Ceramic
Veneers

What are veneers?

Ceramic veneers use best-in-class ceramic materials to change the shape, colours and textures of teeth, boasting exceptional strength, durability and aesthetics which last for years.

Veneers are versatile and can be used to close gaps, restore chipped teeth and create symmetry in the smile.

Syed's signature smile designs come from creating natural smiles that bring out the best in his patients.

From stand-out white shades to more subtle options, patients have the choice in selecting the final forms and colour tones of the composite.

Test drive mock-ups allow his patients to view the veneers in the mouth and make adjustments before any tooth preparation has taken place.

The Process

Step 1 - Planning

We begin with photographs, detailed measurements and an assessment of the bite.

We create a digital smile design which is then used to design the veneers in a way which ensures they will have maximum resistance to chipping whilst maintaining excellent aesthetics.

Whitening is usually conducted before veneers provision to enable us to match the ceramic colours to the surrounding natural teeth.

Step 3 - Trial Smile Test Drive

Using a carefully designed "trial smile" from a scan of the patient's own teeth, Syed utilises a special mock-up material to allow the patient to visualise the "new teeth" for themselves.

At this stage, Syed and the patient will suggest changes to the smile design and the modified changes will be applied to the final ceramic work.

Step 5 - Veneer Fit

Utilising the latest in resin-based adhesive technology, the veneers are carefully placed and bonded onto the teeth using strict protocols and delicate techniques.

Once set, the patient is ready to walk out with a fantastic aesthetic and functional result, with peace of mind knowing that ceramic durability and longevity is unmatched.

Step 2 - Whitening

We plan to match the shade of composite to the shade of the teeth.

We brighten the teeth with take-home teeth whitening to the desired shade. This can be as subtle or as bright as required.

Step 4 - Veneer Prep

Using the trial smile mock up material, Syed reduces only a minimal amount of tooth tissue to create space for the ceramic veneers to be fitted onto the teeth.

The materials Syed uses are cutting edge and typically only require 0.1-0.5mm of space. The preparation is kept within the enamel and is minimal.

Composite Bonding vs Ceramic Veneers

Composite Bonding:

Great aesthetic results.
No tooth tissue removed.
Less appointments required (usually).
More affordable.
Multiple shade options.
Good strength.
Lasts 5-7 years on average (before staining, chipping or loss of surface finish).
Weaker than ceramic veneers.
Loses surface texture and polish over time.
Picks up stains across the composite over time , dependant on diet/smoking.
Hand-sculpted.
Less predictable as hand-sculpted on the day.

Ceramic Veneers:

Excellent aesthetic results.
Minimal tooth tissue removed.
More appointments required (usually).
Greater financial commitment.
Wide range of shade, texture and translucency options.
Excellent strength and durability.
Lasts 10-15 years on average (before staining around the borders).
Stronger than composite.
Maintains gloss surface texture and polish over time.
Only picks up stains around the edges after a long period of time, dependant on diet/smoking.
Crafted by a master ceramist dental technician.
More predictable (test-drive).

We are often asked by our patients "what is the difference between composite bonding and veneers and which would be best for me?".

There are multiple factors to query before making that decision, but usually it comes down to:

Patient age - for older patients, we tend to recommend ceramic veneers for additional durability and reduced cycles of replacement required over time. For younger patients, composite bonding is typically recommended to avoid tooth tissue removal at a younger age.
Costs - budgeting for dental treatment is essential to ensure the main concerns are addressed within the budget. Usually, patients will wish to align and whiten their teeth before proceeding with composite bonding or veneers in order to place the teeth in the optimal positions for excellent, long lasting outcomes.

Considering cost options is vital to reaching your goals without compromising other aspects of smile design.
Maintenance - any cosmetic treatment will require maintenance, however, maintenance requirements exist in different degrees.

Composite bonding will need more maintenance, with recommended re-polishing once per year and an expectation to replace the full bonding treatment after 5-7 years.

Veneers are much stronger and do not lose their finish. They will only usually require replacement once every 10-15 years and do not require annual re-polishing or repairs.