Looking to improve the appearance of your teeth?

March 21, 2017

When considering how you might improve the appearance of your teeth, you may feel daunted by the range of options available to you. With adverts on the television and on social media, it may feel like every week brings a new suggestion for a treatment option that has bold claims about it’s success. One such method you may have heard of is that of veneers. We think having a veneer is a great way to make an impact on your smile, and we’d like to tell you a little more about them today.

Veneers can be used in a variety of situations. They can help to improve the appearance of a tooth or teeth that are discoloured, or help disguise a chipped tooth, for example. In addition, veneers can be used to close small gaps between teeth, therefore reducing the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment. Veneers can also help with the position of teeth, again meaning that braces aren’t needed. Veneers are made out of porcelain, or a natural coloured ‘composite’ material. They are very thin, and are a bit like a tightly fitting cover for a tooth. Once created, they are adhered to the front surface of the tooth.

If you’re considering a veneer, you’ll need to plan for at least two trips to the dentist. The first of these will be for planning and preparation. In order that your veneers are natural looking, the colour or shade is carefully chosen. This will form part of your first visit. In addition, there may be some preparation of your tooth or teeth that is needed. This normally entails a small amount of the enamel being removed from the front of the tooth. This makes it easier for the veneer to be attached at a later stage. Moulds of your teeth are also taken at this stage, to ensure your veneer fits perfectly. Your second visit to the dentist is where your veneer will be fitted. A specially designed adhesive will be used to securely attach your veneer to your tooth.

Once your veneers are in place, you can look forward to a natural, healthy looking smile. Your veneers should last for a number of years but, as with your natural teeth, may suffer a chip or a break. In this case, your dental team will be able to support you with considering your options. It may be that a small chip can be repaired, or a new veneer could be attached.

If you’re thinking about taking action to improve the appearance of your teeth, why not find out more about veneers? A member of our dental team will be happy to talk you through your options, and carry out an examination to see how veneers might best work for you. You may also want to visit the Oral Health Foundation website, or our pages, for more details.