Porcelain Veneers

porcelain veneers are a thin layer of porcelain material that adheres to the surface of the tooth. They are custom-made, including size, shape, and colour for the person who is getting them.

While many people get porcelain veneers for cosmetic reasons, they can also be used in a restorative fashion too. They can be less invasive than placing a crown that covers an entire tooth. Instead, of covering just the surface of the tooth.

Veneers do not address the underlying problems with your teeth, they simply cover them. Therefore, they are not right for everyone. Your first step must be a consultation with your dentist. Your dentist will be able to examine your teeth and give you a professional opinion on what the best (and most cost-effective) treatment might be. Your priority should always be looking after your natural teeth and ensuring that they remain healthy for the long term.

A suitable candidate for porcelain veneers is someone who:

• Has healthy teeth, excluding those with tooth decay, weakened teeth, inadequate enamel on the tooth surface and periodontal disease
• Regularly drinks coffee, soft drinks or tea
• Often smokes

Porcelain veneers are not recommended for people who grind or clench their teeth, as this can cause the porcelain veneer to chip or crack. It is also not recommended for those with misaligned or very crooked teeth in some cases.

Stain resistant

Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains which makes them ideal for people who regularly consume black tea, red wine or smoke. It is also ideal for those who have cigarette stains, as the highly glazed surface of the veneers does not collect plaque and stains like our natural teeth.

Natural looking smile

Porcelain veneers are very natural looking as they are custom-made to suit your natural tooth colour and shade.

Durable

Porcelain veneers have a long lifespan if well maintained. Generally, traditional porcelain veneers can last up to 10 years.

Improves quality of life

If you are self-conscious of your teeth or smile, dental veneers can help restore your confidence. 

When properly cared for, porcelain veneers can easily last for up to 10 years or longer. Daily brushing and flossing are essential to preventing any decay or gum disease from forming on those teeth, as those infections can endanger the integrity of your smile.

1. Initial Appointment

   Before you get your veneers, you’ll have a preliminary appointment with your dentist to discuss which options are right for you and how many veneers you want to have placed. In some cases, if teeth are crooked or uneven, you may need to have braces before your dentist can place the veneers.

2. Examination

   We will often take X-rays at this stage to evaluate the health of your teeth. We will look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or the need for root canal treatment. If you have any of these conditions, you may not be a suitable candidate for veneers.

3. Preparation

   To get accurate sizing for your veneers, we will remove a small portion of the enamel from the tooth. The amount removed will be proportional to the thickness of the veneer to be installed. We will then take an impression of your teeth. This is then sent off to the lab to create your veneers.

4. Fitting

   Once your veneers are in, we will get you back in and evaluate the fit, shape, and colouration of the veneers to make sure they’re perfect for you. Next, we will thoroughly clean your teeth. This is important, as it keeps bacteria from being trapped under the veneer and causing decay. 

   A rough texture is created on the tooth on which a veneer is to be applied. This makes it easier for the veneer to stick to the tooth. The veneer is then applied with dental cement to bond the veneer to the tooth. Ultraviolet light hardens this cement quickly.

When it comes to fixing chipped, cracked, or stained teeth, there are many alternatives to veneers that you can consider.

• Composite Bonding

  This is essentially the same process as a dental veneer only the term veneer refers to covering the whole front tooth surface and dental bonding can also be used to mask certain more minor imperfections or to help change the shape of teeth.

• Orthodontics

  If the alignment of your teeth is an issue then moving your teeth with orthodontics or braces is the best way to ensure you keep your own natural teeth for life. You won’t have to watch what you eat or how you care for your veneers because your teeth are exactly that… your teeth.

  Porcelain veneers can correct slight misalignments in the positions of your teeth but they cannot correct bite problems or move teeth that are some way out of position.

• Teeth Whitening

  Only natural teeth will whiten; that means no porcelain (crowns, veneers, implants, bridges) or white filling material will change colour with the application of the bleach. If you already have some of these in visible areas of your mouth, you need to be aware that if you whiten your teeth, they may stand out more and require changing for cosmetic purposes.

  Not all colour issues can be solved with whitening, but they can certainly be helped. Even severely stained teeth can be greatly improved with a bit of dedication over a number of months. That said, the evenness of colour and brightness that you can get from porcelain generally isn’t achieved.

• Dental Crowns

  Crowns are also more reliable when you have a bite that is particularly heavy, or awkward (eg. if you bite edge to edge), or where you have a grinding habit. The extra stresses in these circumstances are more likely to cause problems and failures with your veneers.

The cost will vary depending on your individual needs, for example, how many veneers you need and what material is used. During your initial consultation, your dentist will explain your options, and any associated costs. You can also find information on this on our Fee Guide page.

If you have chips, cracks, discolouration or other concerns about the way your teeth look, schedule an appointment at any of our clinics in Benson or Kingsclere. We would be more than happy to carry out a check-up of your teeth to assess whether cosmetic bonding would be appropriate for you.