Long-Lasting Treatment Options For Broken Or Wonky Teeth
Veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure designed to give you a more uniform smile.
It’s an age-old joke in America that we Brits have terrible teeth. But the British Dental Association finds that in comparison to our neighbours across the pond, people in this country have an increased awareness of what constitutes good oral health, as well as better dental hygiene practices than Americans. A further Harvard University of London study found that the average Brit is missing 6.97 teeth in their old age, compared to a typical working-age American adult lacking 7.31 teeth. So now that this outdated myth has been put to bed, let’s take a look at how veneer dentistry is transforming smiles across the globe.
What Is Veneer Dentistry?
In the same way that a false set of nails can be fixed to your existing fingernails, veneers are a thin piece of composite or porcelain material that are attached to the front of your teeth. Those with broken, wonky, missing or discoloured teeth can benefit from having this procedure, and it’s possible to have just a single veneer fit, or a full set depending on the results you’d like to achieve. A single veneer could cover a broken tooth, whereas having multiple veneers attached could sort out problems with alignment or where several front teeth appear discoloured.
Initial Assessment
Your first step is to contact a veneer dentistry Essex professional who specialises in fitting veneers. The appointment will be spent checking the current condition of your existing teeth and discussing what you’d like to achieve from this smile makeover. You’ll also need to consider whether you should opt for veneers made from porcelain or a composite resin. Typically, porcelain veneers are much more durable, and therefore are a more expensive option as they’re expected to last for as long as 10-15 years if treated well. Composites are cheaper, but you might need to have them updated or repaired more regularly as the inbuilt resin isn’t as strong and can stain depending on lifestyle factors.
Fitting Your Veneers
Your veneer fitting appointment will usually be spread across two visits – the first to prepare the teeth and the second to attach the veneer. Preparing your teeth involves having a thin layer of your tooth’s enamel removed to allow the veneer to be fixed correctly. A local anaesthetic may be used to numb the area, but it’s not common for there to be discomfort. A custom-made mould will be taken of the tooth and a colour match will be carried out to ensure that it’s a good fit for the rest of your smile.
Once the enamel is prepared, the veneer will finally be attached to the front of your tooth using a bonding adhesive to hold it firmly in place.
This popular process can truly be life-changing for those who have felt self-conscious about their smile. However, the process is irreversible so it’s essential that you’re 100% committed to the idea of veneers and only use a professional cosmetic dentist with extensive experience in this type of treatment.
