Do Porcelain Veneers Look Natural?
If you’ve ever wondered how celebrities get their flawless smiles, the secret is often porcelain veneers. These thin ceramic shells are designed to fit perfectly over the front of teeth to enhance their appearance – whether it’s to cover up stains and blemishes, alter their shape or size, or improve their alignment without the need for braces.
Read more about how to enhance your smile with porcelain veneers and arrange a consultation with our dentists in Mosman to find out whether you’re a candidate.
Composite vs porcelain veneers
The first thing to understand about dental veneers is that there’s more than one type of veneer. The two most common options are porcelain veneers and composite veneers, and the material you choose will impact on how natural they look and how long they last, among other considerations.
- Porcelain veneers are the closest match to natural teeth, as porcelain has similar translucent and reflective qualities to tooth enamel. The material is also more durable and resistant to stains, meaning porcelain veneers can last twice as long as composite veneers. These veneers cost more as a result, but they can be a longer-term investment in your smile with superior results.
- Composite veneers made from a composite resin can look a little duller than porcelain veneers, but they can still be a good option for teeth that are less prominent in the mouth. They’re not generally recommended for the chewing teeth (molars) however, as they’re less durable and more prone to breaking under pressure.
Customising your smile
Whichever option you prefer, your cosmetic dentist will help you select a shade of porcelain or resin that blends in with your surrounding teeth while presenting the brightness you want for a seamless and natural-looking finish.
Beyond their colour, dentists and dental technicians will also consider aspects such as the shape and surface texture of your veneers to make sure they look as authentic as possible. Before fitting a porcelain veneer, your dentist will usually remove a thin layer from the front of the tooth so the veneer doesn’t stick out.
Caring for your veneers
Once bonded to your teeth, porcelain veneers don’t have special care requirements, but it’s important to keep up good oral hygiene practices to avoid problems like tooth decay and gum disease that can affect the underlying teeth and gums. Teeth with veneers can be brushed and flossed as normal.
Your dentist may also advise that you avoid biting very hard foods, such as nuts, as these could cause veneers to chip or crack. Smoking and food and drink with strong pigments, like coffee, tea and red wine, can also discolour veneers over time, particularly composite veneers, so these should be avoided or limited as much as possible to help maintain your new smile.
Find out more about veneers at Mosman 3D Dental
If you want to know if you’re eligible for veneers, or more about what’s involved, get in touch with our friendly team today. Call us on (02) 9969 8610 or book a consultation to get started with your smile makeover.