VENEERS
Veneers and Bonding
Porcelain veneers can give you a bright, white smile if your teeth are discoloured, damaged, small or slightly crooked. Resistant to staining from age, tea, coffee and smoking, veneers can be used on a single tooth, or several for a total smile makeover.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers can give you a bright, white smile if your teeth are discoloured, damaged, small or slightly crooked. Resistant to staining from age, tea, coffee and smoking, veneers can be used on a single tooth, or several for a total smile makeover.
What is a veneer?
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or composite that is bonded to your tooth. Typically lasting 10-30 years, veneers are more affordable than crowns when the underlying tooth is strong and healthy.
What happens when you get a veneer?
Appointments usually take 1 – 2 hours, depending on the number of veneers. At the first appointment, the dentist prepares your tooth by removing a thin layer from the tooth surface to allow room for the veneer. A local anaesthetic may be required. Then an impression is taken of your teeth and is sent to a dental ceramist, who makes the veneers especially for your teeth.
At the next appointment, your dentist checks the colour and fit, before bonding the veneer permanently to your tooth using a light-activated cement. The veneer is then trimmed and polished for a smooth and natural finish.
Bonding
What Causes Discolouration?
As we age, our teeth often become darker due to changes in the mineral structure of the tooth. This may be caused by tobacco, coffee, certain foods and even antibiotics. Tooth discolouration may also occur with illness and age.
How does bonding work?
irstly, your dentist will select a resin to perfectly match the colour of your natural teeth. Then your tooth is slightly roughened and coated with a conditioning liquid, to help the bonding material adhere. Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will apply the resin, mould it into shape and harden it with a blue light. Then your dentist will trim, shape and polish the bonding material to match the rest of the tooth surface.
Bonding lasts for several years, however it’s important to take care of your bonded tooth with proper dental hygiene and by avoiding chewing hard objects.