Dental Veneers

Dental Veneers were invented by Charles Pincus in California, and started life in the early 1980’s. Initially they were thin porcelain covers for the teeth held on by denture fixative and were only a temporary cosmetic solution. Today veneers are used extensively in dentistry and are a high-quality, long-lasting cosmetic solution and are often the treatment of choice for smile makeovers.

Veneers can be made of:

1. Porcelain
2. Ceramic mix
3. Composite

The porcelain and ceramic veneers cost more, but last much longer and are more durable. Composite veneers are cheaper but have a much shorter life and are more likely to discolour. The porcelain and ceramic veneers don’t stain or discolour and are more robust and give a natural appearance.

A veneer is like a false fingernail, it is a thin porcelain shell which fits exactly to the tooth and is bonded on to the enamel of the tooth with strong adhesive agents. The glues (adhesive agents) are available in different colours to match exactly to the tooth to give a more aesthetic result.

Why Veneer?

1. To cover discoloured or stained teeth.
2. To repair damaged or chipped teeth.
3. To eliminate gaps between teeth.
4. Total smile makeovers.
5. To reshape worn or small teeth.

How are veneers made?

1. A small amount of enamel is removed from the front surface of the tooth and the biting edge.
2. An impression of the teeth is taken.
3. Sometimes temporary veneers are fitted.
4. The impression is sent to a dental technician who casts a model and constructs the veneers to fit exactly to the teeth.
5. Then about a week later there is a second visit to the dentist where he checks the fit and then cleans etches and bonds the veneers to the teeth.

The veneers can last for 10 or more years, but this depends on the individual patient and their lifestyle and diet.

To conclude, veneers enhance the appearance and smile and restore the confidence of patients, and are a permanent, long-term cosmetic solution.