|
A A veneer is a thin layer
of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of
a tooth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail.
Sometimes a natural colour 'composite' material is
used instead of porcelain.
A Veneers make teeth look natural
and healthy, and because they are very thin and are held in
place by a special strong bond (rather like super-glue) very
little preparation of the tooth is needed.
A Veneers can improve the colour,
shape and position of teeth. A precise shade of porcelain can
be chosen to give the right colour to improve a single discoloured
or stained tooth or to lighten front teeth (usually the upper
ones) generally. A veneer can make a chipped tooth look intact
again. The porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth
with a thicker section replacing the broken part. Veneers can
also be used to close small gaps, when orthodontics (braces)
are not suitable. If one tooth is slightly out of position,
a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with
the others.
A A natural-coloured filling material
can be used for minor repairs to front teeth. This is excellent
where the tooth supports the filling, but may not work so well
for broken tooth corners. There will always be a join between
the tooth and the filling material.
Crowns are used for
teeth that need to be strengthened - either because
they have broken, have been weakened by a very large
filling, or have had root canal treatment.
A Veneers should last for many years,
but they can chip or break, just as your own teeth
can. Your dentist will tell you how long each individual
veneer should last. Small chips can be repaired, or
a new veneer fitted if necessary.
A Some of the shiny outer
enamel surface of the tooth may be removed, to
make sure that the veneer can be bonded permanently
in place later. The amount of enamel removed is
tiny and will be the same as the thickness of the
veneer to be fitted, so that the tooth stays the
same size. A local anaesthetic (injection) may
be used to make sure that there is no discomfort,
but often this is not necessary. Once the tooth
has been prepared, the dentist will take an 'impression'.
This will be given to the dental technician, along
with any other information needed to make the veneer.
The colour of the surrounding teeth is matched
on a shade guide to make sure that the veneer will
look entirely natural.
|
 |
A A veneer takes at least
two visits; the first to prepare the tooth and to
match the shade, and the second to fit it. Before
bonding it in place, your dentist will show you the
veneer on your tooth to make sure you are happy with
it. Bonding a veneer in place is done with a special
adhesive, which holds it firmly on the tooth.
A Because the preparation
of the tooth is so slight you will probably not need
a temporary veneer. The tooth will look very much
the same after preparation, but will feel slightly
less smooth.
A Only minor adjustments
can be made to the veneer after it is fitted. It
is usually best to wait a little while to get used
to it before any changes are made. Your dentist will
probably want to check and polish it a week or so
after it is fitted, and to make sure that you are
happy with it.
A You can have veneers
on the NHS. However, many dentists prefer to provide
cosmetic treatment privately. It is important to
discuss charges and treatment options with your dentist
before starting treatment.
 |
|
|
|
| |
Choose another treatment
below:
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
