What are Veneers?
A veneer is a thin but strong porcelain cover that is bonded to the existing tooth surface, rather like fake nails are applied. Veneers represent a minimally invasive procedure.
What can Veneers do?
Three main things:
- Restore smoothness and brightness, changing the shape and colour of damaged, dark or poorly shaped tooth
- Align teeth that are either crooked, overlapping or ones that have gaps between them
- Restore natural function. If more than one tooth requires treatment, a smile can be completely transformed.
Who do Veneers suit best?
People with teeth in relatively good condition and healthy gums. Although smoking doesn’t damage or stain the veneers, gums may need to be treated before veneers are placed. Veneers can indeed produce dramatic results, but they are not the answer to poor dental care.
What happens during treatment?
After a thorough consultation, impressions and x-rays are taken. During treatment, a very small amount of the front surface of the tooth is removed. On occasion, no tooth is removed – as with lumineers – but it’s vital to select these cases carefully, as teeth can appear unusual otherwise.
A typical preparation takes approx one hour per tooth. If multiple teeth are treated, then the time is reduced, as individual procedures to produce a veneer don’t need to be repeated for each tooth.
It typically takes 3-7 days for a customised cover to be made, during which time you’ll be fitted with a temporary cover. The whole process usually takes three weeks and involves two appointments.
What about results?
Veneers can produce real-looking teeth. As they can be as thin as 0.3mm, the underlying tooth can shine through and look natural. We work with 1st Dental Laboratory in Paignton, who see our patients to assess their facial shape and lip structure, which helps to ensure the best outcome. See the results for yourself in our Cosmetic Dentistry Before & After Gallery.
How long do veneers last?
It’s difficult to give a lifespan for a veneer, as teeth are functional. Natural teeth can break, so it’s too much to expect a veneer to be a solid replacement and lifetime treatment. As with every treatment, much depends on how well you look after them. As with natural teeth, veneers are not designed to bite nails or open bags!
Are there any downsides?
We’re always asked if they’re likely to fall off. If the bite is correctly analysed, then typically ‘no’. Irreversible loss of tooth surface, although generally only a tiny sliver of tooth is removed or, sometimes, none at all.
What are the alternatives?
If the tooth is badly broken down, then crowns are a better option. If the tooth is just yellow or out of position, teeth whitening or teeth straightening may be better options, thereby avoiding removing any tooth at all.
What about costs?
Please refer to our Price List.
Please see our Veneers, Crowns and Teeth Straightening pages and Crowns FAQs, Inman™ FAQs and Invisalign® FAQs for further details