Porcelain veneers are a thin film of porcelain bonded to the front surface of teeth to rebuild and reshape teeth. Porcelain veneers are considered a long-term permanent treatment, which involve only minimal loss of healthy tooth structure. The porcelain veneer bonds to the tooth so strongly that is becomes the outer layer, recreating the strong enamel of the tooth, giving strong protection during eating and chewing.

A common alternative to porcelain veneers is direct resin bonding. 'Bonding' is formed inside your mouth, and where care is not taken, 'bonding' has a much shorter lifespan. After only three to five years, bonding typically requires replacement due to staining and leakage around the edges, and the roughness of bonding can cause gum disease and gum recession in some cases. 'Bonding', due to the nature of the plastic resin used, will not achieve the same cosmetic result, a result that is less polished, and less co-ordinated and less even in shape. 'Bonding' is suitable, however, in cases where a patient is very young and gum-lines have not matured, or in cases where teeth need only temporary improvement.

In cases of crowded teeth, orthodontic treatment may be appropriate where your teeth already have good shapes, good size relationships and nice colour, and can be straightened to an improved position.

For a result with healthy, co-ordinated, beautiful teeth, in most cases, porcelain veneers are the best standard of treatment available.

So, now that you know the different options for porcelain veneer treatments, why not call one of our Treatment Co-ordinator staff who can assist you with any other questions you may have. Our Treatment Co-ordinators will be able to recommend a Cosmetic Consultation where one of our dentists will discuss your concerns, assess your smile and recommend possible treatments.