veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth coloured material designed to bond on and cover the front surface of teeth and improve your appearance. The colour, size, shape and length of your teeth can be changed. Veneers can be made from porcelain, other ceramic or composite resin materials, each with their own pros and cons.

Uses of veneers:

  •  Teeth that are discolored or permanently stained: for example from tetracycline or other drugs, previous decay or trauma and more.
  • Teeth that are worn down.
  • Teeth that are chipped or broken.
  • Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped can be straightened by veneers.
  • Teeth with gaps between them; veneers can close the space between.

Veneer materials: pros and cons


Composite veneers are: more cost effective, weaker than porcelain; not as durable, excellent looking, eventually discolour over time, fully reversible, dont require tooth removal (so very conservative) and easily repairable if they chip or break.

Porcelain/ceramic veneers are: more expensive, stronger than composite; the most durable option, excellent looking, wont discolour over time, irreversible, require tooth removal (so less conservative than composite) and cant be repaired thus require remaking if they break.

What is the of process for making porcelain/ceramic veneers?


1) Examination, diagnosis and treatment planning
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  • Discuss your concerns, aims and what you are hoping to achieve.
  • I will examine your teeth and see if veneers are a good option for you and if so what kind. The best timing with regard to any other required work will be discussed. Further information from x-rays and tests of the teeth may be necessary.
  • All the pros, cons, risks, logistics and costs will be discussed and your questions answered.

2) Impressions and diagnostic waxup:

  • Models of your upper and lower teeth are made from impressions taken of your teeth.
  • Based on these my technician will complete a mockup of the end result in wax on the models. These are used in the process of making the veneers.

3) Preparation of the teeth for porcelain/ceramic veneers:

  • A local anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth and surrounding gum. This is not always required.
  • A very small amount of tooth is removed from the front surface of your tooth to make room for the veneers.
  • An impression (mould) is taken of your prepared teeth using a very accurate special dental rubber material. The putty is placed into an impression tray placed onto your teeth for a short time. An impression is also taken of the opposing teeth, so the technician can see how you bite together.
  • Temporary veneers are fitted to protect the teeth while your veneers are being fabricated.
  • These impressions are sent to the dental laboratory where each veneer will be handcrafted by my technician. This process can take between two and three weeks.

4) The final fitting appointment

  • The temporary veneers will be removed and your teeth will cleaned thoroughly to remove any remaining cement.
  • Your new veneers will be temporarily placed and examined for their fit and colour. Any adjustments can be made to make sure that you are completely happy with the appearance and comfort.
  • The veneers will then be removed and the tooth surface prepared for the bonding process. The veneers will then be permanently cemented in place.
  • All excess cement is removed, your bite carefully evaluated and any final adjustments to the veneer are made as necessary.

5) Followup

The veneers will be monitored and reviewed, and your home maintenence discussed in detail.  To look after them you need to brush and floss carefully and avoid any very heavy direct chewing load on them, eg chewing hard nuts or raw carrots and habits like chewing pens and fingernails.