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Dental veneers are one of the most popular ways to create a more perfect and attractive smile. Treatment is minimally invasive and long-lasting. Modern porcelains that create these veneers are strong, durable, stain-resistant, and beautiful. The primary aim of porcelain veneers is to improve appearance. They can also restore teeth that have minor damage.
A veneer is a thin shell of porcelain made to fit precisely over the surface of a front tooth. It usually covers the entire surface of the front tooth, including the sides and biting or incisal edge. The porcelain used to create veneers has excellent translucency, closely replicating a real tooth, yet can hide imperfections underneath.
Veneers are an indirect restoration, meaning they are made outside of the mouth using a mold of your teeth. Once made, they are bonded or cemented onto the tooth surface. Once in place, porcelain veneers have a strength similar to real teeth.
Veneers are ideal for masking minor problems with the appearance of a tooth. Consider this treatment if you have any of the following issues including:
Treatment is best for teeth that are generally strong and healthy without any large fillings, decay, or other damage. If you have a tooth that has a larger chip or significant decay, we may suggest a porcelain crown instead. A dental crown covers the entire tooth, not just the front surface, and provides greater protection.
If you clench and grind your teeth (bruxism), then this must be treated before you can have veneers. Otherwise, the habit will soon crack and chip your porcelain veneers.
Some people only need or choose to have one or two veneers. Others will opt for multiple veneers covering most or all teeth visible in their smile line. Porcelain veneers are suitable for upper and lower front teeth.
A dental exam will soon determine if this treatment is right for you, and if so, how many veneers would be ideal for achieving your aims.
There are two types of veneers: conventional and prepless.
These are the most frequently prescribed veneers and require teeth to be prepared before placement. During this treatment, a tiny amount of tooth enamel, typically just 0.5mm, is removed from the tooth’s front surface.
Preparation is necessary to create enough room to accommodate the veneer and ensure it looks natural. Without preparation, there is a risk the veneer will look too big and feel uncomfortable. Because teeth are prepared, treatment is irreversible.
You will need at least two visits to prepare your teeth and fit your veneers.
We will numb your teeth before carefully removing a minimal amount of tooth enamel, only removing the minimum required. Once prepared, we take a dental impression and choose the shade for your new veneers. The information is sent to our on-site dental lab. Temporary veneers protect your teeth while your permanent veneers are custom-made.
Once your veneers are ready, normally two weeks later, you return so we can remove your temporary veneers. It isn’t usually necessary to numb your teeth for this visit. Our cosmetic dentist will try in your new veneers and make any adjustments, so they fit perfectly. You can preview them at this stage to ensure you are entirely happy with the results. They are then bonded in place with special cement that is light-hardened.
These veneers require no tooth preparation, as they are created from a special type of extremely strong and translucent porcelain. Conventional veneers are usually 0.5mm thick, but prepless or prep-free veneers are around 0.2mm thick.
Because no tooth enamel is removed, treatment is, in theory, reversible. However, not everyone is suitable for prepless veneers, and they are only suitable for specific situations. For example, if you have a tooth slightly out of line or rotated, our dentist will need to carefully reshape it to bring it back into alignment before covering it with a veneer.
You will need to visit us at least twice for treatment.
Even if we don’t need to prepare your teeth, we must still take a dental impression, choose the correct porcelain shade, and send the information to the dental lab. Because no preparation is needed, we will not need to numb your teeth. There is also no need for temporary veneers.
You return approximately two weeks later for fitting. The fitting process is the same as for conventional veneers.
After your conventional or prepless veneers are initially fitted, they might feel a bit strange but should feel comfortable. They shouldn’t affect your ability to speak or eat.
You will quickly become accustomed to how they feel, but if you are concerned, we are only a phone call away for help and advice.
The cost depends on the type of veneers chosen and the number required. Generally, prepless veneers are a little more expensive but are made from strong, long-lasting porcelain.
When you visit us for your initial consultation, we can provide a custom treatment plan breaking down the cost of each option. If you are suitable for both conventional and prep-free veneers, we can discuss each in more detail so you can make an informed choice.
Porcelain veneers are simple to care for as you can brush them and floss around them exactly like the rest of your teeth. You do not need to do anything different but must commit to caring for them properly. Looking after them will prolong their lifespan. Well-cared-for veneers can last ten years or more.
Treating your veneers as gently as if they were your real teeth is important. Avoid using them to open packets. Try not to chew your nails or bite on hard objects like pens, pencils, or hard foods. If a habit could harm your real teeth, it could easily crack a veneer. Porcelain veneers cannot be mended easily and would almost certainly need to be replaced.
Ensure you visit us regularly for checkups and hygiene appointments so we can clean them professionally and keep them looking their best. Regular checkups allow us to assess their condition so they can be replaced when necessary.
Press-on or snap-on veneers are designed to clip over teeth and can be purchased online without involving a dentist. Although cheap, they can look large and unnatural and trap food and dental plaque, placing your dental health at risk. They also have a limited lifespan. Your teeth are precious, and any dental appliance made to fit in your mouth is always best made and fitted by a dentist.
Veneers are a wonderful treatment, but they may not be right for every situation. As discussed earlier, dental crowns are sometimes a better choice. Using veneers to bring teeth back into alignment isn’t always possible. Porcelain veneers can only really be used in this situation for teeth that are slightly out of line.
Adult orthodontics can be preferable if your teeth are more significantly misaligned. Modern orthodontic systems like Invisalign are extremely effective, and while treatment takes longer, it can be a worthwhile investment in your smile. For example, you may need fewer veneers once your teeth are straighter.
Are you considering porcelain veneers? We can answer all your questions and discuss if veneers are suitable, and if so, how many are needed or desirable to help improve your smile.
