You may have heard the term "veneers" before, but you might not be sure what they are. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that can be crafted of tooth-coloured materials and are designed to cover the front side of teeth, and our dentist in Orpington uses them to improve the overall appearance of teeth. Veneers can be made of either thin plastic resin or porcelain.
What are veneers, and what do they do?
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth, and they can also protect them from further damage. Veneers are an excellent option for people who have chipped, cracked or gapped teeth.
Veneers even have a role in cosmetic orthodontics; our dentist in Orpington can fit them at a straighter angle than the teeth they are mounted on to give the appearance of a straighter smile.
Veneers are not just for front teeth, they can be used on any tooth that shows when you smile. However, they are most commonly used on the front teeth because these teeth are the most visible.
The benefits of veneers
Veneers, also known as laminates, can also be used to improve the appearance of your rear teeth, which can be difficult to whiten with traditional methods. They are also an excellent option for repairing cracked or chipped teeth, but they don't provide structural strength like inlays or crows.
How are veneers placed?
Laminates can be placed on the teeth in much the same way that false nails are applied. First, a very thin layer of enamel is removed from the surface of the tooth. This is done to roughen up the surface of the tooth so that the veneer will have something to adhere to. Next, an impression is made of the tooth, which is then used to create the veneer. Once the laminates are ready, it is placed on the tooth and held in position with a very strong adhesive. A special light is used to harden the adhesive, after which the laminates will be permanently attached to the tooth.
What are the risks associated with getting veneers?
There are a few risks associated with getting veneers, which is why it's important to consult with our team before making the decision. Laminates are irreversible, so once they're applied, there's no going back. They can be replaced or changed out, but once the enamel has been etched, it would be vulnerable to cavities without a veneer.
Different veneering options
Porcelain veneers are the most popular type of veneer. They are made from a thin layer of porcelain that can be bonded to the front surface of your tooth. Porcelain veneers are strong and durable, and they can resist staining and discolouration.
Composite veneers are made from a composite resin material that can be bonded to the front surface of your tooth. Composite veneers were traditionally not as strong as porcelain veneers, but that has changed with the development of new bonding materials. With our skilled dentist in Orpington, composite veneers can look very natural.
Direct bonding is a procedure in which the tooth-coloured composite resin material is bonded directly to the front surface of your tooth. This type of veneering does not require the removal of any tooth structure, and it can be done in one visit to our team.
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