Smile Makeover

Veneers are a thin shell of material bonded on the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance. 

Veneers can be made of ceramic or resin. They are tooth- coloured and their shapes and contours can be customised to improve the appearance of the natural teeth that they cover.  

Veneers can be placed over 1 or 2 appointments and provide a relatively quick solution to improve an unaesthetic smile. However, each case must be assessed thoroughly to ensure that veneers are the most appropriate treatment modality.

The durability of veneers depends on the material they are made from and on the condition of the teeth they are placed on.

Resin veneers are made from a plastic-like material (composite resin). They last up to five years, are more prone to staining and chipping. They require regular polishing and maintenance to keep their lustre. 

Ceramic veneers made from specialised dental porcelain can last up to 15 years. They do not stain easily but can chip or fracture if excessive forces are applied to them. While less maintenance is needed for ceramic veneers to keep their lustre, chipping or fracturing is harder to repair and might require a full replacement. 

The condition of the teeth on which the veneers are placed will affect the veneers' lifespan. Teeth need to be free of decay and gum disease before veneers are placed. Decay in the teeth can lead discoloration of the venner or to the veneer falling off prematurely. Gum disease can lead to the teeth becoming loose and falling out.

Before veneers are placed, it is essential that a full oral assessment is made to ensure teeth are free of decay and gums are healthy. 

Good oral hygiene and regular professional cleans are also critical to maintain the lifespan of veneers.

Invisalign is effective in the majority of cases where teeth straightening is desired. However, an assessment by a trained dentist is required to determine this. 

First, your dentist will ensure that your mouth is free of decay, gum disease and other pathology prior to starting Invisalign. If this is not the case, other dental treatment will be needed to achieve a healthy oral condition first. 

Once the dentition is restored to health, an Invisalign assessment is carried out. This involves photographic records and taking a scan or impression of the teeth.

These records will then be analysed to determine how the misalignment of the teeth (maloccusion) can be corrected. 

The degree of correction necessary to achieve the desired result must also be taken in consideration. If the starting maloccusion is very severe, Invisalign aligners alone might not be sufficient. Other devices might be needed to correct the bite (such as elastics or a palatal expansion device). If this is the case, an orthodontist (specialist) referral is the preferred course of action.

In cases where there is also severe jaw misalignment, jaw surgery might be needed to correct the problem and an oral surgeon needs to be involved as well.

Patients with extensive decay, untreated gum disease, many missing teeth and severe jaw misalignment must consult a dentist before commencing any aligner treatment.

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