Veneers are wafer-thin laminates or shells of tooth-coloured material (porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material) that are cemented to the front surface of the teeth to improve their cosmetic appearance.
Think of veneers in the same way you would think of false fingernails. Veneers work in exactly the same way - in a quick, painless and straightforward procedure they are bonded to the front of your existing teeth, leaving you with a smile that is simply perfect.
What makes veneers so special is their versatility. Here are just a few reasons why so many people come to us for veneers, and why they recommend them (and us!) time and time again:
Porcelain veneers are the most popular. They are usually a much stronger and longer lasting than composite veneers which although ideal for small chips, they also stain more. Overall, porcelain veneers are designed to offer a more natural appearance.
Porcelain veneers usually last between 5 and 10 years if you ensure that you take good care of them and have good dental hygiene. On the other hand composite veneers might last for a year or two at the most. To make your denal veneers last longer it is important to follow a good oral hygiene programme and also make sure that you visit your dentist for check-ups on a regular basis ideally every 6 months.
We can fit your veneers in the shortest time possible. They really do create the ultimate smile makeover - a brand new, straight, white smile that will make you feel transformed.
Stage 1
The first stage will involve a dentalexamination by your cosmetic dentist so that they can see if your suitable for dental veneers and address any concerns you may have. The cosmetic dentist will give an explaination of how the veneers work. In order to minimise any pain or discomfort the cosmetic dentist will inject you with a local anaesthetic to numb the teeth and gums. Once this has taken place your cosmetic dentist will have to reshap, and prepare your teeth so that they can be fitted with the veneers.
Stage 2
Using a specialist dental drill (and some times other dental instruments like a file) a small portion of the front surface of your teeth will be removed. Your cosmetic dentist will remove the same amount as the thickness of the veneer so that it will sit over the the tooth to create a natural look. A mould of your teeth is taken using specialist dental material used for creating an impression of your mouth. The moulding is pressed against your teeth so that a replica of your teeth can be created as guide for fabricating your veneers which can take take between one and three weeks. While you wait for your veneers to be created you might want to be fitted with temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth which your cosmetic dentist will discuss with you.
Stage 3
It is at this stage that your cosmetic dentist will attach your custom made veneers to your teeth. Depending on how well this fit they may well just sit your veneers over the existing teeth to if they fit and look good, It maybe that they need to be adjusted a little and shaped befor the veneer are fixed permanently.The final part of your treatment invloves the cosmetic dentist cleaning and roughening your teeth with a special acid to ensure that the veneers have a good surface to adhere to. Once the veneers have been fixed into place a specialist dental instrument that consists of a light gun that is used to activate the dental cement / compound. This ensures that it permanently fixes the dental veneers to the tooth and will not move or come lose. The curing process is not painful at all does not take many minutes to work. Any excess cement that may have built up will be polished away leaving your teeth looking like new.