Veneers
Veneers can be a fast and affordable route to a more attractive smile
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01227 771 323
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Call us on 01227 771 323
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info@khdp.co.uk
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Mon-Fri: 8:15am - 5:00pm
Veneers
What are veneers?
Veneers can be used to change the colour, position and shape of your teeth in order to dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. Simple to fit, with minimal discomfort, veneers are a great way to fix problems like chipped, cracked, uneven, worn or discoloured teeth.
Veneers are typically made of porcelain and can be thought of as similar to a false nail. They’re custom made in a lab, to fit over all or part of the front of your existing tooth and attached with a special adhesive. Some tooth preparation is needed to be able to fix them and for most people, this is painless and may not require anaesthetic.
Veneers may not be suitable for everyone and will involve some drilling on the teeth. An alternative to porcelain veneers is composite bonding which usually involves less tooth preparation, so speak to your dentist to find out more.
How long do veneers take?
A quick and long-lasting solution for a natural-looking, healthy smile.
Expect to make at least two visits to the dentist after initial assessments are made.
Your first appointment will be to prepare the tooth by removing part of the enamel layer. This irreversible step ensures the veneer fits well and helps it bond to the tooth.
An impression of the tooth is then taken to make sure the veneer is a perfect fit.
Your dentist will also use a colour card to match the shade of the veneer to your natural teeth.
Some patients opt to have their teeth whitened ahead of this, for an even brighter-looking smile
Your second appointment should come within about 3-4 weeks. This will be to attach the veneer using a special adhesive.
Before it’s fitted your dentist will show the veneer to you, to check you’re happy with it.
Pros and cons of veneers
| Pro's | Con's |
|---|---|
| Porcelain can look very much like natural teeth. | Not indestructible – they can chip or break | Takes just a couple of visits to the dentist | Badly damaged veneers cannot be repaired and will need replacing | Can last 10-15 years (for standard porcelain veneers) with proper care | Prices vary but veneers typically cost more than other options like composite bonding | A practically pain-free route to a perfect smile | Large discrepancies in colour and position cannot be masked easily | Small chips can be repaired | Not suitable for teeth that are weak due to breaks, large fillings or root canal treatment. View crowns/onlays. | Can stain like natural teeth if you regularly enjoy coffee, tea, red wine, or you smoke. |