Serving Maple Ridge and Surrounding Areas
Our top-notch cosmetic dentistry services at Westgate Dental & Implant Centre can give you the smile you always wanted. We offer dental porcelain veneers, made to enhance your teeth and look natural.
Whether you are coping with gaps, discolouration, or imperfections, our veneers provide a long-lasting and beautiful solution. Let Westgate Dental & Implant Centre’s modern cosmetic services restore your self-esteem and give you a smile you have never had before.
What is a Porcelain Veneer?
Porcelain dental veneers are thin, custom-made coverings made of premium dental porcelain. They cover the anterior (front) surfaces of teeth to improve appearance and preserve tooth structure. Each blends into the dentition by carefully matching the shape, size, and colour of the patient’s natural teeth.
Oral Issues That Require Dental Porcelain Veneers
Improves Discolourations
Traditional teeth whitening agents cannot remove intrinsic discolouration from the tooth structure, such as tetracycline staining, fluorosis, or trauma. Our veneer fixes intrinsic and extrinsic tooth discolouration.
- High-density ceramic porcelain laminates are non-porous and stain-resistant.
- Its high opacity and refractive qualities match natural enamel’s translucency for an accurate and pleasing colour match.
- Light diffusion helps the laminates look natural and hide discolouration.
Repairs Chips and Cracks
These dental laminates strengthen minor cracked and chipped teeth. Its ceramic material has a flexural strength of 100–200 MPa (megapascals), surpassing natural enamel and dentin.
- The tooth structure and veneer are chemically bonded with a dental adhesive like porcelain or composite resin.
- Creates a durable interface that restores tooth structure and appearance.
- Hide imperfections and prevent cracks from spreading.
Closes Gaps Between Teeth
Creates a cohesive dentition arch to close diastemas. They match the surrounding dentition’s size, contour, and colour for a harmonious appearance. This cosmetic method provides a seamless visual transition for a more uniform smile. This immediately reduces orthodontic intervention and improves aesthetics.
Managing Misalignment
Modifying tooth surfaces can hide minor rotations, angulations, and irregularities. Advanced digital imaging technology allows veneer customization to correct alignment issues.
Uneven Teeth Correction
- Fix asymmetry and oversize dentitions.
- Porcelain’s high compressive strength (around 400 MPa) allows precise sculpting to achieve tooth morphology.
- The thickness and contour are customized to match the patient’s dentition arch and facial features.
Material and Composition
We use high-quality porcelain because it is durable, translucent, and similar to natural tooth enamel. Its wear and stain resistance makes this material a durable cosmetic oral enhancement. Mirroring light like natural dentition makes our dental laminates more realistic.
Aspect | Detail | Benefits |
Composition | Silica: Provides glass-like quality and translucency | Enhances the natural appearance |
Alumina: Increases strength and rigidity | Prevents chipping and cracking | |
Metal Oxides: Includes titanium dioxide and zirconium oxide | Improves strength, discoloration resistance, and aesthetics | |
Fabrication | CAD/CAM Technology: Uses computer-aided design and manufacturing | Ensures a perfect fit and customized appearance |
Dental Laboratory Processes: Creates them from digital models, layering and firing at high temperatures | Guarantees high-quality and durable shells |
Step-by-Step Process of Getting Veneers
Initial Consultation
Our initial consultations include comprehensive oral exams. This includes digital X-rays and 3D imaging to evaluate tooth and tissue health. These diagnostic tools assess oral condition and cosmetic suitability.
- Evaluation. Our dentist evaluates alignment, occlusion, and oral health to determine if the cosmetic procedure is appropriate.
- Goals. We carefully discuss goals and expectations with you. We consider tooth appearance, alignment, and objectives.
- Suitability. Our dentist decides on the porcelain shells after the assessment. If appropriate, treatment planning and design follow.
Treatment Strategy Development
- Customization. Digital imaging and design software help us customize treatment. This includes creating laminates that meet your aesthetic and functional needs.
- Visualization. Digital simulations can show you the expected results and allow for adjustments before fabrication.
- Precise Measurements. We take accurate tooth impressions or digital scans. These impressions capture the detailed contours and spatial relationships for a well-fitting and attractive veneer.
- Fabrication Preparation. Impressions are used to create a precise mould or digital model for custom systems.
