Veneers
A dental veneer is a thin shell of material used to cover the surface of your tooth. Veneers can be made from various materials, and here we are discussing the use of porcelain veneers. Porcelain/ceramic type veneers are fabricated in a dental lab. There are many formulations that can be used within the material used to construct the veneer. The difference materials and methods of fabrication give way to the final look of the veneer.
The two main types of porcelain veneer used in Dr Olivia’s practice are Emax (lithium disilicate) and Zirconia.
Both of these materials can be used in thin section, so the veneer preparation causes minimal damage to your natural tooth.
Emax is Dr Olivia’s favourite choice for aesthetic anterior veneers. It is extremely versatile in how it can be constructed. It can be made in varying translucencies to emulate the natural tooth. It can be just as white as you wish to have it, but still maintain a natural look.
Zirconia is favoured by Dr Olivia for restoration of posterior teeth. It is extremely hard wearing, making it ideal for withstanding strong forces. It creates a more block coloured look on finish, which differs in appearance when compared by a natural tooth (natural teeth have individual shade variations and translucencies). This is not necessarily a downside, as many people love this ‘Hollywood smile’ look and this is the reason they want veneers to begin with! In modern dentistry, the veneer is a minimal way to cover your tooth surface and give you the smile you have always dreamed of.
What Is The Porcelain Veneer Procedure?
You will need to attend the clinic for an initial consultation. At the consultation Dr Olivia will chat with you in order to determine what you want to achieve from your treatment. Photographs will be taken and stored in your clinic records. Dr Olivia may use the photos as an educational tool to point out features of your teeth you may not be aware of, and explain the visible factors that may impact upon your treatment.
A thorough dental examination will be conducted, this is important to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough to support veneers and ensure the treatment is appropriate for you. Any prospective problems will be noted and discussed with you should they be of note in regards to your veneer treatment. If your oral health is not adequate Dr Olivia will explain why. If the problems can be rectified a dental resolution will be offered or if you wish to see your general dentist for any routine work this is perfectly acceptable.
If you suffer from tooth grinding or irregular alignment of teeth (ie crooked teeth), this will be considered in your treatment plan. Once you are ready to undergo the veneer procedure, the appropriate consent will be obtained and any information leaflets provided. You can pick the shade of your final veneers before they are made. Impressions of your teeth will be made as part of the process. If it is determined that your teeth will require preparation for the veneers to fit correctly, this will be carried out as minimally as possible. Temporary veneers will be fitted to protect your tooth until the final veneers are fitted in clinic.
The temporary veneers will not be as strong as the final set and so extra care must be taken to maintain them. You should avoid excessively coloured foods, as these will change the temporary colour. At the fit appointment your temporary restorations will be removed, and the final set of veneers tried in. If you are happy with the appearance and Dr Olivia is happy with the fit, they will be carefully cemented on to your teeth. The bite will be checked and the edges polished. Any excess cement will be flossed away and you are ready to go! Once the veneers are fitted, you must look after them well as you would your natural teeth, and attend for regular check ups to ensure your teeth remain healthy.
Who Can Benefit From Porcelain Veneers?
There is no specific age requirements for a veneer procedure, but if being fitted for cosmetic reasons Dr Olivia will only treat adult patients. Veneers are a possibility in young patients for other reasons, but gum levels will not mature until adulthood which will affect the lifespan of the veneers. If you have healthy teeth and gums but are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, veneers may be the solution for you. If your teeth have not been drilled due to tooth decay or other reasons, a veneer is a minimally destructive choice for a cosmetic intervention. If your teeth are reasonably straight but have small discrepancies, such as a less idealistic shape or colour, if your teeth have little imperfections in the texture, if there are small spots on your teeth or other defects you wish to cover up, veneers can make the changes required for you to feel confident with your smile. If you have previously suffered from tooth wear and your teeth have worn down, but the wearing is inactive and under control, veneers may restore the tooth length and improve the appearance again.
What Are The Advantages of Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are less destructive to the natural tooth than alternative cosmetic options such as crowns. They can be constructed extremely thin and maintain enough strength to last on your teeth.
Porcelain veneers generally don’t stain over time, they maintain their colour indefinitely.
Porcelain veneers can be constructed to look entirely natural and beautiful, so no one will know your teeth have been altered.
They will last a long time if well maintained. They have a lifespan of approximately 10 years or more.
Porcelain veneers can be replaced easily should any problem arise or you wish to update your smile.
Porcelain veneers, when fitted properly, will not damage your gums, and it is easy to maintain full oral health after placement.
What Are The Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers?
In most cases, a small amount of tooth will need to be drilled away to create space for the material. This can be very minimal, but it will require removal of some of your surface enamel.
Once you have your tooth prepared for a veneer, you cannot have them removed without a replacement being fitted (this would risk damage to the exposed enamel lying underneath). Without replacing with another restoration, your tooth could suffer sensitivity or dental decay.
Porcelain veneers are not permanent, and may require replacement should they suffer damage, or if you develop gum recession.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers made from modern dental materials, using the latest preparation and cementation techniques, will last a long time.
An average period of time until replacement is required is approximately 10-15 years.
Replacement may be required for many reasons; for example you want to change the appearance, your gums have receded, an area has chipped away.
Regular visits to the dentist and the following of strict aftercare advice alongside a good oral hygiene routine, will improve the longevity of the treatment.
Can Porcelain Veneers Break Easily?
Your porcelain veneers will be bonded onto your natural tooth using a strong dental cement. The process of cementing the veneer using the most robust techniques available will give the restoration a high level of ingrained strength.
The finished veneers should not chip or break easily. As part of the planning process your bite will be assessed in detail. If it is found you have habits such as grinding your teeth, biting hard objects such as nails or pens, or even opening bottles with your teeth, resolution to these problems will be planned before a final restoration is fitted. The presence of such habits, especially the grinding of teeth (known as bruxism) could make you more prone to veneer fracture.
In most instances, your veneers will last a long time and no fractures will occur without a precipitating factor.
What Is The Cost of Each Porcelain Veneer?
The cost of an individual veneers start from £300 per tooth. The cost of your treatment will be detailed before you decide to go ahead with any treatment.
The cost of the veneer will be outlined alongside any other treatment required, and alternative treatment options and costs will be relayed to ensure you are happy with your proposed plan.
Any expected maintenance costs will be explained to you if they apply in your case.