Dental Veneers in Moama | Porcelain and Composite

Dental Veneers in Moama Dental

Dental veneers are one option that may be considered for improving the appearance of teeth in suitable cases. They are designed to resemble natural teeth and are commonly used for aesthetic dental purposes.

Despite their strength, teeth can break, and incorrect brushing techniques over time can wear away the enamel. This is a concern since enamel cannot regrow after it has been destroyed or degraded. In some cases, dental veneers may be used as part of a treatment plan to help protect exposed tooth surfaces from further wear, depending on individual circumstances.

Dental enamel is not replaceable once lost, but its effects can sometimes be managed or restored using dental treatments.

What is A Dental Veneer?

The term “tooth/dental veneer” refers to a thin shell of ceramic or resin that covers the front of your teeth. Dental veneers are manufactured specifically to fit the individuals’ teeth. They are designed to resemble natural teeth but are only placed on the front of a tooth as a cosmetic treatment.

Veneers are created using either resin composite or ceramic. Most people choose ceramic veneers because they have a natural appearance and are durable. Each veneer is made specifically for you, to fit the shape and size of your existing teeth and improve the appearance of your teeth & smile. They are used to address a tooth that is too short, chipped, worn down, or discoloured, and in some cases may be considered where minor alignment issues are present.

Depending on your preferences and clinical suitability, porcelain veneers or composite veneers are available at our Moama clinic following an appropriate clinical assessment.

Why You Might Need Dental Veneers?

In some cases, veneers can be used to address the appearance of minor misalignment as part of an aesthetic treatment plan, following a thorough clinical assessment. They can also be used to close gaps between teeth or cover oddly shaped teeth. If your teeth are mildly worn down or chipped a veneer may help improve their appearance. Discoloured teeth that do not respond to teeth whitening may also be considered for veneers, depending on individual circumstances.

Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Both porcelain and composite veneers are available at our Moama clinic, allowing you to discuss options that suit your individual needs, lifestyle, and budget, following a clinical assessment.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted in a dental lab. Porcelain veneers are intended to replicate the light-reflecting qualities of natural teeth and are generally durable and stain-resistant, although outcomes can vary based on care and individual factors. They’re often chosen where longer-term aesthetic outcomes are desired, depending on suitability.

Composite veneers, on the other hand, are applied in a single visit using a tooth-coloured resin directly sculpted on your teeth. While they’re generally more cost-effective and quicker to apply, composite veneers may require more maintenance over time compared to porcelain.

Here is a quick overview of the key differences between the two types:

Feature	Porcelain Veneers	Composite Veneers
Material	High-quality dental ceramic	Tooth-coloured resin
Durability	Often 10–15 years with care (varies by patient)	Often 4–8 years (varies by patient)
Aesthetic Finish	Natural appearance	Less reflective than porcelain
Procedure Time	2–3 appointments	Usually one visit
Cost	Higher cost	Lower cost
Stain Resistance	Excellent	Moderate

No matter what your goals, we are here to walk you through the pros and cons of both of these options, so that you can make an informed decision based on clinical advice.

Feature	Porcelain Veneers	Composite Veneers
Material	High-quality dental ceramic	Tooth-coloured resin
Durability	Often 10–15 years with care (varies by patient)	Often 4–8 years (varies by patient)
Aesthetic Finish	Natural appearance	Less reflective than porcelain
Procedure Time	2–3 appointments	Usually one visit
Cost	Higher cost	Lower cost
Stain Resistance	Excellent	Moderate

No matter what your goals, we are here to walk you through the pros and cons of both of these options, so that you can make an informed decision based on clinical advice.

The Dental Veneer Procedure at Moama Dental

The procedure will differ based on whether you are getting porcelain or composite veneers. However, the one thing that will be common to both is the initial consult, in which our dentist will do a thorough evaluation, which may include X-rays. You’ll also learn about the differences between porcelain veneers and composite veneers, including their benefits and limitations.

Procedure For Porcelain Veneers

Treatment Planning: After your consultation, your dentist will take impressions or 3D scans of your teeth. These are used to create a mock-up, so you can preview the proposed appearance of your teeth before your veneers are placed.
Tooth Preparation: A thin layer of enamel (usually less than 1 mm) is gently removed from the surface of the teeth receiving veneers. Another scan is then taken and sent to the dental lab to craft your custom porcelain veneers.
Temporary Veneers: While your final veneers are being made (which may take 2–3 weeks), temporary veneers are placed to protect your teeth and maintain function and appearance.
Veneer Placement: Once your porcelain veneers are ready, they are carefully bonded to your teeth using dental cement, and any necessary adjustments are made to ensure a comfortable and functional fit.

Procedure For Composite Veneers

Same-Day Placement: In many cases, composite veneers can be completed in a single visit.
Minimal Preparation: A small amount of enamel may be reshaped, but this process is typically more conservative than with porcelain veneers.
Application and Sculpting: Composite resin is applied directly to the tooth and carefully shaped by your dentist to create the desired form and shade.
Polishing and Finishing: Once set, the veneers are polished for a smooth finish.

After your veneers are placed, we recommend a follow-up appointment to check your bite, comfort, and overall function and fit. Want to know more about what to expect, or learn about our flexible payment options?

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Who Is (and isn’t) a Good Candidate for Veneers?

While veneers are a popular option for changing the appearance of teeth, they aren’t right for everyone.

You may be a good candidate for composite or porcelain veneers if you:

Have healthy gums and teeth
Want to improve the shape, size, or colour of your teeth
Have minor chips, cracks, gaps, or unevenness
Are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene

However, veneers may not be suitable if:

You have active gum disease or tooth decay
You grind or clench your teeth excessively (bruxism)
You have very little natural enamel remaining

During your personalised consultation, our team will evaluate your dental health and goals to determine whether dental veneers at our Moama clinic are the most appropriate treatment for you.

Guidance at Moama Dental

Dental veneers may be used as part of a treatment plan to improve the appearance of teeth, where clinically appropriate. A consultation is required to determine suitability.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Dental Veneers Made of?

They are either made of:

Ceramic: a tooth-coloured ceramic material
Composite resin: a resin-based dental bonding material

How long do veneers typically last?

Porcelain veneers may last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or more with proper care, while composite veneers generally last around 5 to 7 years. Longevity also depends on factors like oral hygiene, teeth grinding, and diet. A dentist can provide guidance on how to help extend the life of your veneers.

Will veneers damage my natural teeth?

While some tooth preparation is required for veneers, they usually do not damage natural teeth when placed correctly. Composite veneers require little to no enamel reduction. With porcelain veneers, a thin layer of enamel is usually removed to ensure a proper fit. Dental professionals use conservative techniques to preserve natural tooth structure.

Can I get veneers on just one tooth?

Yes, it’s possible to have a veneer placed on a single tooth if it is chipped, discoloured, or slightly misaligned. Both porcelain and composite veneers may be used for single-tooth enhancements. Veneers are customised to match surrounding teeth.

How to look after your veneers?

Nothing lasts forever, but you can help maintain veneers by practicing good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing. Veneers should be brushed as you would natural teeth. If a veneer chips or cracks, it can be replaced by a dental professional. Proper care may help prolong the life of veneers.

Does insurance cover dental veneer treatment?

Some private health insurance policies may cover part of the cost of veneers. Check your Extras Dental Cover and speak with your health provider for details.