Veneers

PORCELAIN VENEERS

With this treatment it is possible to transform crooked, stained, damaged and badly worn teeth and close gaps between teeth (diastemas). Teeth can also be reshaped and lengthened to create a new straight white smile. A veneer is wafer thin laminates or shells of tooth coloured material (which can be porcelain or composite bonding material) that is cemented to the front of your own tooth but covers the whole tooth to improve their cosmetic appearance.

Reasons for having porcelain veneers fitted include:
1. Damaged teeth - All types of damaged teeth can be repaired with this procedure, either a single tooth which can be fitted with a single porcelain veneer that has the same characteristics and colour to match the surrounding teeth or repaired as a set and then they are designed into the beautiful smile!
2. Stained teeth - porcelain veneers will cover and hide any discolouration that whitening cannot help.
3. Gaps & spaces - gaps (diastimas) can be closed using dental veneers.
4. Crooked teeth - although not the ideal treatment from the point of view of preserving your natural teeth where braces would provide a better solution. Porcelain veneers offer an instant solution and offer a perfectly straight and aligned looking smile.
5. Improve aesthetic appearance - your smile and the shape of your face.
6. To close cavities and the risk of infection at the gumline.

There are different types of porcelain veneers:

Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain but usually do not last as long, nor are, they as durable as porcelain. They are also likely to stain more easily.
Porcelain is an extremely durable material which is not susceptible to decay and resists staining therefore it maintains a natural appearance. Its texture is similar to tooth enamel as is its colour and translucence.

The procedure - the length of time:

The condition of your own teeth and the number of veneers to be fitted will all have an effect on the amount of time the procedure will take.The first stage is to numb the teeth and gums and then if there needs to be any extractions these will usually be made at the beginning of the course of treatment. The gums are then given time to recover before any further work starts.

Using a special tool called a burr (a dental drill or file) a tiny amount of the front surface of your
teeth will be shaved off. The amount removed would be equivalent to the thickness of the veneer
that will sit over the top of the tooth.

Next an impression or mould of your teeth is taken with a special dental "putty" which is placed) into your mouth on a tray and pushed into your teeth so that it takes an imprint of your teeth. This "impression" or mould of your teeth is then sent to a dental laboratory. The laboratory use the impression to cast an accurate model of your teeth which is used as a guide to fabricate your new veneers. The amount of teeth that are cut down and the condition of your own teeth will determine the amount of time and visits to the dentist you will make.

Whilst you are waiting for your veneers to be fabricated by your dentist you may be fitted with some temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth. On your next visit your dentist will fit your new veneers to your teeth. First the dentist may just sit the teeth over your teeth to see how they look with your smile and he or she may need to trim or adjust the veneers.
Next your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and the front surfaces etched (roughened) with a special acid gel so that they provide a good surface for the dental cement to stick to.

It is important to follow a good oral hygiene plan and maintain a healthy diet after the fitting of your porcelain veneers. It is especially important to keep the area where the tooth and the veneer meet as clean as possible to prevent decay developing under the veneer.

Porcelain veneers will take some getting used to because in many instances they are replacing damaged teeth or gaps where there has not been a "bite" you will be able to eat with your whole mouth and you will have a whole new perfect set of teeth to get used to!