Facings

“I broke a tooth after falling from my bicycle. A facing was recommended to me by my dentist. The result is indistinguishable from the real thing!”

Facings: composite or porcelain?

There are two types of facings: porcelain facings and composite facings. Veneers are ideally suited for repairing damaged teeth and broken corners, filling gaps between the teeth and concealing crooked teeth.

Composite facings: the pros and cons at a glance

Advantages:

• Particularly affordable
• Only one treatment necessary
• Simple to repair

Disadvantages:

• These facings are more prone to discoloration
• Do not last as long as porcelain facings
• Have a somewhat dull appearance

Porcelain facings: the pros and cons at a glance

Advantages:

• Porcelain facings are hardly subject to discoloration
• They last an exceptionally long time
• They have a very natural appearance

Disadvantages:

• These facings are a bit more costly than composite facings
• Their placing is performed in several treatments

The placement of porcelain facings

Several separate treatments are scheduled for the placement of porcelain facings. Because this type of facing is developed in our dental laboratory, we cannot place porcelain facings directly on your teeth.

Step 1: The initial consultation and treatment plan.

The initial consultation is designed to perform an oral examination and discuss your needs. Then the treatment plan and budget are drawn up. Using a color swatch, you decide the exact color of your facing in consultation with the specialist.

Step 2: Preparing the tooth

The second appointment is to prepare the tooth on which the facing will be placed. The thickness of porcelain facings is half a millimeter. Therefore, it is necessary to grind your own tooth first. This is done in a minimally invasive way, which means that we never grind more than is absolutely necessary. We then use a contingency device to ensure that the prepared tooth is not visible.

Step 3: Fabricating the porcelain facings.

During the same consultation, an impression of your teeth is made using a plaster mould. Based on that impression, the dental technician in the laboratory manufactures the facing so that it is sent to us in the correct shape and color.

Step 4: Placing the porcelain facings.

During the follow-up appointment (about 2-3 weeks later), we can place the facing we have now received. First, the contingency is removed. Then, your tooth is roughened with a dental etching. Then we apply a bonding layer to the tooth and the porcelain facing is placed on top, with the immediate result being beautiful teeth. After this appointment, you will be able to eat and drink as normal.

Placing a composite facing

Composite facings require only one treatment: they are placed directly on your teeth.

Step 1: The initial consultation and treatment plan.

The initial consultation is designed to go over your needs and perform an oral examination. Then the treatment plan and budget are prepared. Together with the specialist, you will decide the color of your facings and can make a new appointment for placement immediately afterwards.

Step 2: Roughening of the tooth

The second consultation! First, your tooth or molar is prepared to ensure that the facing adheres properly. Nothing is ground off your own tooth; with composite veneers, it remains completely intact.

Step 3: Placing the facing and perfecting the shape

The dental specialist applies a special bonding layer to ensure that the facing adheres properly to the tooth. Once this bonding layer has hardened, we apply the composite layer by layer. Each composite layer is cured briefly. Then your facing is ground into the perfect shape and the surface is polished smooth. Immediately after the treatment is completed, you can eat and drink again. If you consume hot drinks, caution is advised: it is best to do this only after the anaesthesia has worn off.

How much do facings cost?

The cost of dental facings varies from person to person and depending on factors such as the number of facings you need and whether you choose porcelain or composite facings. Still, to provide a general idea of costs, here are the prices for each individual facing:

Facings: de feiten

Will I notice anything about my facing?

A facing feels like your own tooth, but at first it may take some getting used to, for example, if we have changed the shape of your teeth. Also, if we have lengthened your teeth slightly with facings, talking may be uncomfortable at first. After a week, most people are completely used to their new facings.

How long will my facings last?

Porcelain facings last about 25 years, while composite facings need to be replaced after 5 years. How long your facings last also depends on how carefully you treat your teeth and how well and regularly you keep them clean. Habits such as teeth grinding or nail biting usually reduce the lifespan of dental facings.

Should I consider additional maintenance?

In terms of maintenance and hygiene, you can compare your dental facings to your own teeth. Of course, we highly recommend brushing both your teeth and your facings with a soft toothbrush to easily remove dirt without damaging gums in the process. Additionally, it is recommended that you clean your teeth every day with dental floss, toothpicks, or brushes and that you schedule periodic check-ups every six months.

Can I eat everything with facings?

We advise against using your teeth to tear off adhesive tape. In addition, try not to bite down on hard candy, nails or a pen. Other than that, you can eat just about anything.