A GUIDE TO THE DENTAL VENEER PROCESS
A GUIDE TO DENTAL VENEERS
At The Dental Architect, we are proud to offer dental veneer treatment to enhance the appearance of your teeth. Dental veneers are a very popular way to perfect your smile in the long term.
Here are some answers to FAQs that will help you to understand what the dental veneer process involves…
1. WHAT ARE TOOTH VENEERS USED FOR?
Tooth veneers can be used to successfully treat a broad range of cosmetic dental issues, including:
- Discoloured teeth
- Malformed teeth
- Uneven contours
- Poor texture
- Gaps and spacing
- Unevenly shaped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Enamel hypoplasia (when there are defects on the surface due to a lack of enamel)
- Enamel hypocalcification (when the enamel lacks adequate calcium) Fluorosis (discoloration due to an overexposure to fluoride in the early years)
- Tetracycline staining (discoloration due to exposure to a certain type of antibiotic in childhood)
- Cracked or fractured enamel
- Teeth that have been shortened by general wear or chipping
- Enamel lost through erosion
Essentially, dental veneers can be used to create a uniform colour, shape and alignment.
2. WHAT ARE TOOTH VENEERS MADE OF?
Conventional tooth veneers are custom-made from an ultra-thin layer of dental porcelain that is permanently bonded to the surface of the tooth. Porcelain is durable and relatively resistant to staining.
Another option that can achieve a similar effect is composite bonding. Composite bonding may be built-up directly onto the surface of the tooth, using a resin material. This is usually used to treat younger patients who may benefit from a temporary solution until they are fully grown.
If you are unsure about these treatments, one of our dentists can talk you through your suitability for each procedure & call today on 0113 868 4324.
3. HOW LONG DO TOOTH VENEERS LAST?
A porcelain veneer is a thin layer that covers the surface of the tooth and is generally used for cosmetic improvement – these typically last for 10-15 years.
Composite veneers typically last for around four years, but this is dependent on the individual care regime.
4. DO VENEERS COVER THE WHOLE TOOTH?
Depending on what is required, dental veneers can either cover the tip to mid-section of the tooth or the entire front surface of the tooth. By contrast, a full crown will encase the entire tooth, covering all the surfaces.
We may use one veneer to restore a single damaged or defective tooth or, as in many cases, we create multiple veneers for the teeth on the upper arch as part of a more extensive smile makeover.
5. HOW ARE VENEERS FITTED?
In order to fit the dental veneers, it is usually necessary to first take a thin layer off the surface of the tooth. This means that having dental veneers is an irreversible procedure.
When it comes to tooth preparation for veneers we will always try to take the minimum amount off the tooth.
6. HOW ARE TOOTH VENEERS APPLIED — OUR DENTAL VENEER PROCESS
At your first consultation we will discuss your eligibility for the process, as not everyone is a good candidate for the treatment – for example, you might need to have braces to straighten your teeth first. We will also discuss the transformation you would like to achieve. We then take a 3D scan and use CAD technology to demonstrate what your new smile could look like, with veneers. We will also take X-rays to ensure that your teeth are healthy and there’s no hidden decay, gum disease or need for a root canal treatment which would prevent us from beginning the dental veneer process.
At your next appointment we trim down the tooth or teeth by around .5mm. We take a scan of your teeth in order to make a mould. We send the scan to a laboratory for the porcelain veneer to be created. Temporary veneers – made from composite resin – may be used until the permanent veneers come back from the lab around 1-2 weeks later.
At your next appointment we thoroughly clean your teeth and mouth before the porcelain veneer is placed onto your prepared tooth. We then check that your bite is correct. The veneer is bonded into place with a special dental cement which is ‘cured’ by ultraviolet light.
THE DENTAL VENEER EXPERTS
Looking to transform your smile? As a leading dental clinic in Leeds city centre, we provide an extensive range of treatments that are designed to improve the appearance and health of your teeth. As well as dental veneers, we also offer:
- Teeth whitening
- Invisalign clear aligners
- Dental implants
- Endodontics
- Routine care and cleaning
Have you got any more questions about the dental veneer process? If you would like to find out whether dental veneers are the right solution for you, please contact our friendly team and make an appointment to come in and speak to one of our knowledgeable dentists.
Please get in touch today on 0113 868 4324 or email us to book. We look forward to hearing from you.
