What are Veneers?

Dental veneers can also sometime be called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates. They are all wafer thin, custom made shells of tooth coloured material designed to cover the front surface of the teeth and can be used to improve the colour, shape, size and length of the teeth. 

What types of problems can dental veneers fix?

Dental veneers are routinely used to fix:

• Teeth that are discoloured — either because of root canal treatment; stains from tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride or other causes; or the presence of large resin fillings that have discoloured the tooth
• Teeth that are worn down
• Teeth that are chipped or broken
• Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped (for example, have craters or bulges in them)
• Teeth with gaps between them (to close the space between these teeth)

What is the procedure for getting dental veneers?

Usually getting dental veneers is a three stage process and can involve one or many teeth. 

Diagnosis and treatment planning

 Preparation

To prepare the tooth for a veneer the dentist will remove approximately 0.5 millimeters of enamel from the tooth surface. This allows space for the veneer to be added to the tooth. Often the dentist will need to numb the area with local anaesthetic to ensure you are fully comfortable throughout the procedure. Your dentist will take an impression or a digital scan of your teeth. The model is sent to the dental laboratory to construct the veneers. It can take between 2-3 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. Your dentist will usually place temporary veneers to protect the teeth and ensure your teeth look good between visits.

Bonding

Before cementing the veneers permanently in place, the dentist will temporarily place the veneers on your teeth to examine the fit, shape and colour. You should check you are happy with the appearance, and raise any areas of concern with your dentist at this stage as it is easier to make adjustment before they are cemented with strong cement. The teeth are thoroughly cleaned, etched and primed before bonding takes place. Bonding is performed with strong resin dental cements. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments. Your dentist will often arrange a follow up review appointment in a few weeks to check the health of the gums and see how your mouth is adapting to the new veneers.

What are the advantages of dental veneers?

Dental veneers offer the following advantages:

1. They provide a natural appearance.
2. Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.
3. Porcelain veneers are stain resistant.
4. The colour of porcelain veneers can be selected carefully to make dark teeth appear whiter and brighter.
5. Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing the tooth colour and shape compared to crowns, yet  offer a strong and aeshethetic appearnce. 

What are the disadvantages of dental veneers?

The downside of dental veneers include:

1. The process is not reversible.
2. Dental veneers are more costly than composite bonding.
3. Dental veneers are usually not repairable should they chip or crack.
4. Because the tooth has been shaped, it may become sensitive to hot or cold foods and beverages.
5. Dental veneers may not exactly match the colour of your other teeth. Also, the veneer colour cannot be changed or altered once in place. If you plan on whitening your teeth then this should be done before the veneers are placed.
6. Although unlikely, the veneer can come off the tooth. To minimise the chance of this happening it is advised not to bite your nails, chew pencils, ice cubes or other hard objects; or otherwise put excessively hard pressure on your teeth. 
7. Teeth with veneers can still experience dental decay and may be repaired with a full coverage crown.
8. Patients who clench and grind their teeth are poor candidates for porcelain veneers. Clenching and grinding of the teeth can cause the veneers to chip and crack.

How long do dental veneers last?

Dental veneers generally last between 7 and 15 years. After this time the veneers would need to be replaced.

Do dental veneers require special after care?

Dental veneers do not require any special care other than a good dental routine. It is advised that you continue good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and inter-dental cleaning with floss or inter-dental brushes. You should see your dentist and dental hygienist for regular cleaning and examinations. Veneers are resistant to staining but the edges (or what dentists call the margins) can become stained with coffee, tea and red wine over time.

Are there alternatives to dental veneers?

Yes, alternatives include composite bonding and crowns. Veneers offer a nice intermediate option. Veneers may suit individuals who want to change the shape of their teeth more than just a little bit – which can be done with composite bonding – but not as much as crowns.

How much do dental veneers costs?

At Forever Dental and Skin, we use top of the range dental material and follow best practice protocols. We use a master dental technician to make all our veneers. Our cost for dental veneers is £750 per tooth. 

Can Dental Veneers Break?

While dental veneers are crafted to be strong and durable, they are not unbreakable. Similar to natural teeth and other dental restorations, veneers can chip or break. The likelihood of this occurring varies depending on the type of veneer you choose. Porcelain veneers typically last between 15 to 20 years and are known for their durability, while composite veneers tend to last less than 10 years and are more susceptible to damage.

Understanding Veneer Durability

Whether you opt for porcelain or composite veneers, it’s crucial to be aware of the following:

• What can cause veneers to break
• Steps to take if your veneer breaks
• How to prevent potential breakage

Let’s explore these topics in detail to help you safeguard your veneers and effectively handle any unexpected situations.

What Causes Broken Veneers?

Several factors can contribute to a veneer breaking, including:

• Improper design or placement
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Biting hard foods, such as ice or jawbreakers
• Injury or impact to the face
• Underlying tooth decay beneath the veneer
• Debonding (where the veneer separates from the tooth without breaking)

Your cosmetic dentist will provide you with care instructions upon receiving your veneers, which will help maximize their lifespan. It’s worth noting that breakage is relatively uncommon when veneers are placed by a qualified professional, as they carefully assess the tooth condition and ensure a strong bond.

What to Do If Your Veneer Breaks

If your veneer breaks, the first step is to contact your dentist immediately—ideally within 48 hours.

1. Collect the Broken Piece: If a portion of the veneer has come off, wrap it in a clean cloth and store it in a safe container to bring to your appointment.

2. Consult Your Dentist: Your dentist will evaluate the damage and recommend the best course of action.

Repair Options

• Composite Veneers: If your broken veneer is made from composite resin, there’s a chance it can be repaired, depending on the extent of the damage and how quickly you seek treatment.

• Porcelain Veneers: Generally, porcelain veneers cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced. The replacement process involves taking new impressions and possibly X-rays, but if the tooth structure remains unchanged, additional filing may not be necessary.

• Saving Porcelain Veneers: In some cases, minor chips can be smoothed through dental contouring, and if a veneer has come loose but is intact, the dentist may be able to reattach it.

Preventing Broken Veneers

To minimize the risk of breaking your veneers, the most important step is to choose a reputable and experienced cosmetic dentist. A skilled professional will ensure proper placement and alignment, which is crucial for the longevity of your veneers.

Here are additional tips to maintain your veneers:

• Regular Dental Visits: Schedule cleanings and checkups at least twice a year.

• Avoid Hard Foods: Stay away from items like hard candies and ice; opt for softer snacks.

• Avoid Chewing Non-Food Items: Refrain from chewing on pencils or other hard objects.

• Address Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, consider using a night guard to protect your veneers.

• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste designed for veneers.

Remember, while porcelain veneers are highly durable, they are not as strong as natural tooth enamel. Treat them with care, and they will serve you well for years.

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