13 January 2021
Dental veneers- frequently asked questions
Dental veneers are a long-lasting cosmetic solution to imperfect teeth. They are thin, tooth-coloured shells that are bonded to the front of the teeth, changing their colour, shape, size, or length. Veneers are a quick and effective solution to stained, chipped, misshapen or crooked teeth. We will now address some of the commonly asked questions we get asked about veneers. You will also find lots of additional information about veneers here;https://www.cheadlehulmedental.com/treatment/dental-veneers-manchester.html
Will dental veneers damage my teeth?
There are 2 main types of veneers; porcelain and composite. In most cases, if you have porcelain veneers fitted this does require some re-shaping of your natural teeth using a drill before the veneer can be fitted on top, which is an irreversible process. However, when the treatment is done correctly, the drilling is minimal. You can get minimal or no prep porcelain veneers but your teeth need to be fairly straight to start with, and require minimal adjustments. So, in the majority of cases there will be a slight damage to your natural teeth with porcelain veneers. However, with composite veneers, in the majority of cases there is no damage to the patient’s teeth. The composite resin, similar to the material used for white fillings, is shaped around your own tooth by your dentist without the need for any drilling. In rare cases, minor adjustments may be needed first but this is unusual. For more information about composite veneers, follow this link; https://www.cheadlehulmedental.com/treatment/composite-veneers-manchester.html
How much do veneers cost?
Here at the practice a composite veneer will cost between £200 and £350 per tooth. For a porcelain veneer the starting cost per tooth is £750. The composite veneers are a more affordable option for patients because the dentist moulds the shape of the veneer whilst the patient is sitting in the chair, where as porcelain veneers have to be made at a dental laboratory.
How long do dental veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are extremely durable and can last for many years, usually 10-15 years, if you take good care of them using a good oral hygiene home care routine. I’ve got porcelain veneers, done here at the practice by shi and have had them for over 10 years and have not had any problems with them yet. Composite veneers won’t generally last as long, and should last between 4 and 8 years.
Are veneers resistant to staining?
Porcelain veneers will resist everyday staining from cigarette smoking, tea, coffee, red wine and other dark or richly coloured liquids or spices where as composite veneers can discolour and stain over time. Although with modern materials this is minimal.
Will veneers damage easily?
Composite veneers will need to be refreshed or replaced more frequently than porcelain veneers, as the resin material used is not as strong as porcelain. Porcelain is extremely hard wearing and durable, and therefore less likely to get damaged. With either option you need to look after the veneers in order to reduce the likelihood of damage. Therefore, you should avoid putting too much pressure on them.
Are veneers expensive to replace or repair?
If a composite veneer breaks or chips, it is cheaper to repair than a porcelain veneer. This is because can be repaired by your dentist in one visit, whereas porcelain veneers cannot be repaired. If they break, they must be replaced by a brand new one which has to be made by the dental laboratory.
How many appointments will I need for the treatment?
For composite veneers, the whole treatment can usually be completed in one visit whereas, with porcelain veneers you will need 2 or 3. With porcelain veneers you will need to wear temporary veneers between visits whilst the actual veneers are sent away to be made at the lab. Both treatments will also require an initial planning appointment beforehand where the digital smile design will take place.
Am I a suitable candidate for dental veneers?
Your dentist will examine your teeth at the initial consultation and must conclude that your teeth are strong and healthy before starting treatment. They will also need to be satisfied that there is a good level or oral hygiene. Tooth decay, gum disease or evidence of grinding are all things which may make treatment less viable. This is the case with both porcelain and composite veneers.
Will composite or porcelain veneers give the best results?
Porcelain veneers create a more life-like and natural tooth appearance than composites. The translucent properties of the porcelain allows the veneers to mimic the light handling characteristics of enamel giving it a sense of depth. Therefore, they are able to create a more realistic and natural smile.
What are the alternative treatments to veneers?
If you or your dentist decide veneers aren’t the right option for you, then there are other procedures such as crowns, bridges, implants or orthodontic treatments that can all help you achieve the perfect smile. Further information about these treatments can be found here:https://www.cheadlehulmedental.com/treatments/
To see all of this explained in a video, click on this link to our You Tube channel; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYu8MHa1M-A
