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Written by Dr. Cheng Eng Wah
Veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry where laminates are placed over the front surface of your tooth to conceal teeth imperfections such as chips, discoloration, misalignment and diastema. Thin shells of porcelain or composite resin are customised to mimic the appearance of your natural teeth, helping you to restore the picture-perfect smile.
During the veneer preparation process, you can choose a colour that either matches your current teeth or a whiter shade that you prefer. Veneers are also translucent, capturing and reflecting light just like natural teeth. When customised correctly, they are nearly indistinguishable from your real teeth.
Veneers offer a quick and cost-effective solution to achieve a dazzling smile. Depending on the dental issues you want to conceal, you get a brand new smile in just a matter of days.
You may be suitable for veneers if you encounter the following dental issues:
However, this treatment may not be suitable for children with baby (primary) teeth. Additionally, certain groups of people may have to undergo other forms of dental treatment before they can be suitable for veneers. This includes:
If you are unsure of whether you are suitable for this dental treatment, schedule an appointment with our dentists.
The 2 types of dental veneers are porcelain and composite veneers. Your dentist will recommend the best option to suit your condition, needs, preferences and lifestyle.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells customised to match the shape, shade and translucency of your natural teeth. They are permanently attached to your teeth.
Composite veneers are made of plastic or resin which are designed to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth. They are placed on the outer surface of your teeth and are cured before being polished.
Unlike porcelain veneers, which are fabricated in a laboratory, composite veneers are often applied and sculpted directly on the tooth by the dentist in a single appointment.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells customised to match the shape, shade and translucency of your natural teeth. They are permanently attached to your teeth.
Composite veneers are made of plastic or resin which are designed to match the shape and colour of your natural teeth. They are placed on the outer surface of your teeth and are cured before being polished.
Unlike porcelain veneers, which are fabricated in a laboratory, composite veneers are often applied and sculpted directly on the tooth by the dentist in a single appointment.
The first visit to the dentist typically consists of a discussion outlining your concerns and goals. Your dentist will also assess your oral health to determine if you qualify for veneers.
After you are deemed to be a suitable candidate, your dentist will evaluate the fit, shape, and shade of the veneers to ensure that they fit you perfectly.
A treatment plan will also be provided, along with the costs associated with the procedure.
Your dentist will take images and impressions of your teeth. This serves as a blueprint for the dental laboratory to fabricate the veneers.
If shaving of the teeth is necessary, local anaesthetic will be applied before the procedure.
After shaving the tooth, temporary veneers will be fitted to protect your teeth. This can also help your dentist evaluate the aesthetics of the veneers.
The new veneers will take 7 to 10 days to arrive. Once they have arrived, your teeth will be cleaned before the temporary veneers are removed.
At this stage, you can still make minor adjustments to your veneers.
When you are satisfied, the new veneers will be bonded to the teeth and you can admire your new smile.
Price:
(Inclusive of GST)
$21.60 - $54
$162 - $594 per tooth (Composite)
$972 - $1,944 per tooth (Porcelain)
Depending on the condition of your teeth, you may need to pay additional costs for:
The cost of veneers ranges from $162 – $1,944 (inclusive of GST) per tooth, depending on the type of material used (composite or porcelain).
Consultation fee of $21.60 – $54 will be applicable prior to the veneer treatment.
Kindly note that the prices stated are not final. Before proceeding with the treatment, you are advised to consult our dentists for a quotation.
These are some simple tips on how to care for and maintain your veneers.
Regular cleaning is a must when maintaining your veneers. Ensure that you floss daily, brush your teeth gently, and make regular visits to the dentist for professional cleaning.
Steer away from toothpastes that contain large particles; they may scratch or damage your veneers when you brush your teeth.
Certain food and beverages such as curry, coffee, tea, and wine contain staining agents that can discolour your teeth over time. This can cause inconsistencies between the colour of your teeth and the veneers.
To prevent the veneers from chipping or breaking, it is recommended to avoid biting on hard objects such as chicken bones and crab shells.
i.Dental has accumulated over 30 years of experience in dentistry. Our team strives to provide dedicated and professional services to all our customers.
We offer a holistic range of dental services designed to meet all your unique needs. This includes restorative, cosmetic and preventive dentistry services.
Veneers improve the appearance of the entire tooth by attaching a thin porcelain or composite shell over your natural tooth.
On the other hand, teeth bonding involves altering the appearance of a part of your tooth. This is done by bonding a composite resin material to a chipped, broken or discoloured tooth. This procedure tends to be a more cost-effective option compared to veneers.
While veneers improve the look of your smile, dental crowns help to improve both your teeth’s function and appearance. Aside from this, other differences include:
As local anaesthetic will be used during the procedure, the application process should not hurt. You may, however, experience some tooth sensitivity after the procedure. Your dentist may prescribe painkillers to help with the sensitivity, and you are advised to avoid foods that are overly hot or cold.
If you experience persistent pain after the procedure, you are recommended to visit your dentist for a consultation.
No, MediSave cannot be used for veneers as the procedure is a cosmetic one. MediSave can only be used for surgical procedures like dental implants or wisdom tooth surgeries.
Additionally, CHAS subsidies will not be available.
With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers are expected to last between 10 to 15 years while composite veneers can last about 4 to 8 years.
Veneers are an irreversible and permanent dental process as it usually involves removing a thin layer of enamel from the front of your teeth. Once this enamel is removed, it does not grow back.
The veneers itself, however, are not permanent. Porcelain veneers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years while composite veneers can last 4 to 8 years. They will need to be replaced or repaired when they are damaged.
Veneers, especially those made of porcelain, are known for their stain resistance, but that does not mean they will stay pristine white forever. Proper care and maintenance are essential to maintain their appearance over the years.
If your veneers have fallen out, you are advised to schedule an appointment with your dentist to re-attach them as soon as possible. Do keep the veneers in a small container and bring them to the appointment.
