fbpx
BOOK ONLINE
(03) 9042 0483
Gorgeous Smiles logo
BOOK ONLINE
(03) 9042 0483
Gorgeous Smiles logo
BOOK ONLINE
(03) 9042 0483
Home / Blog / FAQs / Can I Get A Veneer For One Tooth?

Can I Get A Veneer For One Tooth?

Medically reviewed by Dr Minoo Ghamari  / Oct 24, 2024  
Medically reviewed by Dr Minoo Ghamari  
Oct 24, 2024  
Can I Get A Veneer For One Tooth?

Veneers are typically used for your entire set of teeth, but can you use them when you have one tooth you want to conceal? That's what we are here to find out!

Veneers are a popular choice across Australia, helping countless patients transform their smile without surgery. In some cases, the cosmetic dental treatment can be used on one or a few teeth, hiding your discoloured tooth, smoothing a chipped tooth, and other cosmetic dental issues. Our guide today explores how veneer can be used for one tooth, whether this is the right choice for you and more!

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are custom-made to cover the front surface of your teeth. These are made from porcelain or a composite resin and can be used to permanently change the shape and colour of your smile. A cosmetic dentist uses veneers to cover your natural teeth, helping to brighten your smile, cover crooked teeth and fill in any gaps.

Veneers can last up to ten years and are a minimally invasive procedure compared to implants secured into your jaw. They are a quick solution, especially if you wish to cover a discoloured tooth. Veneers are often used to replace all of your teeth on display, but you can use them for smaller sections if you prefer.

Types of veneers

Three common types of veneers can be applied to your teeth, changing their shape, filling in any gaps and brightening your smile. We have outlined these below to help you see which type of veneer is right for you.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers, otherwise known as traditional veneers, involve filing your teeth down and permanently adding veneers. Your teeth will be filed extensively, and the porcelain veneers will be bonded to them. These will last for around ten years before needing to be replaced. As your teeth have been filed down, you must replace the veneers to enjoy normal tooth function.

Composite veneers

Composite veneers are less invasive and tend to be cheaper than porcelain veneers. Your teeth need to be lightly filed for the composite veneers but not to the extent of porcelain veneers. Once ready, a thin resin is applied to your teeth and sculpted into place, creating a new smile. Composite veneers are perfect for filling in small gaps, straightening your smile, and smoothing crooked teeth.

No prep veneers

No prep veneers require hardly any filing, making them a great option for those who want to protect their teeth. The ultra-thin veneers are usually made from porcelain 0.33 mm thick, increasing the size of small teeth and hiding gaps or chips. Your teeth might be etched lightly, but there is no need to file them, allowing for instant application. No prep veneers can be cheaper depending on your chosen brand and can last for five to seven years.

Can I get a veneer for one tooth?

You can get a veneer for one tooth, allowing you to fix a chipped or crooked tooth without needing to replace or cover several teeth. One veneer is a good option if you have a severely discoloured tooth and aren't looking to brighten your entire smile.

While you can have one veneer tooth, it's worth considering how the rest of your smile will look when the veneer is added. It might make the rest of your teeth appear more discoloured than they are or stand out against your teeth, making it obvious that you have on veneer. In many cases, it can be better to add multiple veneers, straightening an entire section or filling in any gaps.

During a consultation appointment, your dentist will discuss your options with you and whether one veneer would look out of place in your mouth. If they think one veneer is not your best option, they will offer alternatives to provide the smile you want.

How much does a veneer for one tooth cost?

How much one veneer costs varies depending on the material used. Generally, one veneer costs the following:

  • Porcelain veneer - $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth

  • Composite veneer - $300 to $600 per tooth

  • No prep veneer - $800 to $2000 per tooth

During your consultation, your dentist will discuss the type of veneer that is best for you and the cost. You can pay for the veneer in full, or we have several payment plans available where you can spread the cost without waiting for your smile. Many of our plans are interest-free, too, and we can discuss which option is best for you during a consultation.

