Porcelain Veneers by Liverpool Dentist HX Dental

1) Introduction to Veneers
2) What are veneers made of?
3) How are Tooth Veneers fitted to my teeth?
4) How long do Tooth Veneers last?
5) Which teeth can be veneered?
6) What are the alternatives to Veneers?
7) How much do Veneers cost?

Introduction to Veneers

Porcelain veneers have been available since the 1980s and have revolutionised cosmetic dentistry. However, it is really only in the last 5yrs or so that they have caught the public’s imagination with the advent of “make-over” television programmes.

We have been placing veneers at the Hunts Cross Dental Centre since they first became available and have seen many smiles totally transformed with them. Veneers look completely natural and are very strong. They can be used to change colour, shape and alignment of your teeth to give you the smile you have always wanted. Usually all this can be achieved in the space of only 1 week.

What are veneers made of?

Veneers are made of a very thin layer of porcelain (usually 0.5-1mm thick) which is custom made in a dental laboratory to fit each individual tooth. Some people compare them to a false fingernail for your fingers, but obviously a lot more technically advanced! The colour and the shape of the porcelain is decided by yourself and the dentist at the treatment planning stage.

How are Veneers fitted to my teeth?

There are essentially 2 stages;

- Preparation – This is the longer of the 2 appointments during which the dentist re-contours the “front” or visible part of the tooth to allow room for the veneer to be placed. The preparation of each tooth is usually minimal and should not compromise the long term health of the tooth. Impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to the laboratory where the veneers are custom made. Temporary veneers are then placed by your dentist.

- Cementation – Usually this appointment is about 1 week after the preparation. Here the dentist places the veneers on the teeth and checks the fit and appearance. If you and the dentist are both happy with the outcome then each veneer is bonded very strongly to the corresponding tooth. The bond will be at about 90% strength when you leave the surgery, and within hours they will be at full strength. You will leave with your smile transformed!

How long will Veneers last?

This is always the most difficult question to answer as it mostly depends upon how well you look after them. We have patients who have had veneers on for approaching twenty years. If well maintained then you should expect a veneer to last 10-15 years, after which time they may need replacing due to normal wear and tear.

Which teeth can be veneered?

In essence almost any tooth can be veneered, but it is not normally advisable to place veneers on heavily restored, worn or very discoloured teeth. Crowns are the option of choice for these teeth.
Veneers are usually placed on those teeth which can be seen when you smile – i.e. your upper front teeth. For the best cosmetic results veneers are normally placed symmetrically in pairs of 2, 4 or 6 teeth.

What are the alternatives to Veneers?

If you only want to change the colour of your teeth and they don’t have many fillings then Tooth Whitening should be considered.

Crowns are also an alternative, which can be more appropriate if you have heavily filled or worn teeth to start with. See “Crowns” for further information on these.

Bonding is another option which involves the addition of tooth coloured filling material to the teeth. This is only suitable for minor corrections though.

How much do Veneers they cost?

There are several grades of porcelain available which largely determines the price. Typically veneers cost from £250 per tooth.