Dental
Cosmetic Treatments
Veneers
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What are veneers?
Veneers are lab made covers for your front teeth that can improve the appearance due to damage or fractures or to as part of a makeover.
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What happens during the veneer preparation procedure?
On the first appointment the tooth will normally be numbed with an injection of local anaesthetic in order to trim down the front surface of the tooth which will ensure the veneer will fit correctly. Once the tooth is prepared, impressions will be taken of both the upper and lower teeth which will be sent off to the lab for the veneer to be made. The final part of the first appointment will be to make a temporary veneer to protect the tooth for a couple of weeks whilst the veneer is being made and this will be cemented on with a temporary cement.
The second appointment is usually 2 weeks later. The temporary veneer is removed (usually without anaesthetic) and the new veneer is placed with a permanent cement. The bite is then checked and adjusted as necessary to make sure it feels comfortable when you bite together.
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What kind of veneers are available?
Veneers are made from a variety of different materials:
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Porcelain
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Composite
What should I do after I have had the tooth prepared for the veneer?
If you have had the tooth numbed, then you will have a tingling sensation for a few hours after the treatment has been completed. Avoid eating until the numbness has worn off to prevent biting your lip or tongue and to protect the temporary veneer. You may use the tooth once the numbness has fully gone but to be aware that the tooth only has a temporary veneer which is only cemented on with a temporary cement, so avoid anything hard or chewy to prevent the temporary veneer from debonding and coming off.
If the temporary veneer came off between the first and second appointment then re-attend the practice to have the veneer re-cemented or a new temporary veneer made.
It is normal for the tooth to be a little sensitive with the temporary veneer.
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How long will the veneer last for?
Any permanent veneer in any material can last up to 10 years and sometimes veneers can last longer than this but it all depends on how you look after it.