Everything you should know about Dental Veneers: Interview with Dr. Goli Ariafar

With a passion for transforming smiles and improving confidence, Dr. Goli Ariafar is a distinguished dentist renowned for her expertise in dental veneers. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and years of experience, she has mastered the art of crafting natural-looking veneers that enhance both form and function, and has established herself as a leading authority in Mississauga.

We sat down with Dr. Ariafar to delve into her insights on the benefits of veneers, the latest advancements in the field of cosmetic dentistry, and her unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind her unparalleled success.

Q1: Dr. Ariafar, thank you for sitting down with us. To start us off, could you take us through your experience and how you came to specialize in dental veneers?

Certainly! My journey toward specializing in dental veneers began during my time at the University of Toronto, where I discovered my natural aptitude for this particular field. Initially, I started off my practice by working on single teeth and smaller cases, and gradually expanded my expertise to include more complex procedures, such as fixing chipped teeth. Along the way, I realized that beyond my technical skills, I also had a knack for the artistic nature of hand-crafting beautiful smiles.

One interesting aspect of my specialization is the scarcity of comprehensive dental veneer courses and certifications offered to practicing dentists in North America - unlike Europe, dentists here tend to focus more on porcelain veneers and place less emphasis on hands-on approaches to cosmetic dentistry. Meanwhile, I would consider myself to be someone who balances the best of both worlds by remaining dedicated to honing my skills and staying up to date with all the latest advancements in the field of dental veneers.

Q2: And out of everything in the field of dental veneers that you've learned over the years, what aspect of your craft would you say is your biggest passion?

Right now, I would definitely say that the most fulfilling part of my career is my ability to fix a patient's smile in one simple session and bring them the confidence they never knew they could reach for when it comes to how they feel about their teeth.

Q3: Amazing! That's a wonderful outlook. Now, for many new patients, dental veneers can be a confusing type of treatment to fully understand. Can you give us a rundown of what the most popular treatment options are for patients when it comes to dental veneers?

Of course! When it comes down to it, there are two main types of veneer treatment options: porcelain veneers, and composite bonded veneers.

Porcelain veneers are made of high-quality dental porcelain, and are durable while looking natural. They're also custom-made to fit over the front of your existing teeth, and can address different kinds of cosmetic concerns, like discolouration, misalignment, and gaps between your teeth. Meanwhile, composite bonded veneers are made from a tooth-coloured resin material, and tend to be the more cost-effective option for a lot of my patients.

For most of my patients, the choice between porcelain and composite veneers mostly depends on their preferences, maintenance needs, and budget considerations, since both of them take the same amount of time to heal, and both need careful maintenance, since they can't be removed once placed.

Q4: What would you say sets porcelain veneers apart the most from composite ones for potential new patients?

Good question! I would start off by saying that porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining compared to composite ones, and tend to have a higher longevity, since they can last 10 to 15 years with proper care and oral hygiene. They're also definitely more invasive, though, because they often require the mild reduction of some of your teeth to accommodate them in your mouth.

Porcelain veneers generally take two to three dental appointments to fully install – once you show up to your appointment, your teeth need to be prepared, impressions have to be taken, and temporary veneers may need to be placed before your final veneers are bonded. Ultimately, the outcome of your porcelain veneers relies on the skill of the lab, whereas composite veneers involve more direct, hands-on sculpting.

I also want to point out that it is possible to start off with composite veneers and transition to porcelain veneers later by upgrading your budget if you change your mind, although the same can't be done in reverse.

Q5: Fascinating. What about composite bonding? What makes it different than porcelain veneers?

Composite bonding has a bit of a shorter lifespan than porcelain veneers, with a usual range of around 8 years, depending on how well you maintain your teeth. Interestingly, though, when considering the total cost of the procedure, composite bonding works out to be similar to porcelain veneers in the long run.

One notable advantage of composite bonding is that you can have it to be completed in just one appointment – usually, within a single day. It's a drill-free and pain-free process that doesn't need any numbing, and is generally a lot less invasive than porcelain veneers. However, it is also more prone to staining, and does have a higher likelihood of needing replacements over time.

A lot of patients tend to choose composite over porcelain because of its flexibility as a treatment, since adjustments can be made in the middle of your actual appointment. It's also worth mentioning that a young and healthy mouth is generally well-suited for composite bonding, while porcelain veneers often need more preparation with your dentist beforehand.

Q6: Thank you! One last question - what do you think is the most important thing for patients to remember when looking into their veneer treatment options?

If I had to pick one thing, I would say that the most important thing for patients to remember is how essential it is to be well-informed about your treatment options when looking into dental veneers. People often associate the word "veneers" with high costs and intimidating procedures, but the reality is that this can be a quick and easy, budget-friendly option for many patients, and has the potential to make a real difference in the quality of your smile.