Veneers are thin, fingernail-sized coverings that are used to cover the enamel on the outer face of your teeth. While they are usually made from porcelain, further developments mean that some dentists are offering resin or zirconia alternatives. Each veneer is created individually and for a specific tooth. This ensures that it is the perfect shape and size to cover the enamel and improve the appearance of your smile. Some patients might only need a single veneer while others may opt for a complete set in order to achieve a total smile transformation.

The process to apply veneers is minimally invasive. A little of the natural enamel of your tooth will need to be removed so that the new veneer lies flush against it. By filing some away our dentist will also help prevent your veneer from looking unnaturally thick or artificial in any way. The filing process is performed after you have been given a local anesthetic, ensuring that you will not be in any pain throughout. Nevertheless, it is essential to be aware that enamel cannot regrow. This means that once filing has started, there is no going back, and you will always require a veneer on the affected tooth.
 

What issues can veneers help to address?

Veneers can be successfully used to address a number of different cosmetic defects with your smile. These include:

  • Small chips and cracks in the enamel.

  • Discoloration and staining of the teeth.

  • Closing small gaps that you might have between your teeth. Not only could these look unattractive, but they are also ideal crevices for bacteria and food debris to accumulate and cause decay and even periodontal disease to develop.

  • Create teeth of a more uniform height and thickness.

Benefits of veneers

There are different types of advantages associated with all forms of cosmetic dentistry. Here are some of the most commonly-cited benefits of dental veneers.
 

A brighter smile

Teeth whitening is the single most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment in the world today, but it isn’t for everyone. Some people are sensitive to the chemicals used and aren’t able to undergo the procedure, while others have staining and discoloration so severe that whitening procedures, even using the highest-grade chemicals, simply aren’t as effective as they would like. Fortunately, since veneers can be glazed in a huge range of shades, it is possible to lighten your entire smile if you choose a full set. If you have one tooth much darker than the others, the single veneer can be created in a color that closely resembles your own.
 

Stain resistance

There are a variety of different food and drink products that have the capability of staining our teeth. Over time, this can lead to significant discoloration, which is often a trigger for the seeking teeth whitening procedures. However, your new veneer is stain-resistant, enabling you to enjoy a whiter smile for longer.
 

Add strength to your natural teeth

Despite their delicate appearance, veneers can actually reinforce the strength and durability of your current teeth. This means that if you suffer from weakness, erosion or other problems, your new veneers can add support and increase the longevity of your natural teeth.
 

A simple, painless procedure

Many people have concerns about undergoing any type of dental procedure, and the thought of sitting in the chair for anything other than essential work may seem ridiculous. However, the procedure to obtain dental veneers is straightforward and should pose minimal risk provided it is carried out by a competent and experienced dentist.
 

Confidence in the appearance of your teeth

Every patient deserves to feel confident about the way that they look, and this includes the appearance of their teeth. Improved confidence means higher self-esteem, and this can have a positive effect on various areas of your life, from your career to your personal relationships.
 

A long-lasting smile improvement

Although veneers aren’t entirely infallible, with the right care and attention, they could last you 15 years or longer before replacement is required.

If you would like more information about dental veneers and their benefits, or to schedule a consultation to discuss your individual requirements, please feel free to contact our experienced team today.