What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin porcelain coverings that are attached to the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. The shape, colour and alignment of the teeth can all be improved using porcelain veneers. There are different types of veneer and different veneer techniques available. Our expert dentists will be able to discuss the different veneer types with you and help you choose the most appropriate option.
How Long Do Veneers Take?
Veneers can be completed in around two to four weeks, even for a full set of upper and lower teeth. First, a planning session is needed to take photos and impressions of the existing teeth. Planning prototype models are made to show the final result. The teeth are then prepared and temporary veneers fitted, and the final veneers fitted around two weeks later.
Types Of Veneer
There are several types of veneer which can be used to achieve different results for different cases. These include Minimal Prep Veneers, No-Prep Veneers, Feldspathic Veneers, and Emax Veneers.
Minimal-Prep Veneers
These are one of the most commonly used types of veneer. They are good for improving the appearance of the smile by closing gaps, changing the colour and shape of the teeth and improving mild misalignment of the teeth. Only the minimum amount of tooth substance is removed (around 0.5mm from the front of the tooth and around 1.0mm from the biting edge) and a thin porcelain veneer is then strongly bonded to the front of the tooth.
No-Prep Veneers
These veneers are bonded to the teeth without any reduction of the tooth surface. They are similar to minimal prep veneers. They are mainly used to improve colour, and close gaps. These can be used when the teeth are already more naturally aligned.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Veneers have good lifespans, typically around ten years with good aftercare. Veneers can chip or break like natural teeth, but they are less prone to staining. Over time the gum position can change naturally with aging and this can sometimes reveal the darker coloured tooth root. A new set of veneers can be placed to correct this.
What If My Teeth Are Very Uneven?
You can still have veneers even if the teeth are very misaligned, although you will probably need to have braces first to align the teeth. Once all the teeth have been straightened with braces, minimal-prep veneers are usually used to improve their shape and colour and correct any minor irregularities that are left. This process takes longer but can produce really big improvements in a persons smile.
How Many Veneers?
The number of veneers needed depends on what result you are looking for and the appearance and colour of your teeth. A full Hollywood type smile makeover typically involves twenty veneers, ten on the top and ten on the bottom, to completely align the teeth, remove any irregularities and give a very white smile. On the other end of the spectrum a mini-makeover may involve just four veneers on the upper front teeth combined with teeth whitening. Typically, the most common number of veneers used would be eight veneers in the upper jaw covering the teeth most visible when smiling.