A veneer is wafer thin laminates or shells of tooth coloured material (which can be porcelain or composite bonding material) that is cemented onto your own shaved down tooth but covers the whole tooth to improve their cosmetic appearance. 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.
Reasons for having porcelain veneers fitted include:
1.To fix damaged teeth, even though our natural teeth are very strong, occasionally they crack or chip, a veneer will not just cover the chip or crack it will also help protect that tooth. İt can can not only cover imperfections in your tooth it can help keep it intact and healthy.
Reasons for having porcelain veneers fitted include:
- To preserve the natural tooth for healthy long-term results.
- Stained teeth – porcelain veneers will cover & hide any discolouration that whitening cannot help.
4.Gaps & spaces – gaps (diastimas) can be closed using dental veneers. - 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.
- To close cavities and the risk of infection at the gumline.
- To give you confidence in your appearance, treatment with porcelain veneers can make an impact on your life by giving you the confidence you may not have had before.
Different types of porcelain veneers include;
- 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 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 our 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 will be fitted with 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 gel so that they provide a good surface for the dental cement to stick to It may take some time to get used to having the new teeth and it is important to both follow a good oral hygiene plan and maintain a healthy diet after the fitting of your 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.
A single porcelain veneer has the same characteristics and colour to match the surrounding teeth or used as a set they can be designed into a beautiful smile, veneers have the functional purpose of protecting or replacing a damaged tooth and they also look great.
For best results there are many factors that need to be taken into onsideration & at your initial consultation the appropriate course of treatment will be recommended for you.
