Dental Veneers & Crowns

What is a porcelain veneer?

If your front teeth are stained, chipped, or malaligned, veneers will give you a good life-like appearance with minimum tooth adjustment. A veneer is a porcelain facing on the front of your teeth, just like a false finger nail, making them look good as new.

Veneers are made out of porcelain and are used mainly for aesthetic reasons. Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy, and because they are very thin and are held in place by a special strong bond (rather like super-glue) very little preparation of the tooth is needed.

Porcelain veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of teeth.
A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured or stained tooth or to lighten front teeth (usually the upper ones) generally.

Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when orthodontics (braces) are not suitable.
If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.

What is involved in getting a dental veneer?

The process of having a dental veneer made for your tooth involves a few short visits to your Dentist. The procedure is simple and relatively painless.

• Your dentist will first analyse your smile to determine which teeth require veneers.
• Depending on how much tooth shaping is required, you may or may not require anesthesia.
• Minimal shaping of your teeth is then done and an impression is taken.

Ceramic veneers take between 1-2 weeks to be made. During that period, your teeth may be fitted with temporary veneers to prevent sensitivity.

Ceramic veneers are bonded to the teeth using special adhesives. Once fixed, these veneers are exceptionally strong. It takes only a day or two to get used to them.

How is a dental crown different from a dental veneer?

A dental crown, often called a “cap” covers the entire tooth, unlike a dental veneer, which covers only the front surface of a tooth. A dental crown requires more shaping of the tooth structure and is often used to strengthen a weak or broken tooth. Dental crowns are extremely durable, aesthetic and are commonly used in the front and the back of the mouth.

What are dental crowns made of?

Dental crowns can be made of acrylic, metal, ceramic or a combination of any of these. The ceramic crowns are great for aesthetics and durability.

How do I get a dental crown?

Tooth shaping: Your dentist will reshape the tooth, to create space all around it for the dental crown.

Impressioning: A measurement of the prepared tooth and of the surrounding and opposing teeth is taken. Your measurements are then sent to a dental laboratory for processing of the dental crown.

Temporary Dental Crown: Meanwhile, a temporary dental crown may be placed. Take care of your temporary dental crown by avoiding sticky and hard foods and be sure to clean around it.

Cementation: Soon, your dentist replaces your temporary dental crown with a permanent one. The dental crown is adjusted, making sure you are comfortable with it. It is then cemented or bonded to the prepared tooth.

How do I look after my dental crowns?

• Treat your crowned tooth like a normal tooth.
• Brush and floss thoroughly.
• In the unlikely event of your dental crown or dental veneer coming off, keep it safely and contact your dentist immediately. These can generally be refixed.

People from all walks of life can greatly benefit from the improved confidence a better smile can give. With proper care, Veneers and Crowns will enhance your dental health and beauty for a long time to come.

Frequently Asked Question