What Are Porcelain Veneers?

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your front teeth, porcelain veneers are a swift way to give your smile a quick makeover. They allow you to change the appearance, colour, shape, size, position, texture, and brightness of your teeth. Here’s what they are and what they can do for you. 

What Are Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of ceramic material designed to cover the front surface of a tooth. They are made from high-quality, dental ceramic. It is strong and durable. They cover your own teeth in a way that looks natural and blends in with the surrounding teeth.

Types Of Porcelain Veneers

There are several different options

• Ultrathin – the finest custom teeth veneers that are paper thin. They are just 0.2-0.4mm thick. Very little tooth preparation is required and they are bonded to your teeth using special cement.
• Durathin – Very thin custom-made pieces of thin porcelain. They are 0.5mm thick – like the thickness of a contact lens. The procedure is flexible and pain-free. 
• Lumineers – Permanent, bespoke veneers made from laminate. A special cement is used to bond them directly to your teeth. They enhance your smile by making it lighter and brighter.

Porcelain Veneer Procedure

It usually takes 3 appointments, including the initial consultation to get porcelain veneers fitted. The teeth are prepared and an accredited cosmetic dentist, like those here at Smile Stories takes an impression of your teeth. It takes 2-4 weeks for the lab to make the dental veneers. Next they are adhered to your teeth.  

What Are The Benefits Of Porcelain Veneers?

There are several advantages of using porcelain veneers, including:

• Improved appearance: Porcelain veneers can be used to improve the appearance of stained teeth, chipped, or crooked. They can also be used to correct gaps between teeth or to improve the overall appearance of the smile.
• Durability: Porcelain veneers are made of a strong and durable material that can last for many years with proper care.
• Natural-looking: Porcelain veneers are designed to mimic the natural appearance of teeth, so they look and feel very similar to real teeth.
• Low maintenance: Porcelain veneers require the same basic care as natural teeth, such as brushing and flossing. They also resist staining from coffee, tea, and red wine.
• Quick treatment: Porcelain veneers can be applied in just a few dental visits
• Multiple Teeth: One or more teeth can be treated

Disadvantages of Porcelain Veneers

Whilst there are many advantages to having veneers fitted there are some drawbacks you should be aware of. 

• The process is not reversible unless your teeth are straight and no preparation is needed.
• Will need to be replaced if they break, but will only do so if you treat them haphazardly, such as biting your nails. 
• The colour of the material cannot be altered once it’s in place. Any tooth whitening treatments should be completed ahead of the porcelain veneers being fitted.
• Veneers will not break unless you do things you shouldn’t with your teeth, like biting them! 

When Are Porcelain Veneers Used?

Veneers are generally used to address cosmetic issues with the front teeth, which are the most visible when a person smiles or talks. They are a popular choice for people who want to improve the appearance of their teeth and smile, make subtle changes to their teeth, or are not candidates for other types of cosmetic treatment.

They treat a wide variety of issues, including 

• Diastema – gaps between the teeth
• Malocclusions – when teeth are misaligned – you have a bad bite including overbites
• Crooked teeth
• Short teeth – veneers can be used to lengthen teeth
• Discoloured teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Gummy smiles

Who Are Not Suitable for Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are not suited to those with the following dental issues:

• Tooth decay
• Active gum disease
• Weakened teeth – eg those with fractures or large fillings
• Worn teeth – the treatment requires teeth to have enough enamel to adhere the veneers
• Bruxism -You’d need to wear a night guard if this is you. Veneers can break under intense and prolonged pressure so need some protection.

Are There Any Alternatives?

There are several alternatives to porcelain veneers that can be used to improve the appearance of teeth, including:

• Teeth whitening: This is a popular option for people who want to improve the colour of their teeth. Tooth whitening can be done at home using over-the-counter products or professionally in a dental office.
• Bonding: This involves applying a tooth-coloured composite resin to the surface of the tooth to repair chips, cracks, or gaps. Bonding can be used to make minor cosmetic improvements to the teeth and is generally less expensive than veneers but lasts a quarter as long over the years.
• Crowns: Crowns are caps that fit over the entire tooth and can repair more extensive damage or cover discoloured teeth. Crowns can be made of a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and gold.
• Braces: For people with misaligned teeth, braces can be used to straighten the teeth and improve the smile’s appearance. Braces can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic and are typically worn for several months to a few years.
• Invisalign: This is a transparent aligner system that can be used to straighten teeth. Invisalign aligners are made of a clear plastic material and are virtually invisible when worn. They are generally more expensive than traditional braces but can be a good option for people who want a more discreet treatment option.

Ultimately, the best option for improving the appearance of the teeth will depend on the specific needs and goals of the individual. A dentist or orthodontist can help a person determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their specific dental issues and goals

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering porcelain veneers to transform your smile, why not book a free consultation with one of the highly trained cosmetic dentists here at Smile Stories and find out if Porcelain veneers in Bournemouth are suitable for you?   

FAQ

Is It Worth Getting Porcelain Veneers? 

There are many benefits to having veneers fitted especially if you are not happy with your smile. Porcelain veneers can be a good option for improving the appearance of your teeth, but it is important to carefully consider all of the potential pros and cons before making a decision. It is always a good idea to consult with an expert cosmetic dentist like those here at smile stories to determine the best treatment options for your specific needs and goals.

Do Veneers Damage Your Teeth?

Porcelain veneers generally do not cause damage to your teeth, but the process of placing veneers may involve some minor preparation of the tooth surface. In order to fit a veneer over the front of your tooth, a small amount of tooth structure may need to be smoothed.

If you would like to consult with a dentist to get veneers in Bournemouth, get in touch with us!