Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are coverings made from high-quality dental materials like tooth-coloured composite or porcelain, designed to fit over the front surfaces of teeth.

Residents in Singapore who need a way to solve imperfections in their teeth can look towards dental veneers as a way to enhance their appearance.

What cosmetic issues can dental veneers solve?

The three aspects of a beautiful smile are colour, alignment and shape. Veneers play an integral part in enhancing the harmony in these three elements to form a coherent, pleasant smile.

How do dental veneers work?

Dental veneers help you cover up cosmetic imperfections in your teeth. Here’s the process.

Get to Know Your Dentist

What are the Timelines And Procedures for Dental Veneers?

First appointment

Second appointment

What are the different types of dental veneers?

How to get Natural Looking Veneers?

Some important steps in our process that help you achieve ideal colour, alignment and shape are:

• Creating a plan using a 3D representation of your teeth.
• Use of temporary veneers to trial out your preferences in colour and overall appearance (position of veneer and shape of veneers) 
• Using colour-stable cement to ensure colour uniformity over time
• Ensuring proper placement and alignment before fixing the veneer in place

Initial Consultation and Digital Scanning

Your journey to a new smile begins with an initial consultation, where we create a 3D representation of your teeth, which is essential for designing your custom veneers that fit your dental structure.

Choosing A Natural-Looking Veneer Colour

Next, a key step in our process is the placement of temporary veneers if necessary. This allows us to find the most suitable colour for your veneers. 

If you judged your preferences in our clinic, it’ll give you a limited view of how your veneer would look in other environments. Most clinics use soft white lighting, which biases your perception towards a more soft white look. 

You will perceive your veneer’s colour differently when you’re in the sun, in the shade, in an office building with fluorescent lighting or at home with your lighting setup.

Since colour perception varies from person to person, and location to location, we like to start with a lighter shade and see what you think. If it doesn’t work for you, we move one level up in tint.

Through this trial process, you can gather information about your preferences and this helps you narrow down your preferred colour.

We Use A Colour-Stable Cement

When you return for the second meeting, that’s when we implement the permanent veneer with the colour that you have chosen.

The next variable involves the cement used. There are fundamentally two types: one that cures when we shine a light on it (light-cure) and another that sets from the moment we mix it together (dual-cure).

We almost always use light-cure cement in veneers because they are more colour stable over time. This means it does not go grey or yellow as easily as dual-cure cement. Therefore, over the veneers’ lifespan, you will see much better colour consistency between the cement and the veneer.

Creating Harmony In Alignment And Shape

So far, we’ve talked a lot about colour, but remember there are two other elements to creating a natural-looking set of veneers: alignment and shape.

We’ve determined the ideal shape of your veneers in our first meeting, when we did the scan of your teeth. 

The biggest change we can do at the second meeting involves alignment, and light-cure cement also allows us to position your veneer without the pressure of time because this cement requires light to cure it. 

At this juncture, we are paying attention to how your veneers sit with other parts of your teeth. 

• Do they match up with your natural teeth? 
• Is there harmony and consistency in the lines?

Light-cure cement allows us to check for alignment consistency. Once we’ve confirmed that it’s OK, we will shine a light that sets the cement.

So, this shows our methodology to create natural-looking veneers for the next 10 – 15 years of your veneer’s lifespan. It all goes back to the fundamental principle of creating harmony in colour, shape and alignment.

How much do dental veneers cost in Singapore?

Dental veneers cost $700 -$2,000 individually, depending on the material used.

If you are looking to do a full-mouth makeover using porcelain veneers, they might require multiple units and cost between $6,000 to $20,000. For a more comprehensive approach to your new smile, you might be interested in a smile makeover.

How to clean and care for Dental Veneers

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The longevity of veneers largely depends on the type of material used and the individual’s oral care habits.

• Porcelain Veneers: These are the gold standard for dental veneers due to their durability and natural appearance. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10–15 years or even longer in some cases. Their high resistance to staining and wear makes them an excellent long-term investment.
• Composite Resin Veneers: While more affordable and quicker to apply, composite veneers typically have a shorter lifespan of around 5–7 years. They are more prone to staining and chipping compared to their porcelain counterparts.

Factors That Affect Veneer Lifespan:

1. Teeth Grinding: Excessive grinding or clenching (bruxism) puts stress on veneers, causing cracks or dislodgement.
2. Oral Hygiene: Poor oral care can lead to decay around the veneers or gum recession, compromising their fit and appearance.
3. Diet: Consuming staining foods or hard items can wear veneers prematurely.

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Tips for Veneer Care

Proper care and maintenance are essential for preserving the appearance and functionality of veneers. Here are some expert tips to help you maximize their lifespan:

1. Use Non-Abrasive Toothpaste
   Regular toothpaste can be too abrasive for veneers, especially if it contains harsh whitening agents or baking soda (see why we don’t recommend baking soda!). Switch to a non-abrasive toothpaste specifically formulated for dental restorations. These products protect the veneer surface while keeping your natural teeth clean.
2. Avoid Biting Hard Objects
   Habits like chewing on ice, pens, or hard candy can chip or crack veneers (Especially not chili crab shells!). Even though porcelain veneers are highly durable, they are not immune to physical damage. If you have a habit of biting on non-food items, consciously avoid it to prevent unnecessary stress on your teeth.
3. Minimize Staining Foods and Drinks
   While porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, composite veneers are more prone to discoloration. To keep your smile bright, limit your intake of staining substances like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas. Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming these can help reduce staining.
4. Wear a Mouthguard
   If you participate in sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard is crucial. Custom-fitted guards not only protect veneers but also shield your natural teeth from damage. Nightguards are especially beneficial for those who clench or grind while sleeping.
5. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
   Routine dental visits are essential for maintaining veneers. During checkups, your dentist will:
   • Ensure the veneers are securely bonded.
   • Polish them to maintain their natural luster.
   • Address any early signs of damage or decay around the veneers.

Why Proper Maintenance Matters

Investing in dental veneers is an investment in your smile, confidence, and overall quality of life.

While veneers are designed to be durable, neglecting proper care can significantly shorten their lifespan. For example, failing to address gum recession can expose the edges of veneers, making them susceptible to damage. Similarly, poor oral hygiene increases the risk of decay around the veneer margins, leading to costly repairs or replacements.

By following these simple yet effective tips, you can extend the lifespan of your veneers and maintain a flawless smile. If you’re unsure about specific care routines or need personalized advice, consult your dentist for tailored recommendations.

Summary

Dental veneers enhance smiles by improving colour, alignment, and shape.

The process includes a 3D scan, temporary veneers for colour testing, and using colour-stable cement for long-lasting results.

Taking good care of your dental veneers will ensure they look and feel their best for years to come