What is a dental veneer?

A veneer is a thin layer of tooth-coloured material which is made to fit precisely over the visible surface of a front tooth to make it look better.

They are ideal for discoloured or unsightly teeth to improve the appearance. They help to close the gap between front teeth and can protect the teeth from acid in food and drink.

Porcelain veneers are made by the dental technician after taking an impression of your tooth.

What is the age limit of an veneer application?

Veneers can be used for any healthy person of any age. Veneers must be fitted to adult teeth.

Fitting the veneers:

Before your veneers are designed your dentist will need to reshape and prepare the front surfaces of your teeth so that they can accomodate the veneers. The first stage is to numb the teeth and gums with a local anaesthic so that you do not feel anything during the procedure.

Using a special tool called a burr (a dental drill or file) a tiny amount of the front surface of your teeth will be removed. The amount removed should be equivalent to the thickness of the veneer that will sit over the top of the tooth, so the new veneers sit flush against any other teeth in the mouth.

Next an impression or mould (copy) of your teeth is taken. A special dental "putty" is placed into your mouth on a tray and pushed into your teeth so that it takes an imprint of your teeth, similar to how you would leave a footprint in sand.

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, this process can take between one to three weeks in the UK however we can complete this process in our dental laboratory in a few days.

Whilst you are waiting for your new veneers to be fabricated your dentist can provide you with temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth.

On your second appointment your dentist will fit your new veneers to your teeth. First the dentst may just sit the veneers over your teeth to see how they look with your smile and he or she may need to trim or adjust the veneer.

Next your teeth will be throughly 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.

The veneers are then cemented into place and a special curing light is used to activate the dental cement so that it permanenetly bonds the veneer to the front surface of your prepared tooth. If there is any excess cement it is usually trimmed away and polished to leave a beautiful and natural looking smile.

Care of veneers:

After the veneers are fitted it is important for the patient to keep them clean. Instruction on the care and cleaning of the veneers will be issued by us following your treatment.

Advantages of veneers: