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Porcelain Veneers
For many years porcelain veneers have been the most commonly provided type of veneer in the UK. Veneers made from porcelain can be used to change the shade, shape, position or size of teeth and also to close or reduce gaps between teeth.
Traditional porcelain veneers are constructed in a dental laboratory from precision models of your teeth made from impressions that your dentist takes as part of your treatment.
For traditional porcelain veneers it is very common to require some preparation of the underlying tooth to create space to place the veneer. In certain cases such as where a tooth is being brought forward into the line of the arch or where a small tooth is being made bigger, no preparation may be required.
What are the stages involved in having porcelain veneers?
1 Tooth Evaluation
The most important step is to have your teeth evaluated carefully by your dentist so that you know all the options for treatment and you have made an informed decision that porcelain veneers are the best treatment option for you. Your dentist will take dental x-rays of the affected teeth to ensure that there are no hidden problems and will also want to take photographs and models of your teeth before you have any treatment done so that your dentist can evaluate your case. Often special wax veneers can be placed on your models so that you can see what the final result will look like, this is called a diagnostic wax up.
2 Dental Anaesthetic
Once you have made the choice to have porcelain veneers the first treatment stage normally involves using a dental anaesthetic to numb your teeth and then your dentist will carry out a planned reduction of the surface of your teeth to create the veneer preparation.
3 Impressions
Once the veneer preparation is completed your dentist will then take impressions of your teeth using special highly accurate impression materials inside a tray that fits over your teeth.
4 Temporary Veneers
Your dentist will then place temporary veneers for you whilst the dental laboratory makes your new porcelain veneers. In many cases the diagnostic wax up can be used to make your temporary veneers so that you have a good idea what the final result will look like.
5 Getting the Right Fit
Once your porcelain veneers have been constructed your dentist will try them on your teeth to ensure that they fit correctly and do not interfere with your bite. Your dentist will use a special paste so that you can see the veneers in place before they are permanently cemented. This is a great opportunity to ensure you are absolutely delighted with your veneers.
6 Bonding the Veneers
The final stage involves bonding your veneers to your teeth using an advanced dental adhesive system. The strength of the porcelain veneer is partly due to the strong bond between itself and the tooth due to this dental adhesive. Your dentist will then ensure that you can floss between your veneers and that the margins where they meet your gum are free of any excess cement. You can now smile with confidence showing off your lovely new teeth!
