It’s no surprise that one of the questions our Calgary dentist is asked most frequently relates to how patients can improve the aesthetics of their smile.  Depending upon the patient and their treatment goals and concerns, there are many options available, including orthodontic treatment, dental crowns, dental implants and teeth whitening.  Another great option for many patients who wish to either restore or improve the look of one or more teeth or even their whole smile is dental veneers. 

Veneers placed by our Calgary dentist can address a multitude of issues, including:

• Changing/brightening the colour of your teeth;
  
• Improving the shape of your teeth;
  
• Making your smile more symmetrical;
  
• Making your teeth bigger;
  
• Correcting chipped or worn teeth;
  
• Straightening slightly crooked teeth; and
  
• Filling gaps between teeth.

WHAT TYPES OF DENTAL VENEERS ARE THERE?

There are two types of dental veneers that can be placed by our Calgary dentist: porcelain veneers and composite veneers.

PORCELAIN VENEERS

Porcelain veneers are made of an ultra thin layer of porcelain that covera only the front of your tooth.  Porcelain veneers can be placed on both your upper and lower teeth and are most often placed on your front teeth. 

Porcelain veneers require tooth preparation by our Calgary dentist.  This process involves removing part of the enamel on the front and sides of your tooth.  You should be aware that this part of the process of preparing your tooth for the placement of dental veneers is an irreversible process and results in a permanent reduction in the size of your tooth.  The tooth reduction process is done in order to make room for the porcelain veneer and also to remove any decay from the tooth, if there is any.  Removal of some of the tooth’s natural structure also prevents your tooth from being too bulky or unnatural looking. 

After your tooth is prepared by our Calgary dentist, they will take an impression of the reduced tooth structure so the dental laboratory that is fabricating the veneer can ensure a precise and proper fit.  Your dentist will then place a temporary filling on the surface of the reduced tooth until your newly fabricated veneer is ready for placement at your next dental appointment.

At your next visit with our Calgary dentist, your final veneer(s) will be placed on your teeth to make the fit, shape and colour are perfect.  After any necessary adjustments are made, the veneers are bonded to your teeth.  Note that, sometimes, if the veneer is not fitting properly or if you or your dentist feels that the colour or shape is not completely satisfactory, the veneer will be sent back to the laboratory for some further adjustments.  In this case, another appointment will be necessary.

COMPOSITE VENEERS

Composite veneers are made of a composite material and, unlike porcelain veneers, their placement are usually completed in one visit.  Composite veneers also involve the preparation of the tooth by reducing the tooth structure, but usually not as much as with porcelain veneers.  After choosing a colour of composite material that will blend naturally with your adjacent teeth, the composite veneer is made by our Calgary dentist who will carefully and artfully bond and sculpt the composite material in the desired tooth shape. After the composite material is placed, it is cured with a special light, then smoothed and polished.

HOW DO YOU LOOK AFTER YOUR VENEERS?

Although no special maintenance is required for veneers, it is important that you maintain good oral hygiene practices after their placement.  Make sure you continue to brush for two minutes, twice per day, and floss your teeth at least once per day.

Because veneers are very thin, you should also avoid doing anything that may lead to chipping or breaking of the veneer such as biting your fingernails or chewing on hard objects such as ice cubes.  If you have a propensity to grind or clench your teeth, you may wish to discuss with our Calgary dentist other restorative options such as dental crowns, because clenching or grinding your teeth may cause your veneers to break or chip.

HOW LONG DO DENTAL VENEERS LAST?

Generally, porcelain veneers are stronger than composite veneers and tend to last longer.  With composite veneers, some patients find that they require regular touch-ups due to chipping and breaking.  Although porcelain veneers usually last longer than composite veneers, all types of dental restorations are subject to wear and can also become dislodged over time.  Our Calgary dentist recommends that you ask your dentist what their warranty policy is for both porcelain veneers and composite veneers and so you have a thorough understanding regarding their longevity and what to expect if they chip or break.

If you are interested in either composite veneers or porcelain veneers, or any other type of cosmetic dentistry such as dental crowns, teeth whitening, or gum recontouring, our Calgary dentist would love to help! Please call our NW Calgary dental office located in the heart of beautiful Kensington / Sunnyside / Hillhurst in NW Calgary.  The smile of your dreams awaits you!

This blog post written by our Calgary dentist, Dr. Dirk Thompson, D.D.S., is for informational purposes only.  It is not to be taken or used as a substitute for dental, medical or other professional advice, treatment or diagnosis.  Always ask your dentist, physician or other healthcare professional for advice before altering your diet or healthcare routine.  Individual patient needs and oral healthcare concerns vary so please consult your dentist for more information about your specific dental health requirements.

Copyright 2021: Dirk A. Thompson Professional Corporation operating as Advance Your Health Dental.  Dr. Dirk A. Thompson, D.D.S., is a general dentist in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

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