|
|
|
|
 What
is a veneer?
 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.
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
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.
What are the advantages
of veneers?
Veneers make teeth
look natural and healthy. 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.
How are teeth prepared
for a veneer?
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’ (mould). 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.
How long will it take?
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.
Will I need a temporary
veneer between visits?
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.
What happens after
the veneer is fitted?
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 make sure that you are happy with it.
How much will it cost?
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.
How long will a veneer
last?
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.
What about alternatives?
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. Crowns are used for teeth which
need to be strengthened – either because they have broken, have
been weakened by a very large filling, or have had root canal treatment.
|
|
