Dental veneers are a very popular cosmetic dental treatment that can be used to help resolve a number of aesthetic flaws – helping our patients to achieve the smile they’ve always wanted.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are custom-made shells comprising of a small, wafer thin layer of porcelain or composite resin that fits over and is bonded to your existing teeth to improve their appearance.
Veneers can be used to help rectify a number of cosmetic issues and can help to change the size, appearance, colour, spacing or shape of the teeth. They are commonly used to help;
- Tooth discolouration
- Close gaps
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Teeth that have been damaged by bruxism (excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching)
- Misalignment
They can be used to treat a single tooth or several at once and provide patients with a natural, healthy looking smile thanks to colour matching technology which will ensure they are the same shade as the existing teeth, for effective results.
The Process of Veneer Treatment
The process of veneer treatment is relatively simple, but this will depend on the individual patient and the dental plan they are following. It could be that they need additional treatments such as composite bonding, whitening, periodontal therapy or orthodontics prior to or after fitting veneers in order to achieve the results they desire.
Here is a brief guide to the veneers process;
– At the initial visit we will take x-rays of your mouth to check that the teeth are healthy.
– A thin layer of enamel (about half a millimetre) will be trimmed off of the tooth or teeth that are going to have the veneer.
– An impression of the mouth and teeth is taken which will be sent to our specialist lab and used to create bespoke, exact match veneers. It usually takes around 2 weeks for them to be made so in the meantime we will provide a temporary veneer to help cover the prepared tooth or teeth.
– At the final veneer fitting the existing teeth are cleaned and prepared with the treated teeth undergoing a ‘roughening’ process which helps to increase the adhesion between the tooth and the veneer. A specialist cement or bonding agent is then used to affix the veneer to the tooth.
– Around 2-4 weeks after the procedure a follow up appointment is recommended so that your dentist can examine the veneers to ensure they are properly placed, that the treatment was a success and that you are happy with the results.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Veneers are a long term solution capable of lasting anywhere from 5 to 20 years. Their lifespan will depend on the type of material they are made from and the wearer. Taking certain precautions can help patients to protect their veneers and help them last longer. These precautions include;
- Avoid habitual chewing on things such as pens or fingernails.
- Don’t ever open or try to cut through things using your teeth (packaging, bottle tops etc.)
- Learn to use your back teeth more effectively for chewing instead of your front teeth.
- Use a retainer or mouth guard at night if you grind your teeth.
- If you play sports protect your veneers with a custom mouth guard.
What Are the Other Options?
Veneers are an extremely effective dental solution that can help a lot of patients achieve the smile they’ve always wanted. However, they will not always be the most suitable option and our veneer specialists will need to ascertain if you are a suitable candidate during your consultation.
It might be that your problem is best resolved using composite bonding, teeth whitening or even Invisalign – whatever your concern, we will explain all of the possible options to help you decide which is best for you.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
As with all dental treatments the cost of veneers will vary depending on the type and the amount that you require as well as any additional treatment.
To find out more about our dental veneers or to book a consultation then please contact us today to speak to one of our friendly team.