When it comes to first impressions, your smile can make a big one, and if you feel self-conscious about yours, our team at Maida Smiles Clinic can certainly help! Attaching veneers to your smile is an aesthetic dental procedure and a state-of-the-art solution for several dental issues. These range from discolouration to slight misalignment and can even straighten crooked teeth.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin layers of custom-made material created to fit over your teeth and improve their overall appearance. Several types of veneers are available, but the two most popular and desired are porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Today we will look at the pros and cons of both and help you determine the one best suited for your smile.
What are the benefits of Composite Veneers?
Composite resin veneers are accomplished in a single visit and are sculpted at the time of placement. The composite resin is applied in layers to the tooth and modelled to match its exact shape, length and form. Normally, only a small amount of tooth structure has to be removed to allow composite resin placement. Each layer is then hardened using a curing light. When all composite is placed, veneers must be polished extremely well before bonding to tooth structure. Modern composite materials can provide a life-like, beautiful appearance and can last for a reasonable amount of time (5 to 10 years). However, direct composite veneers involve extreme attention to detail as the final result depends entirely on the skill and artistry of the dentist.
Head to our Instagram page to check out some of our incredible veneer transformations!
When are composite veneers most effective?
Composite veneers are used in situations in which smaller changes have occurred:
- chipping or discolouration of natural teeth
- minor misalignment of teeth
Composite cannot fill in large spaces, in which case many dental professionals will recommend against composite veneers, when you have big spaces between your teeth, very short teeth you’d like to lengthen, or have broken a large part of your tooth off?
What are some of the drawbacks of composite veneers?
Veneers made from composite require a lot more maintenance than those made of porcelain. They are more likely to chip and tend to stain more easily. This makes them a less suitable choice, if you’re someone who smokes or drinks coffee and red wine regularly.
What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are one of the most beautiful restorations available in cosmetic dentistry.They are always manufactured in a dental lab after an impression of the prepared teeth is taken by your dentist. However, depending on the initial condition of the teeth, more or less of the teeth structure will have to be removed, in order to accommodate the veneers seamlessly. This is done by trimming the enamel from the front and biting edge of your teeth. After this stage is complete, we’ll take some impressions of your teeth and send them over to our dental laboratory, along with specific design instructions (color and size specifications), where your custom veneers are made.
What are some of the advantages of porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are stronger and more durable than composite veneers, so they’ll work better if you’re looking to improve the appearance of several teeth at once. While porcelain teeth will still need to be eventually replaced, they are known to last a lot longer than composite veneers. They also don’t stain as much. As far as shade goes, custom-designed porcelain veneers can be specified to match any color and shape.
And the disadvantages?
Unfortunately, porcelain veneers should not be used to repair teeth that are badly broken and weak. They are also the more costly treatment of the two.
When are dental veneers, not a good option?
Dental veneers may not always be suitable for certain teeth or people. Below are some examples of conditions that may prevent you from getting the veneers you always wanted straight away:
- Teeth with decay or active gum disease. These conditions must be treated prior to bonding dental veneers.
- Weakened teeth. If a significant amount of tooth structure is missing or has been replaced by a large filling the teeth will not be strong enough to function with a dental veneer. Dental crowns might be a more adequate solution in this case. You can discuss all available options during your consultation here in Maida Vale!
- Severely misaligned teeth, overbites and underbites. Orthodontic treatment is required to correct these more complicated problems.
Habitual clenching and grinding of the teeth can easily chip or break dental veneers. Teeth grinding (also known as bruxism) must be treated before any placement of dental veneers can begin. Dental nightguards may be a solution for this in some cases.
How much does the veneer treatment usually cost?
The treatment price varies a lot from person to person, depending on the type and number of veneers you need to reach the desired result. Lucky for you, as a Christmas gift to all new and existing patients, Maida Smiles Clinic is offering a FREE smile trial with one of our experienced dentists, where imagination meets reality! This way, you’ll be able to see exactly what your new smile will look and feel like before you go ahead and start your treatment.
Call us at 020 3974 1777 to book your free smile trial.
