Veneers are a fantastic way to restore teeth and improve their appearance. They are thin yet strong and durable tooth-coloured porcelain shells, bonded onto the front of your teeth to enhance the shape, size or shade, mask discolouration or protect your smile from damage. Veneers offer a minimally invasive way to transform a tooth as only a very thin layer of enamel is removed (if any) prior to fitting.
After fitting, it is important to keep your veneer well-maintained with regular brushing and flossing. Your dentist and hygienist will show you how to keep on top of your dental hygiene and keep a close eye on the health of your teeth and gums.
Although veneers are resilient, it is important to treat them with care, so try not to bite your fingernails or chew pen tops, or use your teeth to open anything. Also, it is probably best to steer clear of very hard foods that could cause damage to the veneer.
In many cases, fitting porcelain veneers requires some of your natural tooth enamel to be removed. Therefore, they are an irreversible treatment, designed to be kept on your teeth permanently. Your veneers themselves can last up to 15 years before needing to be replaced, depending on how well you look after them.
You shouldn’t find either the treatment for veneers or the veneers themselves painful. We use local anaesthetic to minimise your discomfort during the preparation and fitting process, and ensure you are relaxed and ready before beginning any treatment. Most patients experience no pain or discomfort at all. You may feel some sensitivity once your veneers have been fitted, but this will go after a few days.
by Dental DesignSite last updated: December 2024
