Dr. Chong is a general dental practitioner who received her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from University of Malaya in 2008. She regularly attends braces, implant and aesthetic dental educational courses in Malaysia to keep improving herself. With years of extensive experience and skills, Dr. Chong enjoys bringing compassionate and comprehensive dental care to her patients.
With an inherent passion to help people, she is keen in educating patients to attain good oral health and to promote self care approach in daily life to achieve optimal oral hygiene. Dr. Chong’s vision for the practice is to provide modern and aesthetic dentistry in a very approachable environment. Her goal for Prestige Dental Care is total patient satisfaction.
This patient came to our clinic complaint that she had a unpleasant smile. After several discussion and consultation, she agreed to have her teeth make over…
Before treatmentAfter a few visits of treatment this is her final result…
After treatmentRead further on how the make-over was done…
…
Resin Veneers or better know as composite veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored, translucent filling, custom made to fit over teeth and improve their color, shape and overall appearance. Placement of composite veneers can dramatically improve your smile and appearance.
Composite veneer technique
Types of problems that composite veneers can correct
Placement of dental veneers is sometimes referred to as “instant orthodontics” because they can be used to cover a variety of dental problems involving teeth in the “smile zone” including:
Generalize spacing and ‘peg’ shape right lateral incisor
Chipped incisor
Unsightly or stained fillings
Dental veneers (either composite or porcelain veneer) can improve the appearance of the teeth but they cannot realign the jaw or correct overbites and underbites. Orthodontics are required to correct these more complicated problems.
Composite veneers can be done on the spot. The time spent might be from 30 minutes to 2 hours or more depends on the number of tooth involved. They do not required second visit.
Composite veneers produce the same aesthetic result as porcelain veneers. Therefore, no one can tell whether you have a composite or porcelain done except your dentist!
Composite veneers can be repair if there is any chipping or fracture.
Composite veneers are very cheap (From MYR150 toMYR250 per tooth; depends on how difficult and big the defect is).
The major disadvantages of porcelain veneers over composite resin include the following:
Porcelain veneers are not made at chairside. Porcelain veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory and therefore require at least two visits. Composite resin veneers are accomplished in one visit. An adequate amount of tooth structure is removed to allow for placement of composite resin in the desired shape without added tooth bulk. Bonding agent is applied. Composite resin is then added, light cured, then finished and polished.
Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers. The placement of veneers requires more time, expertise and resources in order to fabricate and bond and therefore cost more.
Porcelain veneers cannot be repaired. If they break porcelain veneers must be replaced.
The advantages of porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers have several advantages compared to composite resin including:
Porcelain veneers are very durable. Although porcelain veneers are very thin, usually between 0.5 – 0.7 millimeters and inherently brittle, once bonded to healthy tooth structure it becomes very strong. Porcelain veneers can last for many years, usually 10-15 years, if you take good care of them using good oral hygiene and avoiding using them to crack or chew hard objects like ice.
Porcelain veneers create a very life-like and natural tooth appearance. The translucent properties of the porcelain allows the veneers to mimic the light handling characteristics of enamel giving it a sense of depth which is not possible with other cosmetic bonding materials such as composite resin.
Porcelain veneers resist staining. Unlike other cosmetic dental bonding materials, porcelain is a smooth, impervious ceramic and therefore will not pick up permanent stain from cigarette smoking or from dark or richly colored liquids or spices.
Porcelain veneers are conservative. Only a small amount of tooth structure is removed, if any during the procedure.
Cases done in our practice using composite veneers…
Case 1
This young man complaint of generalized spacing and a peg-shaped right lateral incisor. Composite material was used to close all the gaps between his teeth (Below).
Case 2
This patient fell down and broke her front teeth while playing spot. The tooth was restore with composite veneer. ‘Stained’ or chalky white patches resin composite was place on the front surface of the veneer to mimic the neighbour teeth (Below).
Case 3
Old filling at the center of his upper front teeth looked yellowish and rough. Those fillings were removed and replaces by new composite veneers (Below).
Case 4
Yellow stain due to uneven surface at the front teeth and old yellow filling were replace by composite veneers (Below).
Case 5
Multiple decays at the front teeth were treated with composite veneer (Below).
Case 6
Defect of the lateral incisor was repaired with resin composite (Below).
Case 7
Generalize unevenness of this young man front teeth gave a older look. With composite veneer correction, he looks youthful again!! (Below).
