Veneers

What are they?

A dental veneer is a thin layer of composite or porcelain that are glued onto the tooth a little like a false fingernail. They are used for several reasons.

They can be used aesthetically to cover up crooked, chipped or undersized teeth. They can also effectively cover discoloured teeth and gaps.

What is the procedure?

Approximately 0.5mm of the tooth is removed and moulds are taken. The unprotected tooth is then covered in a temporary veneer for a couple of weeks while the real veneers are fabricated.

To fit them, a resin glue is applied to the tooth, the veneer is slid into place and the resin hardened using a light beam.

How long do they last?

They last approximately 10 years and are very durable.

Pros

• Very good results in a short period of time
• They can correct several different problems
• Porcelain veneers are stain resistant

Cons

• As the tooth is etched during the fitting process, application is not reversible
• They can come off if you bite on hard things like fingernails or pencils
• The teeth may become more sensitive to extremes of hot and cold