Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers consist of a thin layer of ceramic/porcelain placed on the front surfaces of teeth to change the appearance of your smile. Teeth that are discoloured, chipped, rotated, or spaced can be dramatically improved with veneers, whether it’s a single tooth you wish to restore or multiple.

Porcelain veneers offer a versatile and durable solution for enhancing your smile. They provide a natural-looking result, are resistant to staining, and can address multiple dental issues at once. If you seek a long-lasting way to achieve a flawless smile, porcelain veneers are an excellent option.

At your first appointment, you will have a full dental assessment, including radiographs, to ascertain your general dental and oral hygiene status. The dentist will explain whether you are a suitable candidate for veneer treatment and if it is the best course of action to achieve your end goal. Any necessary pre-treatment dental procedures will be incorporated into a plan for you.

This stage can be done on the same day as the initial assessment if you are ready to proceed. Impressions of your teeth are taken to fabricate a model with veneers in wax to demonstrate the aesthetic goals and show you what your new smile will look like.

You will attend a short visit to review the Smile Trial made from your impressions. At this point, you can visualise your new smile and discuss any changes or adjustments with the dentist. Once the desired look is agreed upon, an appointment will be made for the preparation of your teeth.

The preparation appointment can last from 90 minutes to 3 hours depending on how many veneers you are having placed. At this stage, the Dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front of the teeth in order to create adequate space for the veneers to be applied. It is extremely important at this stage to note that once the preparation of your teeth has begun, you have committed to veneers or crowns for the rest of your life. An experienced dentist will prepare the teeth as conservatively as possible however the appearance of your natural teeth will be altered forever. Where necessary, the Dentist will create a temporary veneer for you to wear whilst you wait for your new permanent porcelain veneers to be engineered. This can take between 10 days and 2 weeks.

During the final fit appointment, your new veneers are carefully and artistically cemented into place one by one. They are then finished and polished to a life-like shine. This appointment can also take between 90 minutes and 3 hours.

It is impossible to place any specific time criteria to the length of time that veneers should last and should a veneer become damaged or stained they will need to be replaced without delay. Veneers are susceptible to staining just like natural teeth. Impeccable oral hygiene of course contributes to the longevity of your veneers and also minimises any risks associated with staining, leakage or chipping. If you are prone to clenching and grinding at night-time then a night guard will be recommended. Sensitivity is a common reaction to the veneer treatment process in which case a anti-sensitivity toothpaste is recommended. More than ever, a strict regime of brushing, flossing and regular hygienist visits is highly recommended to get the most out of your beautiful new smile.