What is a dental veneer?

A dental 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.

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What are the advantages of dental veneers?

Dental 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.

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When would I need a dental veneer?

Dental 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 dental 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.  Dental Veneers can also be used to close small gaps, when orthodontics (braces) are not suitable.  If one tooth is slightly out of position, a dental veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.

What about alternatives?

No.  The crown will be made to match your other teeth exactly.  The shade of the neighbouring teeth will be recorded, to make sure that the colour looksnatural and matches the surrounding teeth.  A temporary crown, usually made in plastic, will be fitted at the end of the first appointment to last until the permanent one is ready.  These temporary crowns may be more noticeable, but they are only in place for about two weeks.

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How long will a dental veneer last?

Dental 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 dental veneer should last.  Small chips can be repaired, or a new dental veneer fitted if necessary.

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How are teeth prepared for dental veneers in Essex?

Some of the shiny outer enamel surface of the tooth may be removed, to make sure that the dental 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 dental 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 your dental veneers in Essex.  The colour of the surrounding teeth is matched on a shade guide to make sure that the dental veneer will look entirely natural.

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How long will it take?

A dental 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 dental veneer on your tooth to make sure you are happy with it.  Bonding a dental veneer in place is done with a special adhesive, which holds it firmly on the tooth. Here at Advance Dental Clinic we also offer CEREC veneers which can be fabricated and fitted within a single visit.

Dental Veneers Essex
Veneers Essex - Advance Dental Clinic

What happens after the dental veneer is fitted?

Only minor adjustments can be made to the dental 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 Essex 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.

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Veneers Chelmsford FAQs

Are dental veneers expensive?

Are dental veneers safe?

Will my teeth hurt after having dental veneers?

Can dental veneers be removed?