Everything you Need to Know About Veneers
Everyone dreams of the perfect Hollywood smile, but it’s rare to have naturally straight, white teeth without a little help. Some people choose braces or tooth whitening treatments to help their teeth look their best, but if you’re after something more permanent you may have considered veneers. Veneers can fix chips or cracks in your teeth, as well as improve the aesthetics of your smile, so if you’re considering veneers as the solution to your dental issues, read on to a brief guide of what you need to know.
What are veneers?
In dentistry, a veneer is a customised shell made of porcelain or composite resin that fits over your existing teeth to enhance their appearance. Veneers are extremely durable and stain resistant, and while usually applied for cosmetic reasons, they can also be used to fix chips or cracks in teeth, improve alignment or even alter the shape of your teeth.
How are they applied?
Your dentist will first take a mold of your teeth to be sent off to prepare the veneers – this usually takes around one to two weeks. They will also trim around half a millimetre of enamel from your teeth to prepare them for the veneer application. Once the veneers are ready, your teeth will be cleaned polished and etched – this roughens the surface of the tooth so the veneer can be adhered more easily. They are applied to your existing teeth with a special cement which is then activated by ultraviolet light; this activates the cement chemicals and causes it to harden very quickly.
You may be asked to return for a follow up visit after a few weeks to check the veneers are properly placed and your gums have adapted to the veneer’s presence.
Different types
There are two common types of dental veneers available – composite and porcelain. Composite veneers tend to be more affordable as they are slightly less durable and more prone to staining.
Composite: This type of veneer requires less prep time compared to porcelain, and they can often be applied in a single visit. They are made from composite resin, the same material that is commonly used in tooth coloured fillings, but they are more susceptible to discolouration and staining. Some people don’t think composite veneers look as natural as porcelain, but they still provide a great finish and make an affordable alternative.
Porcelain: This type of veneer takes longer to apply, as each is individually handcrafted for a perfect fit. Porcelain veneers are more resistant to staining and discolouration, and they also last longer which makes them more expensive. You can also get laminate porcelain veneers, which are even stronger than the standard porcelain type.
If you’re looking to have veneers fitted in the York area, get in touch with Acorn Dental Practice. We fit both porcelain and composite veneers, and your dentist can discuss the options with you to ensure you get the best solution for the most affordable price. To find out more and discuss your options, give us a call or visit our website.