Dental veneers made from porcelain or composite resin can give you the beautiful smile you deserve
Natural teeth come in many different shapes, sizes and colour. Tooth structure may also be lost due to decay, trauma or wear. Occasionally, these characteristics affect the appearance of a smile. Dental veneers are one of the ways patients can improve their smile and may even be an alternative to braces in some cases to address gaps between teeth. So what are dental veneers? Read on for more information on how veneers can help improve your smile, or jump to the following sections:
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells that are bonded on the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance
Dental veneers, sometimes referred to as dental laminates, are thin, custom-made shells which are bonded onto the front surface of your teeth. They are available in dental porcelain or composite resin, and are adhered directly on natural teeth to improve its shape, profile and colour. Dental veneers can be used to cover one tooth or multiple teeth.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are a permanent and long-lasting type of veneer that are highly stain-resistant and can be made to match the shade and translucency of your natural tooth enamel. With proper care, porcelain veneers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Composite veneers
Composite veneers are thin layers of high quality resin that are coloured and sculpted to match your natural teeth. In some cases, composite veneers may not require shaving down of the tooth in preparation for the veneer application, making it a more conservative option for some patients. They are also highly aesthetic but are more prone to staining compared to porcelain veneers. Composite veneers can last about 4 to 8 years before they need to be replaced.
Speak to our dentists who will be able to further advise on a suitable material based on your dental habits, lifestyle and preferences.
Why you may need dental veneers
Many of us want to flash beautiful smiles but are concerned about chips and gaps in front teeth, discolouration, mild misalignment etc. Dental veneers can help address some of these concerns to improve the aesthetics of your smile.
You may be suitable for dental veneers if you are looking to:
- Restore one or multiple chipped teeth, and want a longer lasting solution over dental fillings
- Have whiter teeth but are not suitable for chemical teeth whitening procedures due to deep stains from medications like tetracycline
- Improve the appearance of oddly-shaped teeth such as teeth that are jagged, scalloped, or “triangular teeth” that leave gaps near the gumline
- Enhance the look of teeth worn down by acidic food and abrasion
- Fix gaps in between teeth, also known as diastema
- Fix the appearance of mild misalignment
- A combination of the above.
How a dental veneer looks like before bonding on teeth
How do dental veneers work?
Dental veneers will take two visits to the dentist to complete. During the initial consultation, our dentists will speak to you to understand your goals and preferences. This helps the dentist to recommend the type of veneer for your teeth. Any existing dental issues such as decay or gum problems will have to be addressed first.
To prepare for the procedure, impressions and photographs of your teeth will be taken, and the dentist will apply local anaesthetic before slightly trimming or shaving down the natural tooth’s surface. A set of temporary veneers will be fitted on the teeth to protect your existing tooth structure as well as to trial the aesthetics of the veneers while the impressions are sent to a dental laboratory to create your new veneers.
At the next visit, your teeth will be cleaned and prepared for the final veneers to be bonded, and you will go home with a brand new smile!
How much do dental veneers cost in Singapore?
A composite veneer for a single tooth costs between $180-$250, while porcelain veneers for a single tooth start from $600 at NTUC Health Denticare. Additional costs for consultations, consumables and other items apply.
As dental veneer procedures are cosmetic in nature, there are no CHAS subsidies or MediSave payment schemes available.
Costs of dental veneers at NTUC Health Denticare |
|
Composite veneer (per tooth) |
$180.00 - $250.00 |
Porcelain veneer (per tooth) |
From $600.00 |
These prices are exclusive of GST and correct at the time of publishing. Please check with our clinics for the latest prices.
Frequently Asked Questions about dental veneers
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How do I care for dental veneers?
Caring for dental veneers can be done by practising good oral hygiene - brush and floss thoroughly, avoid habits and foods that stain teeth such as tobacco, wine and coffee, and visit the dentist twice yearly. Take care of your dental veneers and avoid biting on hard objects to minimise the risk of breaking the veneer.
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Is the process of getting dental veneers painful?
The dentist will use local anaesthesia during the preparation and the process should not be painful. However, tooth sensitivity following the procedure is normal and can be managed with painkillers provided by the dentist. Avoid hot or freezing cold food to minimise tooth sensitivity and call us at 6336 6222 if the pain persists.
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Is this procedure safe for pregnant women or children?
Women who are in their third trimester of pregnancy may find it uncomfortable to lay down in the dentist’s chair for long periods of time, and should wait till after pregnancy to get dental veneers.
Veneers are not recommended for children with milk teeth.
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What should I do if my veneers fall out?
In the event that your temporary or permanent dental veneers fall out, make an appointment at 6336 6222 to re-cement it. Meanwhile, do not try to re-adhere it with home methods and keep the veneer in a small container to bring to the dentist during your next appointment.
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Can I get veneers if I am prone to teeth grinding?
Dental veneers are a cosmetic procedure and do not give much structural support to the tooth. For patients prone to teeth grinding, they can consider recommendations from the dentist such as dental crowns, mouth guards, and other methods of curbing their bruxism.
Make an appointment today!
Address all your regular dental care needs with NTUC Health Denticare. Schedule an appointment with our dentists, call us at 6336 6222 or fill in our e-appointment form.
