Veneers are a popular treatment around the world and here at Cornerhouse Dental, our cosmetic dentists have ample experience in placing veneers for patients. Here are some of the most common questions we receive from patients about veneers….
Q. What are dental veneers?
A. They are slim pieces of porcelain that are fitted and bonded over the front surface of a tooth. The way they are fitted is often likened to how a false fingernail is placed over a nail.
Q. What are veneers used for?
A. If you have a tooth that is broken, chipped, cracked or discoloured, a veneer can be placed over the top to restore the tooth. They can also help with teeth that need to be straightened or to close unsightly gaps.
Q. How is a veneer placed?
A. Before a veneer can be placed, some of the natural tooth matter from the tooth in question needs to be removed so that the tooth is not too thick once the veneer is placed. This is also so that the veneer can be permanently attached to the existing tooth.
Q. Will a lot of my natural tooth be lost?
A. The amount of tooth matter lost is minimal – enough will be removed for the veneer to be the same thickness as your other natural teeth.
Q. How is the size of my veneer established?
A. After the tooth has been shaped, your dentist will take an impression of the tooth in question which will be sent to the lab where the veneer can be created.
Q. How long does it take for my veneers to be created?
A. This generally takes 10 working days.
Q. What happens during the time between preparing my veneer and my veneer being placed?
A. You will be given a temporary veneer to cover your tooth until your veneers are permanently fitted.
Q. How are my veneers fixed?
A. A special type of cement is used to fix your veneer to your tooth.
Q. How long do veneers last?
A. If properly looked after, veneers can last between 10-15 years. Veneers can be maintained in the same way as natural teeth, by brushing twice a day for 2 minutes per day and flossing at least once a day.
Q. Do veneers stain?
A. No. Unlike your natural teeth, veneers do not stain or become discoloured – this does not mean you shouldn’t look after them to make them last as long as possible!
If you would like more information about veneers at Cornerhouse, please do not hesitate to contact us.
