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Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can brighten your smile instantly and restore your self-confidence. Not only do porcelain veneers improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth, they also act as a layer of protection from the damage that can be caused by acid in either your stomach or the food and drink you consume.
Veneers are an excellent way of disguising tooth imperfections. They are a bit like the false nails. They are thin ‘covers’ made from either porcelain or composite material placed on top of the natural, existing tooth or teeth and are designed to be more aesthetically pleasing. The shape and colour will be matched seamlessly to blend in with the rest of your teeth.
You can have dental veneers on their own or part of your smile makeover, with teeth whitening or composite bonding.
What are the Steps to place porcelain veneers?
To prepare the teeth, the dentist usually removes a minor amount of tooth structure from the front and sides of the teeth. This makes room for the veneers so that your teeth look natural.
The dentist makes a 3-D scan of the prepared teeth and records the veneer shade that will be best for your smile.
The scan is digitally sent to a dental lab that custom-makes the porcelain veneers to fit your teeth. This may take around 2 weeks. The dentist will give you temporary veneers to wear in the meantime.
At the next visit, the dentist places the veneers on the teeth to check the fit and shape. After any adjustments, the teeth are cleaned, and the veneers are bonded to the teeth.
If you have teeth that are damaged or stained, the fitting of veneers might be the perfect treatment for you. If you are looking for a complete smile makeover involving many veneers or a combination of teeth whitening, composite bonding, or veneers then please refer to smile design from the main drop-down menu.
Consult our expert cosmetic dental team for more information about the placement of porcelain or composite veneers.
They can last for 10 years, but often last much longer with the right care and attention to cleaning and diet.
Composite bonding is completed in a single appointment, whereas porcelain veneers require two visits – the porcelain veneers are made in a lab after impressions of your teeth are taken, which might need to be modified.
Brushing two times each day for two minutes, flossing daily, and wearing a bite guard at night are great ways to protect the veneers. It is also beneficial to avoid eating very hard foods like almonds, or cracking shells with the front veneers.
The surgery has been established for thirty years and is a busy, thriving private practice offering excellent cosmetic and routine dentistry for the whole family. The emphasis of care is on quality and an ethical approach promoting education and prevention. Care for all the generations is a priority and high standards of cross infection control are paramount.