Originally used to temporarily improve the appearance of actors’ smiles on screen, veneers are now a long-term cosmetic solution for improving the appearance of a stained, decayed, cracked or chipped tooth. They can also close small unsightly gaps in-between your teeth.
Veneers are thin sheets of porcelain which are placed and cemented over the top of a tooth, improving its appearance and protecting it from further damage, decay and staining. Here at InnovaDent Dental Clinic, we like to think of veneers as a craft, and take pride in creating a restoration that’s totally in harmony with your smile and facial aesthetic.
We consider and evaluate the characteristics that make your teeth unique, and seek to emulate these when making your veneer, to achieve the most authentic finish possible. Porcelain is an almost identical translucency to real tooth enamel and imitates its subtly to an unparalleled degree. It’s for this reason that veneers are considered one of the great treatments for improving the aesthetic of an unattractive or widely spaced tooth.
You can expect the veneers process to take at least 2 appointments. The stages involved include:
Examination: we will examine the affected tooth and outline how veneers can address the given problem.
Smile design: the design of your veneer is carefully planned, by taking 3D photographs of your teeth, so we achieve the optimum shape, shade and thickness.
Preparation: a small amount of tooth enamel is removed, to accommodate the veneer.
Fitting: once your veneer has been made in the dental lab and returned to the practice, we will fit it using a strong adhesive.
Porcelain veneers can last well over a decade with good care, though the exact lifespan depends on your bite, your habits and how well you look after them. Regular check-ups let us keep an eye on them and spot any issues early.
You can expect at least two visits. The first is for examination, planning and preparing the tooth, and the second is to fit the veneer once it’s been made in the dental lab. We’ll give you a clearer timeline once we’ve seen you.
A small amount of enamel is usually removed so the veneer sits flush and looks natural rather than bulky. It’s a thin layer, but because it doesn’t grow back, veneers are considered a long-term commitment. We’ll explain exactly what’s involved for your teeth before you decide.
That’s the aim. We take photographs and study the shape, shade and character of your other teeth so the veneer sits in keeping with your smile. You’re involved in choosing the shade, so we can go for a natural look or something brighter, depending on what you’re after.
Most people find the process comfortable, and we can numb the area during preparation so you don’t feel the enamel being reshaped. Some people notice mild sensitivity for a short while afterwards, which usually settles.
Porcelain is stain-resistant, which is one of its advantages over natural enamel and over bonding. That said, the edges and the natural teeth around them can still discolour, so keeping up with hygiene appointments and good daily care is worth it.
It’s uncommon, but if a veneer becomes loose or breaks, get in touch and we’ll see you to sort it out. A veneer that has come away cleanly can sometimes be re-bonded; if it’s damaged, it may need remaking. Try to keep hold of it and avoid chewing on that side in the meantime.
Veneers generally last longer and resist staining better, but they involve preparing the tooth and take more than one visit. Bonding is quicker, more conservative and often costs less, but doesn’t tend to last as long. The right choice depends on your teeth and what matters most to you, and we’re happy to talk it through.
Look after them as you would your natural teeth: brush twice daily, clean between your teeth, and keep up with check-ups and hygiene visits. If you grind your teeth at night, mention it, as a night guard can help protect both your veneers and your natural teeth.
Yes. A veneer covers the front of the tooth, but the tooth underneath still needs looking after, and decay can develop at the margins if hygiene slips. Good daily cleaning and regular appointments are the best way to keep the tooth beneath healthy.


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