takes a long time and can be very expensive. Instead, veneers can be placed on top of your misaligned teeth to make them look as if they are straight.

Chipped or Cracked Teeth

Teeth can easily become cracked or chipped due to trauma. For some people, this may even be part of normal wear and tear. Placing veneers over the affected teeth can disguise these defects and make your smile whole again.

Filed Teeth

Some people have had their teeth filed down slightly for aesthetic or medical reasons. Veneers can restore your teeth to their original shape, making it look like they were never altered in the first place.

Guide to Dental Veneers Cost

Factors That Affect Pricing

The price of veneers depends on many factors. Some of the most significant include:

If you are considering getting veneers, ask your dentist for an estimate. Their quote will account for all of these factors and give you a concrete idea of how much this procedure will cost you.

Are Lumineers Cheaper Than Veneers?

Lumineers are a type of dental veneer that is even thinner than a standard porcelain veneer. They are custom-made and provide aesthetically pleasing results, but they are less durable and can easily break and chip if they are not properly cared for.

While they are slightly cheaper than porcelain veneers, they are more expensive than composite ones. They serve as a convenient middle ground between the two options.

Veneers Compared to Other Options

Teeth Bonding vs Veneers

Teeth bonding is the process of adding dental composite to teeth. Unlike composite veneers, teeth bonding usually does not cover the whole tooth. Instead, it is applied to specific areas to repair cracks and chips or alter the shape of a tooth. Teeth bonding is a quicker and cheaper procedure than getting veneers, but it will not last as long – just 3 to 5 years in most cases. With proper care, veneers can last triple that time and will look much more impressive.

Implants vs Veneers

Dental implants can last a lifetime and offer attractive results that look very similar to veneers. However, they can only be placed as a replacement for a lost tooth. They cannot help you make an existing tooth look better. Dental implants are also costly, take months to place, and require invasive surgery. Their main benefit over veneers is the additional function they offer. Your dentist will let you know if implants are a good fit for your needs.

Braces vs Veneers

Both veneers and braces can be used to improve the look of misaligned teeth. The difference between the two is that while braces offer a permanent, holistic solution, veneers help to visually camouflage any existing issues. Ask your dentist if your alignment problems are better addressed using braces or veneers. They will tell you if they have any concerns about your bite that would make orthodontic treatment the better option.

Crowns vs Veneers

Crowns are more durable than veneers, offering a solid reinforced structure that can support biting and chewing almost as well as natural teeth. However, they are also significantly more expensive and require more of your tooth enamel to be removed before they can be placed. They are a good option for back teeth that need to withstand more pressure, but veneers are usually a better choice for your front teeth.

Book Your Expert Consultation for Dental Veneers Today

If you are interested in getting dental veneers, your next step is to set up a consultation appointment. Contact Trillium Smile Dentistry and book an appointment with Dr. Tousi. Her many years of experience in cosmetic dentistry have made her one of the leading providers of dental veneers in Mississauga. Call us today at 905-828-9894 or use our online form to get started.