Veneers are very thin shells that are commonly made out of a durable material like porcelain. They are placed over the top of existing teeth in order to change something about them. This could be the size, shape or colour.
If you have a gap in your teeth that you would like to close, for example, veneers can be useful for this. They could save you having orthodontic treatment to correct the issue. If the gap is small enough, a veneer can be fitted that is slightly larger than the tooth next to it. This extends the reach of the tooth to cover the gap.
We offer veneers in Wimbledon at Wimbledon Dental Centre for a range of issues. You need to have healthy teeth in order to have veneers, as each one is supported by the tooth underneath. Come for a check-up and consultation with us and we can check your suitability and make recommendations.
How are they fitted?
Veneers are held in place by a very hard dental cement. Once they are in position, they cannot be removed.
The first step in fitting is to remove a thin area of enamel from your tooth. This allows the veneer to sit flush with the other teeth. Your dentist will take an impression of the area so that a dental technician can shape any veneers that you need and return them to the practice. At you next appointment, the veneer will be slotted into place using the adhesive. It can be moved around to get the position exactly right before a special light is shone on the area to harden the cement. The dentist will finish off by removing any excess material.
How do you look after them?
Once they are in place, your veneers can be treated like normal teeth. They are designed to last around 5–10 years.
You need a diligent dental hygiene routine to care for your teeth. You can still get tooth decay in teeth that have veneers fitted. If they start to deteriorate, it can affect the longevity of your dental enhancements.
Veneers will not discolour over time so you can enjoy a bright smile for as long as you have them. This is why some people consider getting a full set of veneers for an attractive uniformity.