Case 8
Old composite veneers on all the six front teeth on this lady was stained at the margin. The composite were removed and were replaced with the new one (Below).
Are you a good candidate for dental veneers?
Dental veneers are not appropriate for everyone or every tooth. Case selection is an extremely important factor in the success of this technique. Veneering teeth is not a reversible procedure if tooth structure must be removed to achieve your desired result Only an examination by your dentist can determine whether dental veneers are appropriate for making the changes you want. Some of the situations where certain teeth or people are not good candidates for dental veneers include:
Unhealthy teeth. Dental decay and active gum disease must be treated prior to fabricating and bonding dental veneers.
Weakened teeth. If a significant amount of tooth structure is missing or has been replaced by a large filling the teeth will not be strong enough to function with a dental veneer.
Teeth with an inadequate amount of enamel present. Dental veneers are more successfully bonded onto tooth enamel.
People who habitually clench or grind on their teeth. Habitual clenching and grinding of the teeth can easily chip or break dental veneers. Dental nightguards may be a solution for this in some cases.
Persons without a stable bite.
Severely malpositioned teeth or misaligned teeth. Orthodontic treatment may be required to achieve the desired result.
How to maintain Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers can chip or come off if not cared for properly. To improve their durability and longevity you need to maintain consistent good oral hygiene and have regular dental examinations and cleanings at least twice each year. In addition, you must avoid using them to bite or crack hard objects like nuts and ice.
What are the alternatives to composite veneers?
The closest cosmetic alternative to composite veneers is porcelain veneers which are more durable and more resistance to staining. However, they are more costly and require at least 2 visits. On top of that, there is another method to improve smile: Snap-on Smile, a multi-purpose restorative appliance that requires no preparation or altering of tooth structure, no injections, and no adhesives. It is non-invasive, making it completely reversible.
Dental crowns may also be used to correct the same problems that dental veneers correct, however it is a much less conservative procedure.
Nowadays there is a wide variety of treatments and methods that dentists can use to enhance a person’s smile. Cosmetic veneers have really gained in popularity over the last few years, and recently came to evolve into a veritable art form. Cosmetic veneers are usually sought by patients who have discolored, stained, chipped or uneven teeth. Placement of dental veneers requires the artistry, precision and skill of a talented cosmetic dentist.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin, semi-transparent facings usually made out of porcelain that are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a smile makeover. They create a beautiful result. Porcelain mimics tooth structure better than any other restorative material and it is a very durable and extraordinarily strong material that has similar texture, translucence and color to the enamel of your natural teeth. Dental artists can manipulate the color and translucency to re-create the look of any tooth. And it resists stain better than tooth enamel. Very rarely will it discolor, unless the surface has been damaged. These thin shells of porcelain are bonded to your frontal surface of teeth to conceal any discoloration, damage or altered alignment.
The procedure normally requires two or three appointments to be completed. The cosmetic dentist will begin the procedure by roughening the surface of your teeth to make sure the veneers will perfectly bond to the teeth. He will next trim down the outer surface of the teeth enamel to accommodate the veneers. Impression of the trimmed teeth will be taken. Your teeth will be covered with temporary veneers while the actual veneers are created in a dental laboratory. The lab technician will develop the permanent veneers after which your cosmetic dentist will have them placed in your mouth.
Case study
Before Treatment
This young lady presented with a ‘space’ between her front central incisor which looked rather unnatural and unattractive especially when she smiled (below).
She decided to have all her upper front incisors to be veneered to close the gap. Before her teeth were prepared, the natural colour of teeth were recorded so that the porcelain veneer will match with the ‘neighbour’ teeth later.
Colour/Shade selection
Under local anesthesia, a thin layer (0.7mm) of tooth structure was removed at the front surface of each teeth (below). Then, an impression was taken to get a negative copy of her dentition and later, a dental model was produced.
The teeth were minimally prepared for porcelain veneers
The dental model was sent to lab where the laboratory technician would fabricate veneers over the dental model (below)
This is how porcelain veneers look like
Finally, the veneers would be cemented onto patient’s mouth with strong resin cement.
Final result!!
Before and after result!!!
