Veneers: all about dental veneers

We all want a smile fit for an advert, but not all of us are lucky enough to have naturally white, perfect teeth.

As the old saying goes, “beauty is pain” – but that doesn't apply when it comes to having veneers fitted.

Veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are bonded to the surface of the teeth, perfectly imitating the look of natural teeth.

Porcelain veneers are the ideal, minimally invasive solution for a Hollywood smile and have become very popular recently, as more and more film and television stars have opted for them.

Once bonded to the tooth, porcelain veneers are practically invisible and also highly resistant to staining from coffee, black tea or smoking. They are a minimally invasive solution because tooth preparation is minimal. In most cases, preparation is carried out without anaesthetic, because it doesn't cause any pain.

Porcelain veneers have the most natural look of all dental restorations.

The purpose of porcelain veneers is to replace the surface layer of enamel on teeth that are fractured, misaligned or have enamel defects. Like tooth enamel, ceramic is a translucent material that lets light pass through and be reflected by the internal structure of the tooth. By recreating the way light plays on enamel, porcelain veneers give a natural look and a charming smile.

Ceramic is one of the strongest materials ever discovered. When bonded to the surface of the tooth, porcelain veneers are extremely durable. Ceramic is impermeable, which means that staining foods (coffee, tobacco, black tea, chocolate, red wine, etc.) have no effect on porcelain veneers. So you can enjoy your little pleasures and keep a bright smile at the same time.

Porcelain veneers can fix a wide range of cosmetic problems:

• Structural imperfections - Porcelain veneers can be used to reshape teeth that are misshapen or fractured;
• Discolouration caused by old fillings - Some fillings can change colour over time, altering the look of the teeth even when they are white and healthy. Porcelain veneers can be used to correct these imperfections;
• Severe staining - In some cases, whitening treatments cannot restore the original colour of the teeth, and porcelain veneers can then be used to give you a smile to be envied;
• Gaps between teeth - In some cases, your dentist may recommend porcelain veneers as an alternative to orthodontic treatment, shaping them so that they close the gaps between the teeth.

Although porcelain veneers can offer significant advantages over other restoration methods, that doesn't mean they are a universal solution for every dental case. Only after a thorough consultation with an experienced dentist at our clinic can you be advised whether or not to choose porcelain veneers. Even if the dentist decides that porcelain veneers are not a viable choice for you, you will be guided towards another cosmetic option that suits your individual dental situation.