Dental Veneers in Singapore
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells or laminates that are placed over the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. These veneers can be custom-made from ceramic or composite resin to improve the colour and shape of your front teeth. They can be made with high-translucency and appear very lifelike in order to produce a natural, beautiful appearance.
When to Consider Veneers?
- Yellow or Discoloured Teeth: Where teeth are severely discoloured and their appearance cannot be satisfactorily improved through professional tooth whitening alone, veneers present an effective and long-lasting option to significantly improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Minor gaps and deficiencies between teeth can sometimes be effectively closed with veneers while creating a balanced, aesthetic smile.
- Irregularly Shaped Teeth: Teeth which are too small or irregularly shaped (e.g. peg lateral incisors) or which are chipped can be covered and blended with the rest of the smile using veneers.
Types of Dental Veneers in Singapore
-
Ceramic Veneers
Ceramic veneers or porcelain veneers are the most common type of material choice for veneers. They provide superior aesthetics and can be made to blend seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. The fabrication of these veneers requires minimal preparation (shaving down) of your teeth and can be a conservative option to improve your smile. Compared to composite veneers, they do not stain as easily and provide long-lasting, beautiful results.
-
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are made from composite resin material and are bonded directly onto the teeth, generally requiring little to no tooth preparation (shaving down of teeth). While they are generally a cheaper option compared to ceramic veneers, composite resin stains and chips more easily over time.
What Does The Process Of Getting Veneers Involve?
Your dentist will listen to your specific concerns and examine your oral condition to create a customised plan for you. Photographs and tooth moulds may be taken in order to plan the treatment and to carve out a smile design. The process of getting veneers can take 2-3 or more appointments, depending on the complexity of the case and the type of veneers being done.
The Benefits of Dental Veneers
A Natural Appearance
Dental veneers are custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural look.
Stain Resistance
Unlike natural teeth, veneers are highly resistant to stains, keeping your smile bright and white for years.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Veneers can last for over a decade with proper care, making them a durable solution for improving your smile.
Corrects Various Aesthetic Issues
Whether it’s discoloured, chipped, or slightly crooked teeth, veneers offer an effective solution for multiple cosmetic concerns.
Veneers vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference?
1. Coverage
Veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth, while crowns encase the entire tooth, offering more structural support.
2. Material
Both veneers and crowns can be made of porcelain or ceramic, but crowns are often thicker and used for teeth that require more reinforcement.
3. Purpose
Veneers are typically for cosmetic improvements, whereas crowns are more often used to restore damaged or weakened teeth.
4. Tooth Preparation
Veneers require minimal tooth reshaping compared to crowns, which may involve more tooth reduction.
What Affects the Cost of Dental Veneers in Singapore?
1. Type of Material
Porcelain veneers generally cost more than composite veneers due to their durability and lifelike appearance.
2. Number of Veneers
The overall cost will depend on how many veneers you need. A full smile makeover will be more expensive than addressing just one or two teeth.
3. Complexity of the Case
More complicated cases requiring additional treatments, such as gum contouring, can increase the overall cost.
Proper Care for Your Dental Veneers: A Guide
1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brush twice daily and floss regularly to keep your veneers clean and your gums healthy.
2. Avoid Hard Foods
Biting on hard objects like ice or using your teeth as tools can damage your veneers, so it’s best to avoid these habits.
3. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine visits to your dentist will help monitor the condition of your veneers and catch any potential issues early.
4. Minimise Staining Foods
While veneers are stain-resistant, it’s still a good idea to limit foods and drinks like coffee or red wine that can affect their appearance over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Composite veneers can last between 5 to 7 years with proper care and maintenance. However, they may require periodic touch-ups or replacements due to wear, staining, or chipping over time.
Ceramic veneers have a longer lifespan compared to composite veneers, typically lasting between 10 to 15 years or even longer with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. They are highly resistant to staining and offer superior durability.
Ceramic veneers are generally more durable and resistant to staining compared to composite veneers.
Both composite veneers and ceramic veneers can improve the appearance of crooked teeth, but orthodontic treatment may be recommended for more significant misalignment.
Composite veneers can be easily repaired, while ceramic veneers may require replacement if they become damaged or chipped.
The veneer process is generally pain-free. Local anaesthesia is used when necessary, and you might experience minor discomfort afterward, but this usually subsides within a few days.
No, Medisave covers surgical procedures. Dental veneer is considered cosmetic dental procedures hence it is not covered under Medisave.
