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Veneers can make your teeth look natural and healthy, improving the colour, shape and position of your teeth. They can hide stained, chipped, misshapen or crooked teeth or cover gaps in teeth where orthodontic treatment may not be suitable.
A veneer is a thin, custom-made moulding that is used to cover the front surface of a tooth, usually made from porcelain.
After an initial consultation, your dentist will prepare the tooth (or teeth). This involves shaving a tiny amount of enamel surface of the tooth, the same thickness that the veneer will be, to ensure the tooth stays the same size. This prepares the tooth surface for bonding the veneer in place later. The preparation should not cause any pain, but in some cases, a local anaesthetic may be given to prevent any discomfort.
An impression is then taken of the mouth, which will be given to a dental technician so they can build your bespoke veneer to the required shape and size. A colour shade is taken of the adjacent teeth to ensure the veneer blends in naturally. If several veneers are being made, they can be made to a lighter shade, as required, to give a brighter smile.
Technicians are available from our in-house dental laboratory to see patients in the dental chair and do a direct shade match, which results in a superior aesthetic.
After preparation, a temporary cover may be placed over the tooth until the veneer is ready for fitting.
Once the veneer is ready, any temporary cover is easily removed, and the veneer will be tested in place to ensure there are no imperfections before it is cemented into place. An adhesive is applied to the back of the veneer, and then, as it is placed into position, a bright light, known as a curing light, is used to set it. Your dentist will check to ensure that you are happy with the veneer and that your bite is correct, making any small adjustments that may be needed.
Veneers should last for many years. However, veneers can be broken, chipped, and cracked the same way natural teeth can. Small chips may be repairable, or the veneer can be replaced. Regular visits to your dentist and dental hygienist are recommended, where they can check and clean the veneer and recommend an appropriate home care regime.
Veneers should last for many years. Your dentist will be able to advise you on how long they would expect a veneer to last in your individual circumstance and how to effectively look after your veneer to ensure a prolonged life.
A mould is taken of the mouth to ensure that the veneer is made to the correct size and shape to blend in with your natural teeth. The colour of the veneer also matches your other teeth to ensure that a natural look is achieved. If a number of veneers are being replaced, the colour may be further lightened if required.
Veneers are made from porcelain. As with natural teeth, they can chip, crack and break. Small chips may be repairable, or the veneer can be replaced.
