Veneers in Amherstburg, ON

SD Family Dentistry offers both porcelain and composite veneers at 79 Richmond Street in Amherstburg. Porcelain veneers are made for us by an outside dental lab and usually take two visits after the consultation, while composite veneers are done chairside. If dental work makes you anxious, nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation are all available for cosmetic treatment. Veneers are not right for every tooth, so the first step is a separate consultation visit where a dentist looks at yours. Call (519) 736-1771 to ask about veneers.

What a veneer is

A veneer is a thin, tooth-coloured layer bonded to the front surface of a tooth to change how it looks. It covers the side people see when you smile and leaves the back of the tooth alone, which is the main difference from a crown. The Ontario Dental Association lists chipped, decayed or stained teeth among the reasons for veneers, and notes they may help close gaps or correct teeth that are slightly crowded or overlapping.

Porcelain and composite veneers

We offer both kinds.

Porcelain veneers are custom shells made outside the office by a dental lab to match the shape and shade planned for your teeth. Because they are made to order, they usually take two visits.

Composite veneers are made from tooth-coloured resin, the same family of material used for white fillings and bonding. They are done chairside at our office, with no dental lab involved.

Which one suits you depends on your teeth, your bite and what you want to change. Your dentist goes over the options with you at a separate first consultation visit and answers your questions before anything is done.

Who is a good candidate

Veneers work on teeth that are healthy underneath. If there is decay or gum disease, that is treated first. According to the Ontario Dental Association, “veneers are only used instead of crowns if sufficient tooth structure and enamel remain.” When a tooth is heavily filled or badly broken, a crown may be the better answer, and the dentist will tell you so.

They are also a cosmetic choice rather than a fix for a bite problem. If your teeth are very crooked, straightening them may be worth discussing first.

How porcelain veneers are done

After the consultation, porcelain veneers usually take two more visits.

At the first of these, the dentist prepares the teeth and records their shape so the lab can make the veneers. The Ontario Dental Association explains that “the tooth enamel needs to be ground down slightly in order to accommodate the veneer,” and that veneer preparation frequently needs local anaesthetic (freezing).

At the second visit, once the lab has made them, the veneers are checked for fit and colour and then bonded to your teeth.

Because a thin layer of enamel is removed and enamel does not grow back, porcelain veneers are a long-term decision. Ask every question you have before your teeth are prepared.

What we do not offer

We do not offer a digital smile preview. Bring photos or notes about what bothers you about your smile, and ask the dentist what veneers can and cannot change for your teeth.

Sedation for cosmetic treatment

Some people put off cosmetic work because they dread the chair. For cosmetic treatment we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation. Whether sedation suits you, and which kind, is decided by the dentist after reviewing your health history. Our sedation dentistry page explains each option.

Looking after veneers

Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth as you would with natural teeth, because the tooth under a veneer can still decay at the edges. Do not use your front teeth to open packages or bite your nails, and wear a mouthguard for contact sports. Veneers can chip or loosen over time, and like other dental work they may need repair or replacement at some point. Regular check-ups let the dentist keep an eye on them.

Veneers in Amherstburg, Ontario

SD Family Dentistry is at 79 Richmond Street, Amherstburg, ON N9V 1G2. Veneers are one part of the cosmetic dentistry we provide, alongside whitening and crowns. You can meet our dentists on our team page.

Veneer FAQs

Does SD Family Dentistry offer porcelain or composite veneers?

Both. We offer porcelain veneers and composite veneers in Amherstburg, and the dentist will explain which one fits your teeth and goals.

How many visits do porcelain veneers take?

Usually two after the consultation. The teeth are prepared at the first visit, an outside dental lab makes the veneers, and they are bonded at the second visit.

Do composite veneers need a dental lab?

No. Composite veneers are done chairside at our office, with no dental lab involved.

Can I see a digital preview of my new smile before treatment?

No. We do not offer a digital smile preview. Tell the dentist what you would like to change, and ask what veneers can and cannot do for your teeth.

Are veneers reversible?

Porcelain veneers are not something you can undo. The Ontario Dental Association notes that the enamel is ground down slightly to make room for the veneer, and enamel does not grow back.

Can I be sedated for veneer treatment?

Yes, sedation is available for cosmetic treatment at our office: nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation. The dentist decides with you whether sedation is suitable and which type.

Am I a candidate for veneers?

You may be if your teeth and gums are healthy and enough tooth structure and enamel remain. If a tooth is too damaged, a crown may be recommended instead. The exam at your consultation visit is the only way to know.

How do I take care of veneers?

Brush and clean between your teeth every day, avoid biting hard objects with your front teeth, wear a mouthguard for sports and keep up with regular check-ups.

Ask about veneers

Call (519) 736-1771 or send us a message through our contact page.