VENEERS

What are veneers?

A veneer is a very thin layer of material which is made to fit on the front surface of your tooth like a false fingernail fits over a nail. It is most often made of ‘porcelain’ but sometimes a natural tooth coloured material called ‘composite’  may also be used.

Why are veneers needed?

Veneers are a genius answer to restoring those odd teeth! They can improve the colour, shape and position of the teeth. They thus make chipped, crooked or discoloured teeth fit in more naturally with the rest of your dentition and there you have it…‘THE PERFECT SMILE’!!!  They can be used to effectively cover up discolouration which cannot be masked by cleaning or whitening treatments as well as damage to the tooth caused by trauma or decay.

What are the advantages of veneers to other methods of restoring teeth?

Veneers are made of a very natural and life-like material called porcelain. When applied to the teeth veneers impart a very natural and healthy appearance to your smile. Another big advantage is that since veneers are very thin surface coverings they require very little of the tooth structure to be removed. Thus they maintain the health and vitality of the tooth on which they are placed.

What are the steps that go into the preparation of a veneer?

•             Visit London Dental Centre where one of our friendly dentists will assess your teeth and take into account what your personal expectations are before recommending a treatment plan individually catered to your specific needs.

•             The first step is to remove a small layer of the shiny outer surface, the enamel of the tooth. The amount of enamel removed is very small and will never exceed the thickness of the veneer itself. This ensures that the tooth will remain the same size.

•             An impression of the prepared tooth surfaces is made using a putty-like material. This impression is then sent to the laboratory where the dental technicians can shape the perfect veneer for you.

•             Prior to sending the veneer to the laboratory a shade guide is used to determine the shade of the surrounding teeth. This is done to ensure that the veneer is made of the same shade and will thus fit naturally in with the rest of your dentition.

•             Once the veneer is made, your dentist will fit it onto the front surface of  your tooth using a strong bonding material. Your veneer has now been successfully applied!

How long will the procedure take?

You will need 2 visits with your dentist. At the first visit the dentist will prepare the tooth, take an impression and match the shade. At the second visit your dentist will try on the completed veneer to see if you are happy with the finished result and once you are satisfied he will fit it on with a strong adhesive material.

Will I need a temporary veneer while I am waiting for the permanent one to be fabricated?

Usually the amount of tooth structure that is removed is so marginal that you do not need to have a temporary restoration placed. However, if you feel more comfortable having a temporary in place your dentist would be happy to provide you with a suitable solution.

IIs the procedure painful?

It is usually a pain free procedure. However, some people may feel a small amount of sensitivity. A little local anaesthetic can be administered to ease the discomfort, though usually, this is not needed.

How long will the veneers last?

Ideally, veneers should last several years. However, in some cases, veneers can chip and break like natural teeth do or they may come off the tooth surface if the tooth is knocked. Veneers that come off can often be easily bonded back on. Chips can sometimes be repaired or the veneer can easily be remade in entirety.

What is the best way of maintaining my veneers?

As with anything, routine maintenance is key with porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are on an average stain resistant. However, we recommend that you avoid stain producing beverages such as tea, coffee and red wine. If you consume large quantities of these beverages then it may be beneficial to do so using a straw as this allows the beverage to bypass the teeth. Another tip to maintain the luminous gloss of your veneer is to avoid using whitening pastes or gels as these contain abrasive materials which tend to dull the appearance of your veneer. Always get them cleaned at your dental clinic to help maintain their beautiful lustre.