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A Beginner’s Guide to Veneers

Many people dream of straight, white teeth, and missing or discoloured teeth can often cause low self esteem or confidence issues. It’s rare to be born with a perfect Hollywood smile, so in most cases people will need a little help to obtain the look of their dreams. Some patients choose braces or tooth whitening treatments, but if you’re looking for something more permanent then you could consider veneers. Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry solution that is a natural looking, durable and comfortable way to achieve that perfect smile, so if you want to know more, read on for what you need to know about this treatment.

What are they?

A dental veneer is a thin layer of material placed over a natural tooth, which improves the aesthetics of your smile and protects the surface of the tooth from damage and staining. Veneers come in two different types; composite and porcelain, and both are very thin so that the strength of the tooth is not compromised. Composite veneers are made of composite resin and cost less than their porcelain alternatives, although they are not as strong and more prone to discolouration and staining.

Porcelain veneers are more expensive, but extremely strong, long lasting and resistant to staining. This type of veneer is also designed to look as natural as possible, as they reflect the light in the same way that natural teeth do.

How are they applied?

Porcelain and composite veneers are applied using different methods; for porcelain veneers an impression of your mouth will be taken first to ensure the veneers are a perfect fit. A small portion of enamel is then shaved off to create a rough surface for the veneer to be adhered to, and you are usually given temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being created from the mold. During a second visit, the temporary veneers will be removed, and the permanent ones are bonded to your teeth.

In contrast, composite veneers are applied in layers, with each layer being hardened using bright ultraviolet light before the next layer is applied. Once the final layer is complete, the veneers are cleaned and polished to give a natural look.

Reasons to choose veneers

Customers choose veneers for many reasons, as they can be used to solve a range of dental issues including gaps and spaces between teeth, chips and cracks or stains and discolouration. They’re also incredibly durable, and won’t chip or crack in the future in the way that natural teeth can. If you’re looking for a straight, white and natural looking smile, then veneers offer an all in one treatment.

If you’re looking for professional porcelain veneers in Stirling, get in touch with Riverside Dental Practice. Call us now to book an appointment for a bespoke consultation, or visit our website to learn more about our high quality affordable veneers.