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DENTAL VENEERS
Veneers are thin, custom-made coverings designed to fit over the front surface of teeth, commonly used in cosmetic dentistry to enhance the appearance of natural teeth. They can effectively address various dental imperfections such as discoloration, chips, cracks, and irregularities in shape or size.
Dental veneers can be bonded directly to the teeth, though sometimes the tooth surface may need to be abraded for a more effective bond. They can be applied to several teeth at the same time to ensure aesthetic continuity of the teeth.
A veneer can be made of either porcelain or composite.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are of a strong material that is made at the lab. This method does require some tooth abrasion to allow for a flush fit of the veneer. It offers complete coverage of the tooth and is often chosen for teeth that are slightly out of place, but orthodontic treatment is not desired, or have heavy staining/trauma that requires more coverage.
Pros...
Strong material, less likely to fracture or chip / Low maintenance for staining / Can sometimes replace the need for orthodontics
Cons...
Requires two visits / More costly due to lab fees
Tooth abrasion is required
Composite veneers
Composite veneers can be made directly whilst you are in the chair since the material is accessible for the dentist and does not require lab intervention.
This method requires minimal, if any, tooth abrasion, and the shape and shade of the veneer dictated throughout the process by you and your dentist.
Pros...
One visit / Minimal tooth abrasion / Control of appearance throughout the process
Cons...
More chance of fracture or chip / Higher maintenance for stain removal
what happens during a veneer appointment
Your dentist will have discussed your desires about the appearance of your smile at your consultation. A treatment plan should now be in place, outlining the method and pricing of the Veneer appointment.
The tooth/teeth are prepared accordingly. If you are having porcelain, this will involve some removal of enamel to accommodate the veneer. A digital scan is then taken of the area and sent to the lab. A shade is taken from adjacent teeth using a shade guide and pictures and sent to the lab for precise shade matching. A temporary veneer is then made to protect the tooth from sensitivity, and potential damage and for aesthetic reasons.
A second appointment is made approximately 10 days later to have your new porcelain veneers fitted. Local anaesthetic is offered if required, and the temporary veneers are gently removed. The tooth is cleansed, and the new Veneers are fitted with permanent cement and adjusted if necessary to perfect the fit and appearance.
If you are having composite teeth veneers, the tooth is cleansed with a special gel that creates a surface on the tooth suitable for bonding of composite. The composite is shade matched against your natural teeth, then placed onto the area and moulded over the tooth surface, being manipulated into the desired shape. It is then set hard with a special light. Adjustments are made to perfect the shape and fit.
Dental veneer aftercare
Anything new in the mouth can take a while to get used to, or may feel alien for a while, here is some advice and tips to follow after you have had a veneer.
- If you have had local anaesthetic, it may take up to 4-6 hours for the effects to wear off. During this time, please ensure that you refrain from chewing your lip, inner cheek, tongue or soft tissues and drinking hot drinks to avoid unwittingly causing trauma to the area.
- Your mouth has been worked on, so there may naturally be a small amount of tenderness, bruising and sensitivity to the area for a couple of days. If there are still worsening symptoms of pain after 7 days, contact the practice for advice.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold are relatively normal for a short period of time after a white filling, and you should find that this settles after a few weeks. However, if you experience a prolonged period of sensitivity to temperature, or it worsens, please contact the practice for advice.
- Your temporary veneer is designed to be just that, temporary! This is to ensure the ease of removal for when it is time to place your permanent veneer. Because of this, sometimes the temporary veneer can come off prior to your second appointment. If this happens, call the practice for advice - we can normally see you within the day to place it back on and keep your tooth protected.
- In the unlikely event your permanent veneer de-bonds and comes off, we can usually see you within 24 hours to assess what has happened and re-cement your veneer back on.
- If your composite veneer chips or fractures, we can usually see you within 48 hours to assess what has happened and restore it.
- To preserve your veneers, you should maintain a good oral health routine at home, brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and limiting stain-rich food and drinks such as red wine, black coffee, turmeric and oil-based tomato sauce.
dental veneer faqs
Dental veneers are a cosmetic dental solution that can effectively address a range of aesthetic concerns related to the appearance of teeth. They are particularly beneficial for covering chipped teeth, as well as improving the appearance of crooked teeth by creating a straighter smile. Veneers cover the front surface of teeth, masking imperfections such as discolouration, cracks, and irregularities in tooth shape or size. They are designed to enhance the natural appearance of teeth without compromising their structure or enamel. However, it’s important to note that veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes and may not be suitable for replacing missing teeth or correcting severe orthodontic issues.
Veneers and crowns serve different purposes in dental care. Veneers are a primarily cosmetic treatment, covering the front surface of teeth to improve appearance by addressing issues like discoloration or chips. They are typically made from porcelain or composite material. A dental crown, on the other hand, encases the entire tooth, providing both cosmetic enhancement and structural support for extensively weak or damaged teeth. They can be made from various materials and are used when a tooth needs more comprehensive restoration. The choice between veneers and crowns depends on the specific dental condition and goals, determined through consultation with a dentist.
The process of getting dental veneers, whether porcelain or composite, typically involves several steps. First, the dentist assesses and prepares the teeth by removing a small amount of natural tooth enamel to accommodate the veneers. Next, impressions of the prepared teeth are taken to create custom-made veneers that match the desired shape and colour. Temporary veneers may be placed while the permanent ones are crafted in a dental lab. Once ready, the dentist carefully bonds the veneers to the front surface of the teeth using dental cement, ensuring a secure fit that enhances the appearance while preserving the natural tooth structure.
Both porcelain and traditional veneers are considered permanent dental solutions because they involve the removal of a thin layer of enamel from the surface of a tooth to accommodate them. This alteration means that once veneers are placed, they cannot be removed without replacing them. While veneers can last for many years with proper care and maintenance, they may need to be replaced eventually due to wear or damage over time. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial for ensuring the longevity and health of veneers and the underlying tooth structure.
Yes, veneers, whether porcelain or composite, have a very natural look and are designed to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth. Porcelain veneers, in particular, mimic the translucency and sheen of natural tooth enamel, providing a lifelike appearance. Composite veneers can also be customised to match the colour and contour of your natural teeth, ensuring a natural-looking smile.
The lifespan of dental veneers, including traditional porcelain veneers, varies depending on factors like oral hygiene and daily habits. Typically, veneers can last between 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are essential to maintain their durability and aesthetic appeal.
The stain resistance of veneers depends on the type of veneer used, whether porcelain or composite. Porcelain veneers are generally more stain-resistant compared to composite veneers, as porcelain is a non-porous material that repels stains from foods, beverages, and tobacco. However, it’s important to note that maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding highly pigmented substances can help preserve the natural appearance and stain resistance of both types of veneers over time.
There are several alternatives to veneers that dentists may recommend based on individual dental needs. Dental bonding is a common alternative where a tooth-coloured resin is applied to the teeth and hardened with a special light, correcting minor imperfections like chips or gaps. Teeth whitening treatments can be used to brighten teeth and improve their appearance without altering their structure.
Orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners may be recommended to straighten teeth and correct misalignments. Additionally, dental crowns can provide coverage for more extensive damage or structural issues, offering both cosmetic enhancement and functional support. Choosing the right alternative depends on the specific dental condition and goals discussed with your dentist during a consultation.
