Dental Veneers at Old Manor Surgery
Dental veneers are custom-made shells that fit over the front surfaces of your teeth.
They conceal cracks, chips, stains and other cosmetic imperfections. Veneers are one of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments. There are several types of veneers available, depending on your specific goals.
How do veneers work?
Veneers cover the front surfaces of your teeth to enhance your smile. They work by camouflaging cosmetic flaws.
Who needs dental veneers?
Anyone who wants to enhance the appearance of their smile can explore veneers. These dental restorations can camouflage:
- Chipped or broken teeth.
- Diastema (gaps or spaces in your smile).
- Stains that don’t improve with teeth whitening.
- Teeth that are too small.
- Misshapen teeth.
It’s important to note that veneers are only an option if you’re free of extensive cavities and gum disease. If you have serious oral health issues, you should address those first before exploring cosmetic treatments.
Veneers vs Crowns: What’s the difference?
A ceramic veneer only covers the front surface of a tooth to enhance its appearance. A ceramic crown, on the other hand, covers the entire tooth structure to add strength and protection.
Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment. In other words, they improve your smile but don’t necessarily strengthen or repair your teeth. While dental crowns can also improve the appearance of your teeth, their main purpose is to restore teeth that are badly damaged by decay or trauma.
Are there different types of veneers?
Yes. There are two types of veneers: composite veneers and ceramic veneers.
Composite veneers
Composite veneers can conceal mild cosmetic issues. Your dentist uses a tooth-coloured composite resin – the same material used for dental fillings to achieve the desired results.
Ceramic veneers
Ceramic veneers can address a number of aesthetic imperfections. These restorations are custom-made to fit your dental anatomy. Before placement, your dentist must remove some enamel from your natural teeth. This roughens the surfaces of your teeth and helps your new veneers stay in place.
The Procedure
During your appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine if you’re eligible for veneers. If you’re a candidate, they’ll prepare your teeth by removing small amounts of enamel. Next, they’ll take digital impressions of your teeth (3D intra-oral scan) and design the veneers with a computer using Cerec Technology.
Next, the veneers are made from blocks of Ceramic or composite using a milling machine. Your dentist will check your veneers’ shape, colour and fit, then permanently bond them into place using dental adhesive. Finally, they’ll check your bite and make any necessary adjustments.
There’s no downtime following veneer placement. People who receive dental veneers can return to normal activities the same day. You can also eat or drink immediately after your appointment as long as the anaesthesia has worn off.
Benefits
Dental veneers offer several benefits. For example:
- Veneers can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile.
- They blend in with your natural teeth for lifelike results.
- Veneers resist staining better than your natural tooth enamel.
- Dental veneers don’t require any additional maintenance.
- They have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years with proper care.
Risks
Veneers also come with certain disadvantages. For example:
- You’ll lose at least some of your natural enamel.
- Many types of veneers aren’t reversible.
- Your teeth may become more sensitive to heat and cold.
- It’s possible for a veneer to fall off or become dislodged.
- Dental veneers are cosmetic, so they’re not covered by most insurance providers.
FAQs
Do dental veneers require special care?
Brushing, flossing and visiting your dentist regularly is all you need to do to keep your veneers in good working condition. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Avoid whitening products, as they can scratch your veneers.
To make your veneers last, you should also avoid biting directly into hard or crunchy foods like apples, carrots and tough meats. Cut up these foods and chew them with your back teeth.
Ceramic veneers are stain-resistant, but it’s still a good idea to avoid dark-coloured foods and beverages, such as berries, red wine, coffee and tea. These foods and drinks can stain your veneers over time.
Do veneers damage your teeth?
No. Veneers don’t actively damage your teeth. However, it’s still possible for the natural tooth structure underneath to decay. Therefore, it’s important to brush, floss and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings.
Are veneers permanent?
Most types of dental veneers are permanent, meaning they aren’t reversible. Some types of veneers, such as no-prep, are reversible; however, they are bulkier.
On average, dental veneers last between 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance.
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