How are porcelain veneers made for me?
Porcelain veneers are handcrafted in the laboratory and made to fit each individual client. Essentially, they are a very thin layer of porcelain used to cover the front surface of the tooth. They create a natural, translucent look (comparable to the natural enamel of a tooth), offer fantastic resistance to plaque and bacteria, and they are available here – at Harley Street Smile Clinic.
How are porcelain veneers fitted?
Just two pain-free appointments are required to fit porcelain veneers, each one lasting around 90 minutes on average. During the first, the dentist will start by examining your oral health. This is simply to make sure you’re a suitable candidate for veneers. They will then take impressions of your teeth and file down a thin layer of enamel where the porcelain veneers are to be fitted.
The second appointment is when the porcelain veneers are actually fitted. The dentist will thoroughly check the veneers to make sure they don’t affect your bite or alignment – and if any issues are identified, subtle alterations can be made. Finally, they will clean the teeth and apply a specialist acid gel, before holding the veneers in place and securing them with a curing light.
Does the porcelain veneers procedure hurt?
We endeavour to make the whole experience as pain-free and relaxed as possible. Modern techniques mean that, even if you do require local anaesthetic, this can be undertaken with the minimum amount of discomfort – no more than a scratch is all you will feel, and you’ll be able to return to work pretty much straight away.
How many porcelain veneers do I need?
The number of porcelain veneers that you will need depends on the type of defect you wish to disguise and the level of perfection you hope to achieve. On average, 4-10 veneers are recommended, and these are fitted in multiples of two from the centre outwards.
Here at Harley Street, we always strive to create a symmetrical natural-looking smile – therefore, once the veneers have been fitted, we usually apply a whitening treatment to the rest of your teeth.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Dental porcelain veneers are expected to last about 10-20 years. However just like natural teeth, they are susceptible to damage, and it is important that you take care of them properly. It is also possible for the gum tissue to shrink over time, exposing the original tooth surface underneath. If this issue was to arise, the porcelain veneers would then need to be rebonded or replaced.
Get In Touch
If you would like to find out more about porcelain veneers and the options provided at our clinic, please feel free to get in touch by calling us on 020 7971 1909 or filling out our online enquiry form to begin to discuss your needs with one of our experts. Start preparations to improve your smile today with Harley Street Smile Clinic.