Veneers are a versatile solution for treating decayed, discoloured and damaged teeth

A veneer is a thin moulding, custom-made from porcelain, which is bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Veneers are a quick and effective solution to stained, chipped, mis-shapen or crooked teeth. They can also be used to cover gaps in teeth where orthodontic treatment may not be suitable.Veneers are a cosmetic treatment. They cover only the front surface of the tooth and will mimic the size, shape and colour of your teeth, creating a very natural look. A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured tooth or to lighten your front teeth.

Veneers are most commonly used for:

Enhancement of the smile.
Having very white teeth when cannot be achieved by whitening alone.
Discoloured and unsightly teeth.
Closing gaps or fixing chipped and broken teeth.
Alignment of teeth that are mildly crooked.

What can I expect from veneers treatment?
Veneers require very little preparation and can be performed in a minimum of two visits. We will remove a small amount of tooth enamel, so the tooth can accommodate the veneer. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, so your veneers can be made to measure. These impressions are sent off to the off-site dental lab and once we receive your veneer, we can invite you back for a fitting. Your veneer will be bonded using a strong adhesive and any necessary tweaks will be addressed.

What are the benefits of veneers?
Veneers provide a very natural finish. If you are concerned about misshapen, chipped or discoloured teeth, veneers can offer a long-lasting cosmetic solution. The colour of the porcelain veneer can be selected to match your existing teeth or to make them appear whiter.The porcelain finish also mimics the light-reflecting qualities of natural teeth, helping you achieve a brighter, natural-looking smile. Porcelain veneers are also more stain resistant and durable than composite bonding, and if looked after properly, can last for many years.Veneers offer a gentler approach to altering a tooth’s shape or colour than crowns, as only a small amount of enamel has to be removed to fit the veneer. Yet they offer similar strength and very natural looking results. They are a less invasive alternative to crowns and can be cared for in the same way you care for your natural teeth.

What are the alternatives to veneers?
Composite bonding – bonding is a fast, non-invasive procedure which can usually be completed in a single appointment. A composite resin is bonded onto the tooth to restore its natural shape and colour.
Crowns – a crown is a tooth-shaped cap that’s placed over the entire visible portion of your tooth. A crown will feel and function just like any of your other teeth.
Orthodontics – fixed or removable braces can be used to straighten misaligned teeth and close gaps. Advances in orthodontics mean that braces can now be virtually invisible.
Talk to your dentist about your options and they will be able to advise you on whether veneers are the right treatment for you.