Dental veneers are increasingly becoming one of the more popular cosmetic dental treatments around. It is especially so with patients who simply want to improve aspects of their smile that have perhaps concerned them for years.
Porcelain veneers have been used in dentistry for decades, but improvements in materials and techniques mean that modern veneers generally appear more natural than older versions For many patients, they can provide a way of improving shape, colour and balance while still maintaining a smile that looks like their own.
Porcelain veneers are, in effect, a replacement for damaged tooth enamel. Usually used on the front of the teeth where the enamel has become damaged or worn down, perhaps through misalignment of teeth which causes wearing, or even habits such as drinking too many acidic drinks which causes the enamel to erode. They come in the form of a fine layer of porcelain that is attached to the prepared tooth surface and then shaped and polished to provide a natural appearance.
Despite the thinness of veneers, porcelain is an extremely durable material and, when properly cared for, veneers can remain attractive and functional for many years before they need to be replaced.
The process is usually carried out at the Clarence Dental Practice over more than one appointment. Planning is important because veneers are highly customised; colour, size, proportions and your own smile all need careful consideration.
One of the reasons veneers have become so widely used is because they can help address several issues at once.
Some people have teeth that are healthy but also uneven in shape. Others may have worn edges, small chips, longstanding staining or gaps that make them feel self-conscious when smiling. In some cases, minor crowding can also be improved using this method as well.
There is also the psychological side to consider. Patients often acknowledge that they have spent years avoiding photographs, smiling with their lips closed etc. Using veneers can, in many cases, change this attitude entirely, making the patient proud of their smile again.
Some patients are slightly hesitant about veneers, being concerned that they may look a little ‘fake’. Modern porcelain veneers are very different from the overly white, uniform smiles that some people often associate with cosmetic dentistry from even just a few years ago.
Today, the porcelain materials we use at our Staines dental clinic are designed to replicate the appearance and strength of natural tooth enamel. They reflect light in a similar way to real teeth and can be customised in remarkable detail. This allows veneers to blend with neighbouring teeth rather than standing out.
Natural teeth often become stained over time from tea, coffee, red wine and certain foods. While good oral hygiene helps, some discolouration naturally develops with age. Porcelain generally resists staining and helps to keep your new teeth whiter for longer. That does not mean veneers are completely maintenance free, but they generally retain their colour well.
For patients who have tried whitening repeatedly without achieving the result they want, veneers can sometimes provide a more predictable solution.
The procedure is also often not as aggressive and invasive as some people think. You may have seen tales of people having these fitted abroad and who have had their teeth prepared into ‘pegs’ so that the veneers could be attached. There is no need for this in the vast majority of cases.
Modern techniques frequently allow for much more conservative preparation, and in selected cases only minimal reshaping may be needed. Preserving healthy tooth structure is always important, and treatment planning should focus on achieving improvements while maintaining as much of the natural tooth as possible.
If your teeth are heavily damaged, unstable, weakened by decay or affected by gum disease, these issues will need to be addressed first. Patients who grind their teeth heavily may also require additional protection, such as a night guard.
Sometimes alternatives may be a more appropriate solution. Whitening, bonding, orthodontics or crowns may provide better outcomes depending on the situation. This is why your initial consultation is so important; not only for checking your teeth but understanding what you hope to achieve from the treatment too.
Once fitted, good oral health care is as important as it is for natural teeth. Veneers won’t decay but if the tooth they are attached to start to decay, they can become loose and potentially come away so it is important to brush and floss well on a daily basis, as you already should be doing.
Using teeth to open packaging, bite fingernails or chew hard objects can shorten the lifespan of both natural teeth and restorations and should be avoided. With good quality care, many patients enjoy their veneers for ten or more years before replacement becomes necessary.
If you feel that something is lacking from your smile and would like to see if veneers are the best approach for you, or whether an alternative would be more suitable, why not contact us today to arrange an initial assessment? You can call the Clarence Dental Practice and speak to one of our receptionists by calling us on 01784 463 695. We'll be delighted to help!
Address: 21a Clarence Street, Staines upon Thames, Surrey, TW18 4SU
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