Veneers

No single dental treatment has revolutionized cosmetic dentistry more dramatically than the thin, sculpted, glistening porcelain shell known as "the veneer."

Veneers can be made out of Composite (white filling material) as an alternative approach . These are made in one appointment by bonding composite directly to the tooth surface. They can be of very good appearance though the technique is very demanding, and the results very much depends on the artistry of the dentist carrying out the treatment.  Composite veneers will inevitable discolour to some extent over time and will need repolishing to restore the best appearance.

Porcelain, which does not discolour,  is stronger than composite materials and can, with the help of expert ceramicist technicians in the laboratory, create stunningly beautiful smiles. Porcelain veneers can be envisaged as being a bit like a false fingernail. Veneers are widely used by many celebrities to improve their appearance and smiles, and have featured in many television makeover programmes. It is possible to choose the colour and shape of the final veneers before we start treatment.

The porcelain technologies allow restorations that have the colours, translucency and texture of natural enamel, and resist staining and decay whilst maintaining a natural appearance. They can rebuild tooth profiles, align crooked teeth, close gaps and correct mild orthodontic irregularities without lengthy and costly orthodontic treatment. Where there is significant irregularity a short course of Inman Aligner treatment can sometimes be used prior to veneer placement.

Some tooth preparation is almost always needed, though the amount varies from case to case, but it is usually a minimally invasive technique that can often be completed within 2-3 visits. So called, “no preparation “ veneers are available but are only suitable for a limited number of patients. As with crowns, good looking temporary veneers can be provided between appointments. Once made, veneers can be tried in for you to assess the appearance and if need be make any alterations, before final fitting with a very strong adhesive.

The images below show examples of treatments available at Atkinson Brignall Caring Dentistry

Replacement veneers on front teeth due to loss of one veneer and poor appearance of the other
Fig 1b		Fig 1b	Fig 1c
Case by IB

Fig 2a		Fig 2b

Advantages:
Far more conservative than crowns
Excellent aesthetics.                                                
Composite veneers may not require tooth preparation.
“No preparation” porcelain veneers possible in a limited number of cases

Disadvantages:
For porcelain veneers, the process is in most cases irreversible due to minimal tooth preparation.
Some deep staining conditions require very thick veneers to mask the underlying colour. In some cases, an initial course of tooth whitening may be helpful.
Not as strong as crowns, and chipping or cracks can sometimes occur (though small chips can often be repaired).                              
Expected lifespan of porcelain veneers is generally said to be 10-15 Years
Composite veneers may discolour over time but can normally be repolished to restore the appearance.