Porcelain Veneers and Crowns FAQ

WHAT ARE PORCELAIN | CERAMIC VENEERS?

Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain facings that are permanently bonded to the outer surfaces of teeth. They have the ability to change the colour, shape and alignment of teeth on which they are placed.

WHAT CAN CROWNS AND BRIDGES DO FOR MY SMILE?

Crowns can improve your smile by covering cracks and chips in your natural tooth with a ceramic sleeve. This will restore function and strength to the tooth. Bridges can close a gap in the smile, with an artificial tooth secured between two crowns. These two crowns will fit over the natural teeth next to the vacancy, and the artificial tooth will sit firmly in the space.

WHAT ARE VENEERS?

Veneers are porcelain shells that are placed over discoloured, stained, chipped or cracked teeth. This shell will match your natural tooth colour and shape and improve the appearance of your teeth.

WHAT ARE PORCELAIN DENTAL CROWNS?

Porcelain crowns are very similar to porcelain veneers. The principal difference is the amount of tooth structure covered by the porcelain. Crowns cover more tooth structure, and are therefore often required when a substantial amount of tooth structure has been lost (e.g. broken teeth, root-filled teeth). The appearance of a porcelain crown is identical to that of a porcelain veneer when viewed in a smile.

DO I NEED A PORCELAIN VENEER OR A CROWN?

We evaluate each tooth individually and place the restoration most appropriate to each patient’s needs. Often in cases involving multiple teeth a combination of porcelain veneers and crowns is placed.

WILL THE PORCELAIN VENEERS AND CROWNS LOOK NATURAL?

At A1 Belconnen dental surgery our principal aim is to provide our patients with beautiful, natural looking smiles. Our training, experience, and artistic eye ensure that all of our porcelain veneers and dental crowns look like real teeth, as opposed to the often bulky and artificial-looking veneers placed by less exacting dentists. We also ensure your complete satisfaction with your aesthetic result by allowing for your input into the design, shape and colour of your veneers and crowns.

HOW MANY DENTAL VISITS ARE REQUIRED?

Porcelain veneers and dental crowns can usually be completed in 1 or 2 dental visits. During the first visit the teeth are prepared and provisional veneers/crowns are placed. These provisional restorations are made to the patient’s specifications, and act to cover the prepared teeth while the permanent veneers/crowns are made. The patient therefore leaves their first appointment with a beautiful new smile.

Porcelain veneers and dental crowns can, in many cases be used as an alternative to orthodontic treatment.

Porcelain veneers and dental crowns are not a good choice for individuals who: