Frequently
Asked Questions > Veneers
Q: What
is a veneer?
A: A veneer is a thin
layer of porcelain made to fit over
the front surface of a tooth, like a
false fingernail fits over a nail. Sometimes
a natural colour ‘composite’
material is used instead of porcelain.
Q: What are the
advantages of veneers?
A:
Veneers make teeth look natural and
healthy, and because they are very thin
and are held in place by a special strong
bond (rather like super-glue) very little
preparation of the tooth is needed.
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VENEER
thin layer of porcelain fitted
on the front surface of a tooth,
like a false fingernail
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Q: When
would I need a veneer?
A: Veneers can improve
the colour, shape and position of teeth.
A precise shade of porcelain can be
chosen to give the right colour to improve
a single discoloured or stained tooth
or to lighten front teeth (usually the
upper ones) generally.
A veneer can make a chipped tooth look
intact again. The porcelain covers the
whole of the front of the tooth with
a thicker section replacing the broken
part.
Veneers can also be used to close small
gaps, when orthodontics (braces) are
not suitable. If one tooth is slightly
out of position, a veneer can sometimes
be fitted to bring it into line with
the others.
Q: What about alternatives?
A: A natural-coloured
filling material can be used for minor
repairs to front teeth. This is excellent
where the tooth supports the filling,
but may not work so well for broken
tooth corners. There will always be
a join between the tooth and the filling
material.
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SMALL GAP BETWEEN TEETH |
VENEERS CLOSE GAP |
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Crowns are used
for teeth that need to be strengthened –
either because they have broken,
have been weakened by a very large filling,
or have had root canal treatment.
Q: How long will a veneer
last?
A: Veneers should
last for many years, but they can chip or
break, just as your own teeth can. Your dentist
will tell you how long each individual veneer
should last. Small chips can be repaired,
or a new veneer fitted if necessary.
Q: How are teeth prepared
for a veneer?
A: Some
of the shiny outer enamel surface of the tooth
may be removed, to make sure that the veneer
can be bonded permanently in place later.
The amount of enamel removed is tiny and will
be the same as the thickness of the veneer
to be fitted, so that the tooth stays the
same size. A local anaesthetic (injection)
may be used to make sure that there is no
discomfort, but often this is not necessary.
Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist
will take an ‘impression’. This
will be given to the dental technician, along
with any other information needed to make
the veneer. The colour of the surrounding
teeth is matched on a shade guide to make
sure that the veneer will look entirely natural.
Q: How long will it
take?
A: A veneer takes at least
two visits; the first to prepare the tooth
and to match the shade, and the second to
fit it. Before bonding it in place, your
dentist will show you the veneer on your
tooth to make sure you are happy with it.
Bonding a veneer in place is done with a
special adhesive, which holds it firmly
on the tooth.
Q: Will I need a temporary
veneer between visits?
A: Because the preparation
of the tooth is so slight you will probably
not need a temporary veneer. The tooth will
look very much the same after preparation,
but will feel slightly less smooth.
Q: What happens after
the veneer is fitted?
A: Only minor adjustments
can be made to the veneer after it is fitted.
It is usually best to wait a little while
to get used to it before any changes are
made. Your dentist will probably want to
check and polish it a week or so after it
is fitted, and to make sure that you are
happy with it.
Q: How much will it
cost?
A: You can have veneers
on the NHS. However, many dentists prefer
to provide cosmetic treatment privately.
It is important to discuss charges and treatment
options with your dentist before starting
treatment.
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