If your teeth are discoloured, uneven, have gaps, or have other cosmetic issues that affect how you feel about your smile, dental veneers could be a solution. Veneers are thin layers that cover the front surfaces of teeth to show off the smile you want.
At Swish Dental, we offer a choice of porcelain veneers and composite veneers in Brisbane. Each options has its pros and cons, depending on your preferences and your price range.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom made from a block of porcelain ceramic by a skilled dental technician, based on impressions of your teeth. The finished veneers will be fixed to your teeth with a bonding agent. They can normally last for many years with good care before they need replacing.
Composite veneers
Unlike porcelain veneers, which are manufactured externally and bonded to the teeth, composite veneers are applied directly to the tooth surface. Your dentist will apply composite resin in as many layers as needed, before hardening the resin and shaping and polishing its surface.
Which veneers are right for me?
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether porcelain or composite veneers are the best choice for you. Depending on your needs, our dentists may also suggest alternative treatments, such as teeth whitening or teeth contouring, so you’ll have all the information you need to make a fully informed decision.
Aesthetics
Porcelain veneers are a closer match to natural tooth enamel in appearance and feel than composite veneers. We generally recommend porcelain veneers for more visible teeth, such as the front teeth. Both materials can be customised to match your natural tooth shade, or to enhance their natural whiteness.
Strength and longevity
Porcelain is also more durable than composite resin, standing up better to general wear and tear and being more resistant to damage and stains. You can generally expect composite veneers to last up to 5 years, while porcelain veneers may last for 10 years or more with proper care.
Treatment process
Composite veneers can usually be completed in a single visit to our dental clinic. Porcelain veneers usually involve two appointments, and you’ll need to wear temporary veneers for up to a week while your custom veneers are being made. As porcelain veneers are bulkier, they also require more preparation of the tooth beneath.
Cost
Porcelain veneers cost around twice as much as composite veneers, due to the higher quality of the material and more complex treatment, but they can also last twice as long before they need to be replaced. Minor damage to composite veneers may sometimes be repaired, while damaged porcelain veneers will need replacement.
Book a consultation for veneers
If you’re interested in enhancing your smile with veneers or other treatments, our dentists at Swish Dental have completed special training in cosmetic dentistry and can recommend the best options for you.
Call our dentists in Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422 or our Mitchelton practice on (07) 3354 3341 or book online.