Your New Smile
At Geelong West Dental, we are experienced in using porcelain veneers and crowns to help you maintain a natural-looking smile. They harmonise with your natural teeth to restore teeth functionality and aesthetics.
Crafted from high-quality materials, our bespoke veneers are designed to address teeth concerns such as stains, chips, gaps and misalignment to improve your smile. Meanwhile, our porcelain crowns provide alternative solutions for damaged, weakened and/or discoloured teeth.
Unsure if dental veneers or porcelain crowns are suitable for you? Our dentists in Geelong are ready to help you find the most appropriate solution to achieve your smile goals.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from tooth-coloured materials such as porcelain or composite resin. These shells are made to bond with and cover the front surface of teeth, addressing cosmetic concerns and improving the overall smile.
Dental veneers can be considered for patients looking to address cosmetic concerns such as discolouration, misalignment, uneven spacing or irregular tooth shape. Ideal candidates for our bespoke dental veneers in Geelong typically have:
- Healthy teeth, free from issues like decay or gum disease.
- Sufficient tooth enamel to aid the veneer placement process.
- Commitment to good oral hygiene; maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for the longevity of veneers.
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What Are Porcelain Crowns?
Crowns – otherwise known as dental caps – are tooth-shaped caps that cover the entire surface of your teeth. They are usually made from a variety of materials such as metal, resin and porcelain, and they are used to restore the shape, strength and appearance of damaged teeth.
Crowns provide durable solutions for teeth issues such as:
- Damaged and/or eroded teeth
- Large dental fillings that affect teeth integrity
- Severe dental decay
- Undersized or missing teeth
As with dental veneers, suitable candidates for crowns should also be in good dental health and be committed to maintaining good oral hygiene.
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Understanding The Digital Smile Design Process
Digital Smile Design (DSD) encompasses a range of innovative treatments designed to improve your smile with precision and personalisation. Dental veneers and porcelain crowns are some of the treatments we provide as part of this process.
Step 1
Our experienced dentists will conduct an initial complimentary consultation to understand your dental concerns. They will then examine your dentition to determine your oral health condition, including the health of present teeth, gums, jaw muscles and more.
Step 2
Post-consultation, we may collect more information such as dental radiographs. We will also take photos and digital scans of your teeth for your treatment planning. Then, we work with our ceramist using the latest technology to create a bespoke smile design for you, which may be digitally mapped onto your face to simulate the smile we plan to achieve.
If porcelain veneers or crowns are used, these will be customised based on the shape, width, height, and shade of your teeth to close gaps and potentially mask discolourations.
Step 3
Once the digital smile design is completed, we will schedule a follow-up appointment for you to review and discuss any modifications you may wish. We will also discuss the timeframe to complete this case, as well as the estimated number of appointments required. If you approve, we will print a 3D model of the design and schedule your appointments for your treatment.
For porcelain veneers and crowns, your teeth will need to be carefully prepared and digitally scanned. Then, sets of temporary veneers and crowns are made based on your 3D model and placed on your teeth for as long as your case requires. In many cases however, we proceed straight to fitting the final sets of porcelain crowns and veneers.
Step 4
Once the final sets of porcelain veneers or crowns are fabricated, we remove the temporary sets on your teeth. We then cement the final veneers and crowns permanently and schedule a review appointment as needed.
Here Are Some FAQs About Our Crowns and Dental Veneers in Geelong
What is the relationship between smile design dentistry and dental veneers?
Digital smile design is the overarching plan for your smile, encompassing considerations of tooth colour, shape, and alignment. Meanwhile, dental veneers and crowns are a alternative solutions within the smile design plan, addressing various dental concerns for individual teeth.
What is the recovery process and aftercare like for this treatment?
Temporary Veneers/Crowns
Temporary veneers may be worn for up to a few weeks before the final veneers are inserted. Their material is not as strong and durable as the permanent versions; hence you should avoid chewy, hard or sticky food to prevent de-bonding or breaking the restorations. Colour-rich food, especially those containing turmeric and spices, can also stain the veneers.
We encourage chewing on the side of the mouth opposite where the temporary veneers are placed. We also recommend brushing the restorations gently and not flossing directly around the temporary material.
Permanent Veneers/Crowns
Once the permanent veneers are cemented, you should avoid eating hard, chewy or sticky foods in the first 24 hours to ensure they remain intact. The recovery period is approximately a week, and you should expect some inflammation, sensitivity and irritation during this time. However, they will eventually subside.
