What is a veneer?

A veneer is a false-nail shaped piece of porcelain that can be placed on a front of a tooth to improve its shape or colour.

Why might I need veneers?

Veneers can be used to solve a number of cosmetic problems including the following:

• Gaps between teeth
• Short teeth
• Poor tooth shapes e.g. too small or peg teeth
• Minor tooth alignment or crowding issues
• Severe discoloration that bleaching can’t solve
• Non-ideal smiles shapes

How long do veneers last?

The average is 10-15 years.  They are a very successful and stable treatment and are more conservative than crowns.  While veneers can be used to treat lots of different types of smile issues, in some cases where the bite force appears to be strong crowns may be better.

What’s involved in having a veneer?

Once we’re happy that the tooth is suitable for a veneer, the front surface is contoured or slightly paired back.  An impression or mould is made of the down tooth and this is sent away to a dental laboratory, where the veneer is made. If a temporary veneer is needed, this is glued to the front of the tooth while the final veneer is being made.  The final restoration comes back from the dental lab it is cemented in place. Veneer preparation is a very conservative procedure and is not painful.

How long does it take to get a veneer made?

Normally just a few weeks.  In more complex cases, there are sometimes reasons to take longer but these will always be highlighted in advance where required.

 What are veneers made of?

Veneers are usually made of porcelain, although there are some that are made out of white filling material.  The porcelain veneers offer greater control over the aesthetics and much longer colour stability than the white filling versions.

Do I have to have veneers to brighten my teeth?

No, you can often achieve a brightening of tooth colour by bleaching alone.  Where tooth bleaching is suitable, it is a much more conservative option than veneers.