VENEERS

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. Sometimes a natural-colour ‘composite’ material is used instead of porcelain.

When would I need a veneer?

Veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth. A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured tooth or to lighten your front teeth. A veneer can make a chipped tooth look whole 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.

TYPES OF VENEERS

1. COMPOSITE VENEERS

They are typically used to fix small cosmetic issues. They involve a far shorter treatment period. The treatment can usually be completed in a single visit, although it may be a longer appointment than normal.

2. PORCELAIN VENNERS

The treatment will involve multiple appointments, with the initial preparation work being done with your dentist and the creation of the veneers taking place at the dental laboratory. They are resistant to staining and are the ideal solution to more severe discolouration, chips or cracks, and they generally last much longer than other types of veneers.