What is a Tooth Veneer?

Sometimes referred to as dental veneers or ‘instant orthodontics’, tooth veneers are synthetic shells that are placed over natural teeth to create the appearance of a flawless, straight, smile. They can be used to disguise various dental problems, such as misalignments, crowding, and discolouration, but they don’t actually correct them, they just cover them up. Thousands of people in the UK and all over the world have benefitted from having tooth veneers fitted, not just because it makes them their smile more appealing, it can also have a tremendous effect on confidence levels. Veneers are typically very expensive, but the top-end products are designed to last for decades, while remaining in great condition. If this sounds like the treatment for you, call the Pearl Dental Clinic and book a consultation today, you’ve got nothing to lose by discussing your options with a member of the team, and you might even get that perfect smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Are all tooth veneers the same?

All types of veneers work towards the same end; giving the patient beautifully straight, white teeth, but they are not all the same, in both application and performance.

Porcelain – This is what probably springs to mind when the word ‘veneers’ is mentioned; they are highly durable ceramic shells that are individually fitted to each single tooth, to create perfect size, shade, and proportion. With porcelain veneers, there is often a substantial amount of reshaping that has to take place before they can be fitted; this involves removing several sections of the hard outer shell (the enamel) to make room for the width of the veneer. The dentist does this by using specially designed drilling and filing tools, which can shave away small portions of enamel without significantly damaging the structure of the teeth. Fitting porcelain veneers takes at least two dental appointments; one to remodel the natural teeth, and a second to fit the shells in place – it may take a third session, if there is a lot of reshaping to do.

Lumineers/Emax – As dental technology has advanced, products like Lumineers have come onto the market, offering a more natural-looking outcome, and longer lasting results. Emax veneers and Lumineers are similar in design and performance, as they are made out of treated porcelain, which is very strong and can be cut much thinner than the traditional variety. Thinner veneers means that less remodelling has to be done at the first appointment, and it allows the dentist to reverse the procedure, if for some reason the patient changes their mind at a later date. This type of veneer is quickly becoming very popular among adults in the UK, despite the fact that they are quite a bit more expensive than the alternatives.

Composite – Veneers crafted out of composite bonding material are the cheapest option available, but they are also considered the least durable. The composite filler which is used to create the veneers is better suited to repairing small chips and cracks, and filling cavities, rather than building an entire smile. Placing composite veneers is a very different procedure to the shell variety, simply because they are made from a malleable substance, which has to be shaped and built-up in layers; this means there is no need for moulds to be sent to a laboratory to fashion the synthetic teeth, and composite veneers can usually be fitted in just one sitting. The downside of this kind of appliance is that the patient is left with a smile that is much less durable and prone to staining; it can also be difficult to skilfully mould the composite material to form a natural-looking smile.

Temporary – As its name suggests, this is not a permanent solution to discoloured or misaligned teeth, and a temporary veneer is usually fitted between the two appointments it takes to place porcelain veneers. The shield can be made out of resin or porcelain; it works by protecting the reshaped teeth – which are more vulnerable to temperature changes or structural damage, keeping them functional – so the patient can continue their daily routine as normal, and it also gives them a good idea of what their permanent smile is going to look like. Temporary devices don’t look or feel exactly the same as porcelain veneers, but they are durable enough to stand in during the interim period. With Emax or Lumineers, the dentist might decide that a temporary veneer is unnecessary because the teeth have not been cut back to a significant degree and don’t need as much protection as they would with the traditional variety.

How long do tooth veneers last?

Products that are manufactured from stronger ceramic, such as Lumineers, will last a lot longer than other types, primarily because the materials used to make them are highly durable. Lumineers should last for fifteen to twenty years, even longer if they are properly cared for and not put under any undue stress. Porcelain veneers are hard-wearing, and should remain in good condition for around ten to twelve years. Composite veneers have been found to be much less effective in this respect, when compared to their durable counterparts; they will last for about five years, but will generally incur some staining or superficial damage before that time has passed.

How much do tooth veneers cost?

It has to be said that veneers are at the pricier end of the treatment range, so it’s important to really consider your budgetary constraints if you are going to have them fitted. As mentioned earlier, composite veneers are the cheapest ones you can get, but you shouldn’t expect them to last forever; it might even be worth your while saving up for a few extra months, in order to afford the more hard-wearing veneers, which will perform better in the long run. Thanks to their popularity and durability, products like Emax veneers are at the top end of the price bracket, and a full top jaw could set you back tens of thousands of pounds. Fortunately, most clinics have financing options, so if money is an issue for you, you don’t have to give up on the idea of getting dental veneers.