Porcelain Veneers

What Is a Porcelain Veneer?

A porcelain veneer is a thin layer of dental ceramic that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It is individually designed to complement the shape, size and colour of the surrounding teeth.

Veneers are primarily a cosmetic treatment and may be considered for suitable teeth where a patient would like to change aspects of their smile.

What Can Porcelain Veneers Be Used For?

Depending on your individual circumstances, veneers may be considered to improve the appearance of teeth affected by:

• Discolouration or staining
• Minor chips or worn edges
• Small differences in tooth shape or size
• Minor gaps between teeth
• Uneven or irregular-looking teeth
• Cosmetic concerns about the appearance of individual teeth

Your dentist will assess your teeth before treatment to determine whether veneers are an appropriate option.

What Happens During Porcelain Veneer Treatment?

Treatment usually involves more than one appointment.

Your first appointment will involve an assessment of your teeth, gums and bite, along with a discussion about what you would like to change about your smile.

If veneers are suitable, your dentist will plan the shape, size and appearance of the restorations. Depending on the treatment plan, a small amount of tooth preparation may be required to create space for the veneer.

Measurements or impressions are then taken so that the veneer can be custom-made. Once it is ready, your dentist will check its fit and appearance before bonding it to the tooth.

Your dentist will explain each stage of the process before treatment begins.

Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?

For suitable patients, porcelain veneers can offer several benefits:

• Natural-looking appearance: Porcelain can be designed to resemble the appearance of natural tooth enamel.
• Customised treatment: Each veneer is made to fit the individual tooth.
• Can address several cosmetic concerns: Veneers may be used to alter the appearance of tooth colour, shape and minor irregularities.
• Tooth-coloured restoration: Porcelain provides a discreet alternative to a metallic restoration.
• Designed to complement your smile: The shape and shade can be planned as part of your overall treatment.

The results and suitability of veneers depend on the condition of your teeth and your individual treatment plan.

Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?

Veneers are not suitable for every tooth or every patient. Your dentist will assess the health of your teeth and gums, your bite and the amount of available tooth structure before recommending treatment.

If you have active tooth decay or gum disease, this may need to be addressed before cosmetic treatment is considered.

In some cases, another treatment may be more appropriate. Your dentist may discuss options such as composite bonding, tooth whitening, orthodontic treatment or restorative treatment depending on your needs.

Looking After Your Veneers

Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining the health of the teeth and gums around your veneers. Continue brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth regularly.

Although veneers are designed for dental use, they should not be treated as indestructible. Avoid using your teeth to bite hard objects, and speak to your dentist if you have a habit such as teeth grinding or clenching.

Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor your veneers and the underlying teeth.