What are veneers?

Veneers are thin shells made out of porcelain or composite resin that are attached to the front surface of teeth. These are shaped to follow the precise contour of natural teeth in order to correct and improve their appearance.

Veneers can improve the appearance of teeth by changing their shape, angle, spacing, and colour, allowing us to restore broken, cracked, discoloured teeth, and close gaps in teeth with spacing issues. We recommend dental veneers for patients with generally healthy teeth that require a cosmetic improvement.

We will check for the following indicators to determine whether veneers are the best option for you:

• Good oral health — Veneers are a great option for patients without tooth decay, gum disease or infections. If more urgent dental health issues are present, these need to be treated before you are fitted with veneers
• Strong enamel — Veneers require strong tooth enamel to bond against for a long-lasting result
• Minimal tooth damage — Veneers can restore broken or chipped teeth, provided that the remaining tooth is strong and healthy. Dental crowns may be more effective in restoring teeth with more extensive damage.
• Healthy oral habits — Since veneers are made out of thin shells, these can easily chip or break when fitted in patients who grind or clench their teeth. This condition, known as bruxism, must be managed to prevent future chipping or cracking of veneers.

Veneers need to be properly fitted and sealed to prevent treated teeth from staining and developing cavities. Just like natural teeth, preserving veneers and ensuring their effectiveness requires maintaining proper oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing.

Types of Veneers

There are two types of veneers used in restorative and cosmetic dentistry; porcelain and composite resin. Both types of veneers are generally effective at restoring the appearance of teeth and providing patients with brighter smiles.

Porcelain Veneers

Natural-looking Teeth
Porcelain is a translucent material that allows it to mimic the enamel of a tooth. This allows porcelain veneers to project a natural appearance that makes veneers almost indistinguishable from natural teeth and vastly superior to composite resin veneers. Horizon Dental works closely with the Master Ceramists who fabricate your veneers to provide custom shading and artistic expertise that will blend veneers into your natural smile.

Unparalleled Durability
Porcelain veneers are highly durable due to their material composition. When porcelain veneers are glazed and bonded to strong tooth enamel, they provide far superior durability and longevity over composite resin veneers. With proper oral hygiene and healthy eating habits, porcelain veneers can resist chipping and breakage over a long period of time.

Stain-resistant
Porcelain veneers have also been proven to resist stains. As a result, porcelain veneers maintain the aesthetic quality of restored teeth for longer compared to other materials that are less resistant.

Composite Resin Veneers

Colour-matching
Like their porcelain counterparts, composite resin veneers can be colour-matched to keep the appearance as natural as possible. This is why composite resin is also a generally preferred material for fillings over traditional amalgam.

Same-day Treatment
Composite veneers can be fabricated and applied within the same day. The entire process results in faster treatment, allowing patients to achieve restored teeth and an improved smile without the wait.

Cost Effective
Composite resin veneers are a budget-friendly alternative. This cost-effective option allows more patients to afford the benefits of restorative and cosmetic dentistry, especially if their need is immediate.

How Horizon Dental Can Help

We strive to provide patients with the best care through leading restorative and cosmetic dental treatments. We believe that using the best materials and collaborating with experienced dental ceramists gives the most aesthetic and longest-lasting results. Our goal is to deliver predictable results that you can smile about.

To learn more about leading restorative and cosmetic dental treatments call Horizon Dental at 905-475-5673 or contact us here.