Preparation
- Enamel Removal. About 0.5 to 1 millimetre of enamel is carefully removed from the front teeth. This preparation ensures the cosmetic shells fit properly and match the natural colour.
- Prep Evaluation. The dentist checks the prepared teeth for veneer placement and ensures the reduction matches the thickness.
- Interim Solution. While permanent laminates are made, removable veneers can protect and improve the prepared dentition.
Fabrication
We make custom systems in a lab from impressions or digital scans. The lab technicians use CAD/CAM technology to make shells with precise dimensions and desired aesthetics. Each veneer is carefully made to meet your needs and are durable and attractive.
Placement
Fitting
- Trial Placement. Our dentist places temporary veneers on teeth to test fit, colour, and appearance. As needed, they are adjusted to align and achieve the desired aesthetic.
- Final Adjustments. Any minor adjustments for a perfect fit are made before bonding.
Bonding
- Adhesive Application. Special adhesive permanently bonds them to teeth. We apply resin cement to the prepared surface of your teeth and cure it with a light for a strong bond.
- Final Check. Finally, we check the system’s attachment and your bite and function.
Post-Placement Examination
A follow-up visit evaluates fit, function, and appearance. The dentist checks your dentition for adjustments and performance. For longevity, we advise on oral hygiene and maintenance.
Keeping Your Laminates in Top Condition After Treatment
Consideration | Step | Details |
Oral Hygiene | Brushing | Keep your mouth clean by brushing twice a day with non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. This prevents gum disease and plaque buildup, which can shorten shell life. |
Flossing | Removes food particles and plaque daily. This prevents gum disease and maintains tissue health. | |
Oral Products | Use soft toothbrushes and non-abrasive toothpaste. Abrasive products can scratch or wear them. | |
Avoid Staining Foods | Dietary Choices | Drink less coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sauces. While they are stain-resistant, avoiding these items can help preserve their appearance. |
Immediate Rinsing | Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking to avoid discolouration. This reduces appearance damage. |
Regular Check-Ups
Visit us every six months to monitor your veneer and mouth health. Our dentist will inspect them for damage and ensure their bonding during these visits. Our dental cleanings keep your dentitions and gums healthy and remove plaque and tartar.
Protection
- Mouthguard. Custom-fitted mouthguards are best for mouth-trauma-prone sports. This prevents impact and grinding damage.
- Avoid Hard Objects. Avoid opening packages or biting hard objects with your teeth to avoid chipping or damaging the laminates.
Potential Risks and Limitations of Veneer
- Risk of Damage. Even though they are durable, they can still be damaged. Maintaining caution and wearing a mouthguard during high-impact activities can reduce these risks.
- Irreversible. A small amount of enamel is removed to place veneer. After removal, restorative treatments such as dental crowns may be needed to maintain tooth structure.
- Financial Considerations. The number of shells and case complexity affect the porcelain veneers cost. They are often not covered by insurance, so it is essential to budget or get financing.
Achieve Perfect Smile with Westgate Dental & Implant Centre
When it comes to cosmetic dental problems, porcelain veneer is a game-changer. It is popular with smile improvement seekers as it provides a customized, durable enhancement.
We customize veneers to meet your needs and aesthetic goals at Westgate Dental & Implant Centre. Our experienced dentists in Maple Ridge will guide you from consultation to placement, ensuring a smooth and satisfying experience.
Contact Westgate Dental & Implant Centre to learn more about this oral cosmetic dentistry and schedule a consultation. With our help, you can get the confident smile you have always wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a porcelain veneer last?
With regular cleaning and oiling, our coatings can last for 10-15 years. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene and scheduling regular exams can increase their lifespan.
What is the difference between no prep veneers and prep veneers?
The amount of tooth reduction needed distinguishes the two.
- No-Prep. These are applied directly to the front surface with little to no tooth reduction. Ideal for cosmetic changes without affecting structure.
- Prep. These require a certain amount of enamel removal to fit and align properly.
Do porcelain veneers have any alternatives?
Composite resin veneers are an alternative to porcelain ones. Dentists shape these tooth-coloured composite veneers directly on the teeth. They are cheaper than traditional veneer but they may need to be replaced more often due to lower stain resistance and durability.