BeforeAfter
Other Clinical Cases with porcelain veneer
Another case of closing mid-line spacing with veneer
BeforeAfter
Crooked front teeth were corrected with veneer
BeforeAfter
Discolour front teeth
Discolour and malalignment 6 front teeth6 porcelain veneers fabricated on the modelThe veneers were cemented with resin cement to the front teeth
More cases of aesthethic makeover with full porcelain crowns and veneers, click here
Dental veneers vs dental crowns
Dental veneers and dental crowns are two different types of dental restorations that have similar cosmetic end results. Cosmetic dentists use these two dental procedures to correct similar dental issues. Each of these two dental techniques carries its advantages and disadvantages.
The main difference between crowns and veneers regards the amount of the tooth’ structure each restoration typically covers over. Dental veneers require significantly less reduction of the tooth structure than dental crowns. Porcelain veneers will cover over only the side of the tooth that shows when the patient smiles while dental crowns cover the tooth entirely.
While dental veneers are recommended to patients whose gums and teeth are generally healthy dental crowns are more appropriate for patients who wish to rebuild teeth that are decayed or badly broken. Dental crowns are ideal for teeth that are misshaped, worn down, cracked, broken or extremely weak. Individuals who have a tendency to clench or grind their teeth may want to treat their dental issues with dental crowns because bruxism can chip or crack dental veneers.
Make sure you find a knowledgeable cosmetic dentist who can determine which of the two techniques is right for your situation.
How to care for your cosmetic veneers
You should avoid extreme temperatures in food and beverages for at least two weeks following the veneers placement.
You should also stay away as much as possible from hard foods that may twist or stress the veneers.
Oral habits such as opening bobby pins or nail biting, could damage your veneers.
Frequent flossing will keep your veneers free of plaque so make sure you floss your veneers just like they were natural teeth.
Use a soft toothbrush to brush your dental veneers after every meal.
Don’t forget to keep up with your regular maintenance.
Make sure you have your teeth cleaned and checked every six months or so.
Your cosmetic veneers are designed to last up to fifteen years but it is up to you to make that happen.
Benefits of Cosmetic Veneers
Dental veneers can completely conceal the imperfections of your front teeth, providing a total smile makeover. The change in your smile will help you project an image of confidence and high self-esteem.
Cosmetic veneers can cover a wide variety of dental flaws including misalignment, discoloration, stains caused by excessive smoking or antibiotics, trauma-damaged and fractured teeth, diastemas, crooked, chipped or broken teeth, etc.
Dental veneers are compatible with most other cosmetic dental procedures. For example, you can place veneers in combination with TMJ treatment, teeth whitening, neuromuscular dentistry, or a full-mouth reconstruction to completely reshape your smile.
Many patients consider dental veneers a great alternative to traditional braces. Unlike other alternatives, cosmetic veeners wont’t compromise the strength and integrity of your teeth.
Porcelain veneers act as a barrier between your teeth and staining agents such as tobacco products, chocolate, sugary foods, wine, tea or coffee. Veneers can strengthen old filings and teeth that have been weakened by root canal treatments.
Cosmetic veneers can last up to 15 years if you maintain a proper oral hygiene through daily brushing and flossing.
Veneers can change the appearance of your smile within as little as three visits.
Anesthesia is usually not required as the procedure normally causes no pain or discomfort.
Cosmetic veneers are designed to look and feel just like natural teeth. Veneers however will not discolor over time as natural teeth do.
Porcelain veneers vs Resin Composite veneers
If you are considering dental veneers to restore your teeth, you may have to choose between the two types of cosmetic veneers that are currently available today, ceramic or porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers. Other dental restorative materials such as gold and amalgam cannot offer the same natural teeth color. The question is, which of the two is a better choice? Composite veneers are inexpensive, insoluble, insensitive to dehydration and aesthetically pleasing. In terms of durability however, porcelain veneers have a life span of about 15 years while composite resin veneers can break or chip more easily and may require touch-ups. While porcelain veneers are more durable, composite resin veneers are easier to repair.
Porcelain veneers possess a much more natural color compared to resin veneers which don’t look exactly as normal teeth. That’s what makes porcelain veneers an ideal option for front teeth while resin veneers are more suited for back teeth. Both composite veneers and porcelain veneers can be indirectly fabricated but only resin veneers can also be directly fabricated inside the patient’s mouth. Even though ceramic veneers can be up to 10 times more expensive than composite veneers, resin veneers will require much more aftercare that will add up to the initial, affordable cost. Make sure you find a qualified cosmetic dentist that can help you determine the best solution for your individual needs!
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