What are veneers?
Veneers are hand crafted thin porcelain or composite “covers”, like a false fingernail, which are fixed to the whole surface of a front tooth to rectify many defects and irregularities. The primary purpose is to improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and smile. These can be placed over single or multiple teeth.
How can dental veneers help me?
Dental Veneers are used to improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth and can also be used to lengthen teeth and improve your bite . They can also fill gaps where orthodontic treatment may not be suitable. The porcelain veneer covers the whole of the front of the tooth, with a thicker section replacing the broken part . Dental veneers can make a chipped or broken tooth look whole again.
We use veneers to correct the following concerns:
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Gummy smiles
- Dental fluorosis
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Crooked, uneven or overcrowded teeth
- Discoloured teeth
- Replacement veneers
A precise shade of porcelain is chosen to give the correct colour to improve a single discoloured tooth and it can to lighten your front teeth.
What are the advantages of veneers?
Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy and because they are very thin and are held in place by a special, strong adhesive, very little preparation of the tooth is needed. Some types of veneers don’t need any preparation at all.
There are two kinds of dental veneers
Porcelain veneers are long-lasting, natural looking teeth that are crafted in the finest detail to look just like natural teeth by trained technicians in a dental laboratory. These are usually fitted in two or three appointments and require some preparation to your existing teeth, for example a small amount of your existing enamel needs to be removed in order to adhere the veneers directly to your teeth.
Composite veneers can be applied in one visit. Layers of resin are applied directly to the tooth, masking any damaged enamel, which is then sculpted to the correct shape and size to look just like natural teeth. Composite veneers are a good option if you have stained or slightly damaged teeth, such as a chipped or cracked tooth.
How long with my veneer last?
Dental veneers are a durable way to improve your smile. The lifetime of your veneers is subject to your dental care routine, your lifestyle and the kind of veneer you have had fitted. Well-cared for porcelain veneers will last between 10-20 years, while composite veneers should last between four to eight years. Make sure that you continue to see your dentist regularly. Good communication between you and your dentist will ensure that your veneers last as long as possible and that your natural teeth and gums remain healthy.
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