We recommend brushing your teeth and flossing more gently during the healing period to maintain your veneers. Warm saltwater rinses may also help reduce gum swelling. If discomfort, soreness or pain on biting persists after the recovery period, please call our smile design dental clinic.
Are there any risks from getting crowns and/or dental veneers?
Like any other dental procedure, there are certain risks and complications associated with these treatments, such as:
Infection Around the Crown
In some cases, there may be an infection under a dental crown. Symptoms may include sharp pain in the affected area, swelling or redness. Our experienced dentists will assess the tooth and discuss suitable options, which may involve removal of the crown or root canal treatment.
Loose Crowns
If a dental crown becomes loose, it may de-bond and need replacement. Please call us as soon as possible when this happens so that we may assess the problem. The crown may be re-cemented or replaced if needed.
Sensitivity
It is common to experience sensitivity after the porcelain veneers or crowns are cemented. This should resolve in one to two weeks. However, prolonged sensitivity will need further assessment.
Chipped or Fractured Crowns
Chipping or fracturing of crowns may occasionally happen due to various factors, including habitual grinding or lack of underlying tooth structure. Our experienced dentists will assess and determine suitable treatment options, which may include replacing the crowns and recommending a nightguard for grinding management.
Cavities
It is possible for decay to happen between the interface of the porcelain veneers or crowns and the tooth surface. Good oral hygiene is important to minimise this risk.
Is the procedure painful?
Our procedures are designed with your comfort in mind. If you suffer from dental fear, our dentists may suggest alternative options such as sleep dentistry or happy gas during your smile design treatment.
How long can dental veneers and crowns last?
Veneers and crowns, if maintained well, may last for 10 years or more. However, just like natural tooth enamel, they may still wear down, become damaged or crack if subjected to trauma or teeth-grinding habits.
Regular dental checkups are recommended to ensure your veneers and crowns are in good health. They may also need to be replaced over time to ensure longevity.
Are dental veneers and crowns reversible?
While dental veneers and crown are considered a permanent cosmetic solution, they may be replaced, adjusted and reshaped if necessary. Our dentists will discuss the details of these procedures during your consultation.
Can I undergo smile design without getting veneers at Geelong West Dental?
Absolutely. Not everyone requires dental veneers. Smile design orthodontics is a comprehensive approach involving braces or clear aligners; our dental professionals will tailor the smile design plan to your unique needs, incorporating various cosmetic dentistry techniques as necessary.
Case Studies
Photography and permission to post given by patients. Photos are an indication of results which may vary between individuals. Consultation is required for further assessment.
Digital Smile Design Case 1: Digital smile design utilising upper porcelain crowns and bridges to replace missing upper teeth (patient was wearing upper partial denture initially), improve shape, colour and appearance, and protection of the upper teeth. Photos were taken at baseline and one week after bonding.
Digital Smile Design Case 3: Ange had upper crowns, bridges and implants to replace missing posterior (back) teeth, alter shape and colour of the front teeth, and protect her teeth from bruxism(grinding). Photos were taken at baseline and one week after insertion.
Digital Smile Design Case 2: This patient had porcelain veneers, crowns and bridges to protect his upper teeth from grinding and to replace the failing root-canal treated, discoloured teeth. Photos were taken at baseline and one week after bonding.
Digital Smile Design Case 4: This patient came to see us looking for options to replace his loose teeth due to advanced gum disease. We also discussed options to replace his missing teeth.We bonded an upper fixed porcelain crown and bridge and replaced his lower front teeth with an interim removable prosthesis in preparation for future implants, thereby restoring aesthetics and chewing function.
Photos were taken at baseline and immediately after insertion of upper bridge.
Why Choose Us?
Patient-Centred Care
Our highly-skilled dentists work closely with you to understand your dental concerns and goals. You will be provided with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, discuss your options, and see the envisioned results before we start the treatment.
Customised Digital Smile Design
We design bespoke digital smile designs including dental veneers, implants, and more that harmonise with your facial features. Each dental treatment is meticulously crafted to complement your individuality.
Long-Term Results
The products used by our dentists are made from durable materials that are resistant to staining and wear, with proper maintenance.
Welcoming Environment
We are committed to delivering personalised digital smile design and veneers in a warm and welcoming environment with a team of friendly and professional dentists.
Accessible Payment Options
At Geelong West Dental, we do our best to ensure that our dental services are as accessible as possible. We offer several payment options for your convenience, such as an interest-free payment plan for two years.