Veneers can be a great way of improving your smile, especially if you have discoloured, chipped, or misaligned teeth. Veneers, thin shells of tooth-coloured material, are applied over the visible front part of the tooth to change their colour, size, and length. Veneers look like natural teeth and can be made from either composite resin or porcelain. These are excellent options for patients who want a natural look that is long-lasting, cost-effective, and stain-resistant.

Porcelain veneers are well-known for solving a variety of dental problems, including but not limited to the following:

  • Uneven gaps or spaces between teeth.
  • Uneven teeth or misalignment
  • Permanent staining of teeth
  • Fixes chipped or natural tooth fractures
  • Brightens teeth and creates a constant smile.

Typically, porcelain or composite resin is used to create veneers. Each type offers its advantages.

Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit the tooth. They are strong, durable and look natural. They require less tooth enamel to remove and do not stain easily.

Composite veneers can be made in a dental lab and bonded to your teeth using resin cement. Composite veneers cost less than porcelain veneers but last longer than porcelain veneers. Composite veneers can last between 4-7 years.

Porcelain veneers offer durability and are very cost-effective. They can last almost 10 years.

Dental Veneers Procedure

  • Examination and treatment planning: During this appointment, your dentist will examine your smile to determine if dental veneers are right for you. The dentist will discuss all aspects of the procedure, including risks and post-treatment care. At this stage, X-rays and impressions of your mouth are taken.
  • Preparation: To prepare the tooth to receive a veneer, it will need to be reshaped. A dentist might need to remove about half a millimetre from the tooth's surface to make room for the veneer thickness. The area will be numbed with mild anaesthesia. The dentist will then take an impression of the site and send it to a laboratory to create or fabricate the veneer.
  • Bonding: To prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, it must be cleaned and polished. Before placing veneers, the dentist will apply acid gel to the teeth. This will give the veneers a rough finish.

The veneer is then covered with a particular type of cement and placed on the tooth. To increase the strength of veneers, the dentist may use high heat (or a curing light) to apply pressure or heat to the surface.

The dentist will then remove any cement and make any adjustments. You may need to return to the dentist for a second visit to inspect your veneers and gums.

Benefits of using Dental Veneers

  • A natural-looking appearance
  • Porcelain veneers have stain-restraint properties
  • They are strong and durable.
  • It is painless and quick.
  • There is less chance of using anaesthesia.
  • As long as good oral hygiene is maintained, there aren't many things that need to be taken care of.
  • You can customise the colour to match your tooth shade
  • While they don't require much shaping as crowns, they still appear nicer and stronger.

What to consider before you get veneers?

  • Healthy gums and teeth are essential.
  • Veneers are not recommended for patients who grind or clench their teeth. They can chip or break. Before proceeding with the procedure, talk to your dentist.
  • Once a procedure is started, it cannot be stopped.
  • Veneers can come off over time and are not guaranteed to last.
  • Discuss your concerns and options with your dentist and all dental procedures.
  • It is essential to have regular dental appointments for the best health of your gums and teeth.

The best way to extend the life of the veneers is to practise regular oral hygiene. Visit Liverpool dental clinic if you need dental veneer treatment, aesthetic porcelain veneer treatment, or if you have any worries about the procedure.