How long will it take for one veneer to be added to my tooth?

It can around three weeks for a veneer to be added to your tooth. The timeframe does vary, depending on how long it takes for your veneers to be made and the appointment availability. You will be given an accurate timescale during your initial consultation.

How is a veneer attached to one tooth?

The process of attaching veneers to your teeth varies slightly depending on your type of veneer. However, you can expect them to be installed using a similar process as the one outlined below:

Step 1 - Consultation

All veneer treatments begin with a consultation, where your dentist will discuss the issue you wish to correct and examine your mouth. They will take scans if needed, and any impressions to help you see how your new veneer will look. They will also advise whether multiple veneers would be better suited to your smile and discuss the cost and treatment plans available to you.

For porcelain and no prep veneers, impressions must be taken before your veneer can be created. You will need to wait for the veneer to be made before your treatment can progress. As it is just one tooth being created, the wait should not be too long.

Step 2 - Tooth prep

Your teeth must be prepared for veneers to be placed. For porcelain veneers, your tooth must be filed down for the veneer to be attached. The filing can be quite extensive and feel a little uncomfortable. A local anesthetic will be offered to remove any pain.

Your teeth will be filed lightly for composite veneers, giving the resin something to bond. This is not as extensive as the filing for porcelain veneers, but it can still be uncomfortable, and local anesthetic can be provided.

There is far less tooth prep for no-prep veneers. You might have some light etching or scoring on the front of your tooth to help the veneer bond, but this will not be as extensive.

Step 3 - Temporary veneer

A temporary veneer is provided for porcelain veneers while your veneers are being made. As you only have the veneer for one tooth, you might not need this step, depending on how long you wait for your veneer. If the veneer can not be placed on the same day as the filing, a temporary veneer will be offered to hide the filed tooth and give you some normal tooth function.

Step 4 - Veneer placement

Once your tooth is prepped, your veneer can be bonded to it. Porcelain veneers and no-prep veneers are added directly to your tooth, covering its front. Composite veneers are applied slightly differently. A thin resin layer is applied to your tooth and sculpted to create the new tooth front. The composite is then cured with a light and polished to make it hard and replicate your natural tooth.

Step 5 - Aftercare

Your veneer tooth should be cared for like other teeth, brushing and flossing regularly. We also recommend that you attend regular dental appointments to ensure your veneer is functioning properly and maintain good oral health.

What issues can I fix with one veneer?

One veneer can be used to address several issues with one tooth:

  • Discolouration

  • Crooked tooth

  • Chipped tooth

  • Smaller tooth than surrounding teeth

  • Cracked tooth

  • Covering a missing tooth

You need to qualify for veneers to be used to address the issue on your tooth. To qualify, you must have good oral health, free from gum disease. Your tooth needs to be healthy, with a good amount of enamel on, especially as they are being filed down.

A single veneer is unsuitable for treating misaligned bites or large gaps between teeth, whereas multiple veneers or dental implants would be better. During your consultation, your dentist will discuss whether you are a suitable candidate for veneers and if a single veneer is the best option for your smile goals.

How do I look after my new veneer?

The aftercare for a veneer is quite straightforward, and you can care for it as you would with your other teeth. It should be brushed and flossed regularly, although take care with the toothbrush and paste you use. Abrasive toothpaste and hard-bristled toothbrushes can scratch your veneer, impacting its appearance and lifespan. You should also attend regular appointments with your dentist to ensure your veneer is functioning properly and your mouth is healthy.

Final thoughts

A veneer can be used for a single tooth, but you must consider how it will look next to the surrounding teeth before having it placed. A single veneer is an excellent choice for minor issues like a severely discoloured tooth or a cracked tooth that impacts your smile, but multiple veneers should be used to straighten your smile or brighten it. Why not book an appointment with us to see what veneers could do for your smile?

Leave a Reply

CONTACT US
Your Local Dentist in Melbourne
BOOK ONLINE
© 2020 Gorgeous Smiles Dental. All rights reserved
cross