Veneers
Over the years, veneers have become a more popular solution to obtaining a perfect smile. What only used to be a celebrity choice has now become popular amongst everyday people.
Veneers are a fantastic way to transform crooked, damaged, stained, chipped and worn down teeth into a perfect set of teeth, allowing you to show off your wonderful, whiter smile.
Who would use veneers?
Veneers are aimed at a number of people from different age ranges who may have the following issues:
- Gaps. This is a substitute to closing the gap the traditional way of braces.
- Crooked Teeth. This is only applicable to teeth that are not too crooked. However for those who have very crooked teeth, it is still possible, but it will a take longer time to achieve the final look as some orthodontic treatment maybe needed prior to the veneer.
- Damaged teeth. Many people have damaged their teeth over the years by a number of reasons, for instance some chipped their teeth accidently or have consumed too much fizzy drinks, which wears out the tooth/teeth’s enamel. Grinding the teeth can shorten and damage the teeth leaving the individual with an odd smile.
- Stained/discoloured teeth. Teeth stains are very common as many people are not aware of what causes them. Coffee and dark coloured foods and drinks can cause long-term build up, which results in dark stains. Also with a lack of oral hygiene, teeth start to become discoloured.
All of the above have other solutions and alternatives; however veneers are a popular choice.
What are veneers?
Veneers are very thin shells of tooth-coloured material.
The procedure consists of taking a mould of the original teeth; the teeth are then filed down and covered individually with porcelain/composite shells.
The process is similar to that of acrylic nails, when it comes to the filing and placing the porcelain shells on each tooth.
Composite veneers Vs. Porcelain veneers:
Composite veneers consist of the application of a composite to fix a chipped or damaged tooth. The resins used in composite bonding are not as strong as the tooth’s enamel, so pressure on the tooth such as biting hard food or biting of the fingernails can result in damage to the teeth.
Composite are likelier to stain faster than porcelain veneers, so it is important to keep away from drinks and foods that are dark, such as wine and coffee.
Porcelain veneers have a longer lifespan but also cost a lot more. Composite veneers will last 1-2 years where else porcelain is not only more durable but also they last up to 15 years, depending on how well an individual manages their oral hygiene.
When having porcelain veneers placed, the tooth must be filed down and then have the cement (bonding material) is placed on. As the tooth is filed down it makes the treatment irreversible.
On the other hand, composite veneers only have the surface of the tooth scratch a bit to make the surface rough so that the took can hold the bonding better, therefore allowing the treatment to be reversible.
Porcelain veneers are more friendlier to the gums and therefore minimising the chances of gum related problems in the future.
How long do veneers last for?
The lifetime of veneers depends on the individual and their level of care and oral hygiene. The average lifespan of a porcelain veneer is up to 15 years; where else a composite veneer only lasts up to 2 year.
Looking at the lifespan of both veneers it’s evident that the veneers are not permanent and therefore require replacing at some point and therefore will cost more with time.
Step by Step
1. The initial step of getting veneers fitted will be attending a consultation where a dentist can examine your teeth and understand what you are trying to gain and therefore making sure veneers are the most suitable option for you.
On that day it is expected that the dentist will go through the cost of the treatment and how long the treatment will take to complete.
In order to get your veneers customised, your dentist will need to first reshape your teeth so that they adjusted to suit the veneers; this includes tampering with the front surface of your teeth. In order to do so, the dentist will numb both your teeth and gums so that the treatment does not affect your comfort at all.
2. Using a dental drill, the next step would be getting a small amount of the front surface of your teeth shaved off, once this is done, an impression (a mould) of your teeth is taken.
3. To get an impression of your teeth, putty like material in a tray is placed in your mouth and then you will be asked to bite on it. This is done so that an exact impression is printed on the special dental putty.
4. The impression is then taken to a dental technician where the mould of your teeth is used as a guide to create veneers that will fit your teeth perfectly. This process can take up to 3 weeks.
5. On your second appointment, your dentist will have your veneers ready to be placed on. The dentist will first place the veneers over the teeth to make sure that they fit and are suited for your smile before attaching them. Once the dentist is confident in the choice they will then begin bond the veneers to your teeth one at a time.
Before they begin placing the veneers, your teeth will be given a thorough clean, making sure that the surface of your teeth is spotless so that the bonding holds with maximum results.
6. Once the teeth have been cleaned, they are then scratched to make the teeth rough in order for the dental cement to hold on well.
7. The dental cement is then placed on the tooth along with the veneers. Using a special light the veneers are permanently bonded on securely.
8. Finally, once the veneers are bonded carefully the dentist will polish your teeth giving you the perfect smile. If you feel or see any excess dental cement or feel any sharp edges, inform your dentist who will remove anything that should not be there, leaving you with natural looking white teeth, allowing you to gain the confidence you deserve.
How much to Veneers cost?
The cost depends on how many veneers are required and the type of veneers chosen; between composite or Porcelain veneers.
At our London Dental practices, prices begin from as little as £195 per tooth.
What next?
If you have any further questions or ready to book an appointment, contact one of our London cosmetic dental practices on 0207 486 1047 or 0207 935 5559.
Veneers vs. Lumineers
There are a few significant differences between veneers and lumineers, however it’s also important to mention what they do have in common. They both:
- Conceal only the noticeable portions of teeth
- Restore minor tooth imperfections
- Straighten up and lengthen teeth
- Conceal blemished or tarnished fillings
- Blot proof, natural in appearance and highly resistant.
Commitment:
Unlike Lumineers, porcelain veneers are irreversible, this is due to the fact that the teeth are filed down a significant amount; this is to allow a stronger bond between the teeth and the veneers. In contrast, Lumineers can be reversible should there be a change in mind or circumstances as little, if not, no removal of the enamel is needed.
Feel and Look:
Veneers are much thicker than Lumineers; hence the tooth is required to be filed down considerably. As Lumineers are thinner and more fragile they will require more care, which may require more money spent.
Lumineers are placed directly on the tooth with little alteration to the enamel therefore it will make them feel bulkier as they will be an extra layer on top of the tooth.
Cost
Lumineers are more expensive than veneers; this is a reflection of the reversible option and the lack of alteration of the tooth.
For further information please check our Lumineers and Veneers pages.