Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of tooth coloured material which is cemented over your natural tooth.
Veneers are designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth by -
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Masking permanently stained teeth.
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Closing Diastemas – spaces between your teeth.
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Straightening misaligned teeth.
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Improving the appearance of damaged or broken teeth due to decay or trauma.
The first part of the procedure will be a consultation appointment, this is when you can discuss with us the concerns you have with your teeth and explain how you would like them improved.
Looking after your veneers
Veneers can last a long time but a lot depends on how you take care of them. You must maintain good oral hygiene brushing and flossing twice a day, and also have 6 monthly examinations with us.
Habits that damaged your natural teeth, like biting pens and pencils, opening bottle tops with your teeth and biting your nails will also damage your veneers.
Clenching and Grinding can cause the veneers to "De-Bond" or fracture. You will be assessed, and a dental splint or night guard will be provided, at additional cost, to protect your smile.
If front teeth have multiple fillings and not much tooth structure left, then a crown rather than a veneer may need to be done. This is an additional cost.
Should I replace my veneers?
Older veneers may look bulky and ill fitting and as dentistry is constantly advancing it is possible to replace veneers, even before the end of their life, with thinner more aesthetically pleasing ones, giving a more natural look. Your dentist will file down and remove the existing veneers and create new ones with much the same method as described above.
The Preparation appointment
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After numbing the local area for your comfort, a small amount of tooth is removed from the front surface of your tooth to make room for the veneers. Impressions are taken of your teeth.
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Temporary veneers may be fitted to protect the teeth whilst your veneers are being fabricated.
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The impression (mould) of your teeth is sent to the laboratory where each veneer will be handcrafted to create your new smile. This process can take between two and three weeks.
The Fit Appointment
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After removing the temporary veneers, the new veneers will be permanently cemented in place to create the beautiful smile you have been waiting for.