The first step for most people who are dipping their toes into the world of cosmetic dentistry, is to have their teeth whitened. In most cases this will be done using the now popular teeth whitening procedure. So far, so good, and this works well for most people, although for some, less well than for others.
For those patients who want to have a whiter smile but whose teeth are badly stained or have visible chips or cracks in them, whitening them may only be a partial solution and in some cases, might even highlight those flaws. All is not lost though and patients of the Clarence Dental Practice also have the option of using teeth veneers to give them the smile that they want. As we will also see, they can have other uses too.
A dental veneer is usually made from porcelain, or sometimes a composite material. A simple way of looking at them is that they can perform a similar role to a false fingernail, but for teeth. They are a very fine layer of porcelain (or composite) which are produced in order to be fitted to the front of the affected teeth.
Often, this will require some preparation to remove a fine layer of enamel from the surface of the teeth in question. Impressions will then be taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the veneers will be produced. This usually takes a week or so and temporary veneers will be fitted to your teeth in the meantime to protect them.
When the veneers are ready, you will be recalled to our Staines dental clinic where the temporary veneers will be removed and the new veneers attached to your teeth using a special clinical adhesive. Finally, the veneers will be trimmed and polished to give them a natural and attractive appearance. Providing that you look after them as advised by your dentist, your veneers can last for around ten years before potentially needing further attention.
Whilst most commonly used to improve the appearance of a smile, sometimes as part of a smile makeover, they also have other uses. Let's take a look.
Anyone who has ever winced in pain when eating or drinking something very hot or cold will know just how painful having sensitive teeth can be. This is often caused by the erosion of the protective enamel surface on the front of our teeth. This can be caused by a number of things including brushing your teeth too hard and eating or drinking too many acidic foods. Once this has occurred, veneers are an excellent way to restore the teeth and to stop the tooth sensitivity. Worn tooth enamel also means that the risk of bacteria entering the tooth is higher so can they also help to prevent tooth decay as well
Sometimes we have a tooth that is shorter than the others, with the contrast being quite marked when we smile. While a crown can be used to even this up, in some situations a tooth veneer might be a better option. This same method can be used for similar problems, such as a tooth that is narrower than the others, for example.
Most problems with crooked teeth will require orthodontic treatment and there is now a wide range of discreet orthodontic devices that no longer require the use of metal wires and brackets as we have discussed in our previous blog. There may be occasions though where an aesthetic improvement is needed due to a gap in the teeth, and sometimes veneers can be used to close this. A good example of this is where there is a gap between the top two front teeth, also known as a ‘diastema’.
Dental veneers are straightforward to care for once fitted. You should make sure to brush well, as always. Although the porcelain (or composite) will not decay, it is important to remember that the rest of the tooth that they are attached to can. Any decay that occurs and requires a filling may mean that your veneer will not fit correctly anymore and may need to be replaced. As such, please remain diligent with your personal oral care.
If you would like to see how we can help you have a more attractive smile, why not contact us to arrange an initial consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists? They will be pleased to discuss your requirements and make recommendations as well as discussing payment plans to help you spread the cost of your payment should you wish to take advantage of this.
To arrange your consultation, or for any other dental related matter, please call the reception team at the Clarence Dental Practice today on 01784 463 695.
Address: 21a Clarence Street, Staines upon Thames, Surrey, TW18 4SU
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