What are dental veneers?

Not all of us are blessed with a Hollywood-ready smile full of straight pearly whites, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enhance the look of your smile and boost your confidence.

So, if you find yourself keeping your smile to a grimace in family photos, it may be time to consider your options.

Enamel is the hard, mineralized substance that is the most visible part of the tooth, and works to protect your it from decay. Any number of things can cause damage or the discolouration of your enamel, from acidic food to inherited conditions, and unfortunately lost enamel does not grow back.  

Dental veneers are a great option for those wanting to change the physical appearance of damaged, spaced, or stained teeth. As a thin layer of material that is placed over the tooth, veneers act as a sort of shell to protect damaged enamel and improve the appearance of unsightly teeth. There are two main types of veneers available: composite and porcelain.

Types of veneers

Composite veneers

Composite veneers are made up of a resin that is applied directly to the tooth and sculpted within the mouth. They are a perfect solution for minor chips, discolouration or spaces between teeth. Composite veneers can be a same-day treatment, but are more susceptible to chips and stains than porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are a more permanent solution and are highly effective in cases of severe discolouration or misalignment. The process is a little more involved, as a thin layer of enamel is removed before the sculpted veneer is bonded to the tooth. Porcelain veneers are very resistant to stains and with a similar light-reflective surface to enamel, they look very natural.

Are veneers right for me?

Your smile deserves attention, care and the chance to shine. Dr. Provencher can discuss your needs in depth and offer all the information that you need to get fitted for veneers. At Kelowna Dental Solutions we make sure you feel comfortable in your smile so you can let your pearly whites and your personality shine!