What are Veneers?

Veneers are a simple cosmetic procedure that has been likened to having false nails fitted. They are a great solution for discoloured, misshapen or damaged teeth. With a healthy and natural look, they can be matched to the colour of your surrounding teeth to make your smile beautiful again.

In a simple procedure, a thin layer from the front of your existing tooth is removed and a layer of porcelain is fitted. They look just like normal teeth and should last for many years.

Why should I get a dental veneer?

The cosmetic advantages are many:

1. Dark teeth can be made white and natural looking once more.
   Porcelain veneers resist staining, allowing their white colour to last and last.
2. Veneers don’t usually require the extensive shaping that crowns often do.
3. Veneers are stronger than fillings and visually sometimes more appealing than crowns.
4. Your gum tissue tolerates porcelain really well.
5. They create a natural tooth appearance and restore your smile.
6. Your face shape can be greatly affected by the structure and shape of your teeth.

Veneers are not normally available as an NHS treatment.

What is the procedure for getting a dental veneer?

Preparation

It is usually a very gentle process; to make sure there isn’t any pain or discomfort we may administer a local anaesthetic, but often this is not needed. A thin layer, about half a millimetre, of the surface enamel is removed and an impression or mould will be taken. Once the veneer has been constructed it will be matched on a shading guide to ensure it looks completely natural.

Bonding

To be sure that your new veneer is going to look and feel as natural as possible your dentist will temporarily fit it to your tooth to check size, shape and colour. Any additional changes to the new veneer will then be made and once you’re both happy the bonding process will begin.

The bonding process is painless; your new veneer will be attached with a glue cement that hardens almost instantly once a special light is applied.

Last but not least, your dentist will remove any cement that has appeared outside of the bond. They will check your bite and make sure everything looks and feels comfortable and natural, and see if any adjustments need to be made.

You may be asked to come back for a follow-up appointment in two or three weeks to ensure your gums have responded well and to make sure everything is comfortable for you.