Cosmetic dentistry techniques are being refined to greater degrees year on year. Right now, more and more people from all walks of life are opting for life-changing procedures as the word spreads further about the amazing things that can be achieved by specialists. One of the most popular and procedures is the application of porcelain veneers. Instantly effective and very quick to acquire, the standard of veneers available has now improved to the point where they cannot be distinguished from regular teeth by the naked eye.
So how do porcelain veneers work? What exactly are they, and how could they help change your look and the way you feel about your smile?
Porcelain veneers are delicately shaped slivers of material – most commonly porcelain – that are applied with sturdy dental cement to the front surfaces of any teeth you would like to change. Despite the exceptionally slim look of each veneer shell, they are extremely hard wearing – almost as strong as natural teeth – and can be coloured to look exactly how you want them.
People opt for porcelain veneers for different reasons. If a person is struggling with the appearance of teeth that are uneven, mismatched in size, gappy, chipped, crooked or internally discoloured, this procedure might just change their smile – and therefore their self-confidence – forever.
Because porcelain veneers are made up of a single layer, they do not function as a whole tooth. They can improve the strength of your natural tooth and sometimes fix problems with speech or eating that are connected with the shape or placement of your teeth, but they should be considered as just a part of a larger structure.
Remember, just like natural teeth, porcelain veneers can chip or break. This can be caused by eating food that is too hard or crunchy, by grinding teeth, or as the result of an impact. The natural tooth behind the veneer can erode too. The way to prevent any of these things from happening is by taking good care of your smile. Stick to a strict dental hygiene routine, much as you should with your natural teeth. Keep brushing, flossing and using mouthwash day and night, and be sure to use a mouthguard if you take part in any contact sports. While dental veneers are harder to stain than natural tooth material, you should still try to steer clear of staining agents such as red wine, coffee, fruit juices and cigarettes as much as possible.
As people age, their teeth and gums shift slightly. This means that, further down the line, you may find that your veneers don’t fit correctly anymore. They can be easily replaced by any specialist cosmetic dentist, however, so be sure to call yours as soon as any problems arise. Cracks and chips can also be mended, so there’s no need to panic if one of your veneers becomes slightly damaged. A good set of veneers can last between ten and fifteen years, but there have been some that have been known to stay securely in place for up to twenty.
To apply veneers, cosmetic dentists usually require that you attend two appointments, usually less than a fortnight apart. The first appointment is where the dentist will take a mould of your teeth that will be used to create your porcelain veneers. They will then remove a small amount of the enamel from the fronts of the teeth that are going to have veneers applied so that the new shells fit in with the line of your smile. You may be given temporary porcelain veneers to protect those teeth, depending on the amount of material that has been removed and any tooth sensitivity you may have. The second appointment is where you will have your new veneers securely attached using tough dental cement. A few finishing touches and a quick polish, and you’re ready to take on the world with your new smile!
If you’d like to find out more about dental veneers in London and discover whether they are the right solution for you, just call the Harley Street Smile Clinic today on 020 7486 6777 or email [email protected]. If you like, you can start with an absolutely free e-consultation including a personalised estimated quote, so you can find out exactly what we could do to enhance your smile and how much it is likely to cost. Don’t let dissatisfaction with your smile get you down – get in touch with the Harley Street Smile Clinic today.