Step 1: Initial Consultation
The first visit to the dentist typically consists of a discussion outlining your concerns and goals.
Your dentist will evaluate the fit, shape, and shade of the veneers to ensure that they fit you perfectly.
Veneers
Written by Dr. Cheng Eng Wah
Dental veneers, or laminates, are thin shells or covers that are customised according to the shape, size and colour of your teeth.
They are available in porcelain or composite materials, and can be used to cover one or multiple teeth.
Veneers help to improve the overall appearance of your smile, giving you more confidence in social events.
You may be suitable for veneers if you encounter the following dental issues:
- Chipped teeth
- Gaps between teeth (also known as diastema)
- Mild teeth misalignment
- Deeply stained teeth due to medication (e.g. tetracycline) that cannot be addressed through teeth whitening
- Oddly-shaped (e.g. jagged or scalloped teeth) or worn down teeth
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:
- Those with existing dental conditions (e.g. gum disease, tooth decay)
- Those with severe teeth misalignment
- Those who suffer from bruxism, which is characterised by teeth grinding or clenching
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 customised to match the shape, shade and translucency of your natural teeth. They are permanently attached to your teeth.
Pros
- Resistant to staining
- More aesthetically pleasing
- Lasts longer
Cons
- More expensive
- Requires a longer time to attach onto the teeth
- May require shaving down of the teeth to apply the veneer
- Cannot be repaired when damaged; will need to be replaced
Composite veneers are made of plastic or resin. They 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.
Pros
- Can be applied to the teeth in a single appointment
- Cheaper option
- Shaving down of the tooth may not be necessary for the application
- Can be repaired if damaged
Cons
- Less resistant to discolouration
- Less durable and lasting
Porcelain veneers are customised to match the shape, shade and translucency of your natural teeth. They are permanently attached to your teeth.
Pros
- Resistant to staining
- More aesthetically pleasing
- Lasts longer
Cons
- More expensive
- Requires a longer time to attach onto the teeth
- May require shaving down of the teeth to apply the veneer
- Cannot be repaired when damaged; will need to be replaced
Composite veneers are made of plastic or resin. They 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.
Pros
- Can be applied to the teeth in a single appointment
- Cheaper option
- Shaving down of the tooth may not be necessary for the application
- Can be repaired if damaged
Cons
- Less resistant to discolouration
- Less durable and lasting
Step 2: Preparation of the Tooth
Your dentist will take images and impressions of your teeth. 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.
Step 3: Placing the Veneer
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.
After which, the new veneers will be bonded to the teeth and you can admire your new smile.
Price:
$162 – $1,944
(Inclusive of GST)
The cost of veneers ranges from $162 to $1,944 (inclusive of GST) per tooth, depending on the type of material used.
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.
Follow Good Dental Hygiene Practices
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.
Use Non-abrasive Toothpaste
Steer away from toothpastes that contain large particles; they may scratch or damage your veneers when you brush your teeth.
Avoid Consuming Food and Drinks that can Stain 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.
Avoid Biting on Hard Objects
To prevent the veneers from chipping or breaking, it is recommended to avoid biting on hard objects such as chicken bones and crab shells.
Professional Service
i.Dental has accumulated over 30 years of experience in dentistry. Our team strives to provide dedicated and professional services to all our customers.
Holistic Range of Services
We offer a holistic range of dental services designed to meet all your unique needs. This includes restorative, cosmetic and preventive dentistry services.
FAQs
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:
- Coverage
Veneers are bonded to the front of the teeth while dental crowns are placed over the entire tooth. - Durability
Crowns are more durable than veneers, which may need to be replaced after a couple of years. - Material
Veneers are made of porcelain or composite material. On the other hand, dental crowns can be made of a wide range of materials including metal, porcelain, resin, ceramic or porcelain fused to a metal alloy. - Thickness
Crowns tend to be slightly thicker than veneers.
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 5 to 10 years while composite veneers can last about 4 to 8 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.