Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are a popular choice for patients looking to repair tooth damage or improve the overall appearance of their smile. Custom veneers can correct chips, cracks, gaps between teeth, tooth discoloration, and crooked teeth, resulting in a brighter, more aesthetically appealing smile that will last for years.
As South Africa’s leading cosmetic dentists, we help our patients achieve the smile of their dreams and boost their confidence with porcelain veneers, right here in Cape Town.
Case by Dr Mark Bowes
Drag circle to see before and after
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain (0.3 to 0.5mm) or composite resin applied directly to the entire front surface of the tooth. They are commonly used in aesthetic dentistry. Veneers are custom-designed to match the shape and color of the patient’s natural teeth, offering a seamless and symmetrical look.
Porcelain veneers are more durable than composite resin veneers and do not stain easily. They are bonded directly to the tooth’s enamel surface using a special type of cement for long-lasting results. When properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last upwards of 15 years.
Porcelain veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth after removing a thin layer of enamel to make room for the veneers. Veneers can be applied to one or multiple teeth. Often, veneers are applied to 6 or 8 teeth to brighten and reshape the entire smile. The veneer application process is minimally invasive and completed using the highest quality materials for the most natural look.
They can correct many cosmetic and structural issues, making them a top choice over other veneer types.
Digital smile design (DSD) in the planning of porcelain veneers
Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a process used by dentists and cosmetic dentists to design and plan cosmetic dental procedures, including porcelain veneers. It involves using digital technology, such as computer-aided design (CAD) software and digital photography, to create a detailed plan for the patient’s smile makeover.
The process can be compared to an architect drawing up plans for a building. The plans are converted to a model and if the client is satisfied the construction of the house can begin.
The role of Digital Smile Design in the process of creating porcelain veneers is significant. By using DSD, the dentist can visualize the patient’s desired smile outcome and create a treatment plan that is customized to their unique needs and goals.
This can help to ensure that the porcelain veneers will look natural and aesthetically pleasing, and that they will function properly.
During the DSD process, the dentist will take digital photographs and measurements of the patient’s teeth and gums, and use CAD software to create a 3D model of the proposed changes to the patient’s smile. This model can be adjusted and refined until the patient is satisfied with the design. The final design can then be used to create the porcelain veneers in a dental laboratory.
Overall, Digital Smile Design can help to ensure that the porcelain veneers are a good fit for the patient’s mouth and face and that they meet the patient’s expectations for their new smile. It can also help to improve communication between the patient and the dentist, and ensure that the patient is fully involved in the treatment planning process.
Book an appointment on our new booking service with one of our oral health professionals and specialists in different fields of dentistry.
If you require urgent assistance or have a dental emergency, kindly email hello@enamel.clinic or contact our WhatsApp line +27 60 941 0291
