Are dental veneers the right choice for you?
In recent years, dental veneers have become a popular option for people who are looking to totally transform their smile. But what are dental veneers and are they the right option for you?
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells that are attached to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can be made from either porcelain or composite resin and are bonded permanently to the teeth for a long-lasting aesthetic transformation.
What are the benefits of dental veneers?
Dental veneers can be used to enhance the appearance of your smile. Veneers are often chosen for:
- Covering chipped or broken teeth
- Masking severely discoloured teeth or creating a more uniform smile colour where tooth whitening won’t be effective
- Changing the appearance of small teeth for a better smile profile
- Evening out pointed or unusually shaped teeth
- Filling in gaps in the smile
As dental veneers are so versatile, they are a fantastic option for many people who want to transform their smile for the long-term. Plus, as the treatment is quick and efficient, you can change your smile in just a couple of visits to your dentist!
How long do dental veneers last?
The longevity of dental veneers depends heavily on how well they are maintained and the material they are made of. The average lifespan for dental veneers is around 10 years. Composite resin veneers are less hardy and tend to need replacement in 4-8 years. Porcelain or ceramic veneers are usually more durable and can last decades if carefully looked after!
Behaviours that can damage veneers include eating very hard foods (for example, crunching ice between your teeth!), smoking and using your teeth to open packaging or bottles. Dental veneers are also compromised if your oral hygiene is poor, so it’s vital to maintain them as you would your natural teeth!
What happens to my natural teeth?
Many people mistakenly believe that veneers require teeth to be shaved down into pegs, however this isn’t always the case. Veneers are typically only 1mm thick, meaning that only minimal tooth surface (around 0.5mm or less) needs to be removed before their placement. As such, these ‘minimal-preparation’ veneers damage your natural teeth as little as possible.
Are veneers the right option for you?
Dental veneers are just one cosmetic dental option available, so be sure to speak to your dentist! Presh Mulay is a member of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), meaning they are committed to always providing an outstanding standard of treatment. Part of this is ensuring that when you choose to have dental veneers, he will preserve the maximum amount of your natural teeth, helping to support the ongoing health of your smile.
If you’d like to find out more, book an appointment with the team today!