What are dental veneers?

Veneers are very popular in the world of cosmetic dentistry, mostly because they are a quick way of getting a perfect, natural-looking smile. A myriad of problems can be solved with dental veneers; stained or discoloured teeth, teeth that have been worn down from grinding, large gaps or crowding, damaged enamel, and the age-old complaint – crooked teeth. Sometimes referred to as ‘instant orthodontics’, veneers are commonly employed as part of an entire smile makeover, where they can completely transform a person’s appearance and make them appear younger, healthier, and more beautiful.

A set of dental veneers consists of very thin synthetic shells that are placed over the natural tooth to make it appear straighter, whiter, and in proportion with the rest of the face. They are normally made out of porcelain or ceramic, but are occasionally made from composite bonding material. Veneers are fixed permanently to the enamel surface of the teeth with dental cement, leaving the patient with a flawless smile in a matter of weeks.

Why would people want them?

Veneers can help with lots of dental problems, mainly aesthetic ones, ranging from stained teeth to badly miss-aligned ones.

Stained teeth – Drinking red wine or coffee, and smoking heavily can lead to deep staining over time, but unfortunately darkening enamel is not an exclusive trait of smokers and drinkers. As the teeth go through the aging process, they become less porous and can no longer repel stains as well, so they start to darken as the years go by. Stained teeth can be both protected and disguised by veneers, to give the appearance of a white, bright smile.

Gapped or crowded teeth – Badly spaced teeth can be a real problem for some people; it doesn’t matter how white and healthy they are if they look goofy when you open your mouth. Veneers are precisely manufactured to fit over crowded teeth and to fill the gaps between others, creating a generously proportioned smile.

Damaged teeth  – Whether they are chipped, broken, or just worn down through years of grinding, damaged teeth can be restored to their former glory with a set of dental veneers. Using composite bonding and porcelain shells to repair the teeth, veneers can help with most types of accidental damage that may occur.

Crooked teeth – If you have crooked teeth, you’ll know what it’s like to want to keep your mouth closed most of the time, but you could benefit from a set of veneers. Orthodontic treatment can be lengthy and painful, so if you’re looking for instant, flawless results, veneers could help you get your confidence back in a short space of time.

What types of veneers are there?

What kind of veneers you should go for is usually determined by how much you can afford to invest in your teeth. There are two main types of veneers; composite, and porcelain. Porcelain is by far the more popular of the two, especially where a complete smile makeover is taking place. Composite veneers, though less costly, are not as durable as their counterpart – they last around half as long as porcelain ones and are prone to staining and chipping. The composite materials used to manufacture this kind of veneer is better suited to small treatments, such as fillings or tooth repairs, and is not built to last as long or look as natural as porcelain. Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite, but they are worth the extra money because they last longer, look better, and require less upkeep.

How are they fitted?

Fitting veneers can sometimes be a lengthy procedure, but they still save time on traditional orthodontics – which can take years to perform to the required extent.

The first part of the process is generally to talk through your expectations and concerns with your dentist, to make sure you understand exactly what you are undertaking. The dentist should explain each part of the procedure and give you an idea of what sort of costs are involved. It’s important that you connect well with your chosen surgeon, if you don’t feel you are on the same page or that they have properly addressed your concerns, you might want to choose a different clinic. If you have any queries about veneers, why not book a consultation at the Pearl Dental Clinic? The friendly team members are fully qualified to answer all your questions, and put you on the path to a whole new you.

If your teeth are approved for the treatment, they will then have to be reshaped and contoured so that the veneers can fit comfortably over the top of them. This process often requires a local anaesthetic, and there may be some slight discomfort afterwards. When all the teeth have been remodelled, an impression of your upper and lower jaws will be taken, so that dental technicians can shape the veneers to fit exactly over your teeth. It usually takes several weeks for the new teeth to be manufactured, during this time your dentist may provide you with a temporary veneer, but it depends on how different the teeth look after they have been reshaped – and whether your chosen surgery includes this in the treatment cost.

When the veneers are ready to be fitted, you will return to the clinic and your dentist can begin the cementing procedure. Before permanently attaching them to your natural teeth, most dentists will temporarily stick them in place to see if they need any adjustments. After a thorough clean, your teeth will be prepared for the veneers with a special acid gel, which roughens the surface, making it easier for the cement to bond more soundly with the enamel. The veneers are then carefully fixed in place with strong dental cement.

How long will they last?

Composite veneers will last up to five years with good care, but they will probably incur some damage that needs repairing during that time. Porcelain veneers are much more durable and can last up to fifteen years in great condition. Although how long they last does depend on what they are made out of, you can get the best out of your veneers by following a good oral hygiene routine and attending regular check-ups with your dentist.