What are Dental Veneers and How Can they Improve your Smile?

Dental veneers are a way of dramatically improving your smile. For anyone who has visible teeth that are discoloured, chipped, cracked or generally not great to look at, then they are an easy and effective method of masking those teeth with something that looks a little more perfect, and continues to look entirely natural. For those who have a gap between their front teeth and feel self-conscious about it, veneers are also a great solution.

 

Dental veneers have been around for nearly a hundred years and were one of the earliest forms of cosmetic dentistry. They are thin shell-like structures, usually made of porcelain. They can be made to any size that is required and feel natural and comfortable when in place. The veneers are robust, despite their size, and last for many years. In addition, they can be matched perfectly to the colour of your surrounding teeth so that they blend in perfectly and create a seamless smile.

Veneers are placed on the teeth they need to mask via bonding mechanism. This means that the original teeth have to have a little of the enamel removed (usually no more than a millimetre). The veneers can then be fixed on to the surface of the tooth and using a special adhesive, which is like a cement, remain there. This process is finalised with the aid of a special light beam that enables the cement to dry and permanently fix the veneers in place.

The veneers are made in a very precise way, so that no post-fixing work is required. However, about a week after they are put in pace, your dentist may want to see you again to give the veneers a final polish. You may find some sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days after they have been put in but this will go away as your gums become used to them.

Once veneers have been put in place there is no returning to life without them because the surface of the original tooth has been altered. Life with veneers is no different as they do not impact on everyday eating and drinking, and require no special attention. Though strong and sturdy, it is worth remembering that they are a little more brittle than your own teeth, and so as a precaution it is best to avoid placing great strain on them. Opening bottles with your teeth or biting into very hard substances such as ice are a definite no-no.

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