Veneers and crowns

Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain facings (about 0.5mm thick) that are permanently bonded to the outer surfaces of teeth. Porcelain veneers are a fantastic way to repair front teeth.
What are porcelain crowns?

The principal difference between a veneer and a crown is the amount of tooth structure covered by the porcelain. Crowns cover more tooth structure and are often required when a substantial amount of tooth structure has been lost or a root canal treatment has been performed. The appearance of a porcelain crown is identical to that of a porcelain veneer when viewed in a smile. Crowns strengthen and protect teeth and will improve the function and appearance of your teeth.

Often in cases involving multiple teeth a combination of veneers and crowns are placed. We will place the restoration most appropriate to each patient’s needs.

Candidates for porcelain veneers and crowns
Porcelain veneers and crowns can, in some cases be used as an alternative to orthodontic treatment. Therefore, virtually anyone wanting to change the appearance of their teeth can benefit from porcelain veneers and crowns.

Porcelain veneers and crowns are not a good choice for individuals who:

• Have excessive decay;
• Suffer from active periodontal disease;
• Have jaw alignment issues (best treated with orthodontics) and 
• Are less than 18 years of age.

Porcelain veneers and crowns can usually be completed in a couple of visits. At your first visit, diagnostic models and photographs are taken to assist in designing your smile. Once we have agreed on a smile design, the next appointment usually involves some contouring of the teeth, taking an impression, and placement of the provisional veneers or crowns so that you can see what your new teeth will look like. Once you are happy with the colour and shape, the final veneers or crowns are manufactured and then tried in (usually in 2-3 week process) and, if satisfactory they are permanently bonded in place. The results are instant and spectacular!

With care and regular dental visits the lifespan of a porcelain veneers or crowns are usually at least 15 years. Porcelain veneers and crowns are stain resistant and do not discolour.

Brush and floss twice daily around all your teeth, and attend your regular dental hygiene visits. Once placed, veneers and crowns are biocompatible with the gum tissue, so do not be afraid that you will damage your veneers by either flossing or brushing. Any good tooth paste is acceptable.

Some sensitivity to hot and cold may be experienced after the placement of your provisional and final veneers or crowns. This is absolutely normal and dissipates after one-two weeks. If this sensitivity should remain or concern you at all, please just contact us and we can advise of the best possible treatment.

A normal diet should pose no problem at all. Please avoid anything that will tend to bend or twist the veneers. Be sensible, they are like your own teeth, and anything that will break your own teeth will break the veneers.

If you are known to grind your teeth or clench your jaw, or suffer from headaches or sore shoulders or neck, please let us know. You may require an occlusal split to wear at night to minimise the stresses placed upon your teeth while you sleep, alternatively you might consider a smile rejuvenation via a full mouth reconstruction.

Approximately one week after the placement of your veneers you will be asked to return to the office for a treatment evaluation. This visit is extremely important. It gives us the opportunity to evaluate the placement of the veneers, the tissue response and to answer any questions you might have regarding your new smile.