Veneers
Before (above) & After (below)
What is a Veneer?
Are thin, layered shells of porcelain or composite which can be attached to the teeth. They are used in situations when teeth are damaged, chipped, excessively stained or worn.
They can also be used to alter the shapes of teeth and close gaps between teeth as required. Whilst composite bonding has become popular recently, veneers if looked after well can last longer leaving a stunning long lasting smile. Veneers are not particularly invasive and often require minimal if any natural tooth adjustment at all.
Duration
45 minutes
Appointments
2
Anaesthetic
No
+ What are the Benefits?
- Veneers enable a quick and guaranteed way to correct any minor discrepancies in tooth shape. Usually they are made of porcelain and are performed on 4-6 teeth so that the shade and shape of the new teeth are kept uniform.
- Minor orthodontic discrepancies can be camouflaged with porcelain veneers which could be of benefit particularly if you do not want any orthodontic treatment
- If there are any defects or deep stains which have occurred as the tooth has developed, it can be hard to mask with whitening or composite veneers. Similarly if the underlying enamel has been damaged, porcelain veneers can be used to improve the appearance shape and symmetry of your smile
+ What are the disadvantages?
- Porcelain veneers can be more costly than other forms of smile makeover treatments such as composite bonding as the veneers are made and processed in a specialised lab by a master ceramist.
- As some of the tooth structure is being adjusted and removed, it is an irreversible procedure whereas composite bonding is less invasive. Sensitivity can also occur as a result of this after the porcelain veneers have been placed on the teeth.
+ What is the Process?
The day of the procedure, the dentist will remove a small bit of enamel from each tooth to create a space for the veneer to adhere to and not impede the patient’s bite. Then a putty mould is created of the teeth with that layer of enamel removed. This mould hardens and will be sent to a lab for the veneer creation.
Temporary veneers are prepared and applied while the patient waits for the lab to create the permanent ones. When the permanents arrive, the dentist will apply an acidic gel that dissolves minerals on the surface of each tooth so that there is a rough surface for the veneer to bond to solidly. Cementing the veneers in place is a quick process that involves a special light to speed the hardening process. Once the porcelain veneers are set, they will be bonded to the patient’s teeth in minutes.
