Dental veneers (teeth veneers) are a type of cosmetic dental treatment which improve the appearance of crooked, stained, or damaged teeth. A veneer is a wafer thin layer of porcelain (or other composite material) fitted very precisely over the surface of a tooth – much like a false nail fits over a real fingernail. For this reason teeth veneers do not actually restore the health or function of teeth, but they do improve the appearance. The result of this cosmetic dental surgery is a set of straight, matching teeth of healthy white colouring, giving the patient greater confidence to show off their smile.
This article on dental veneers is written by Jackie Griffiths, a freelance journalist who writes health, medical, biological, and pharmaceutical articles for national and international journals, newsletters and web sites.
What can veneers treat?
Dental veneers are a popular choice for patients having a smile makeover (that is, any cosmetic dental treatment that improves the aesthetics of your teeth). They correct a number of dental complaints, including:
Stained teeth that resist professional tooth whitening treatments can be effectively hidden by veneers. This is a common problem for smokers and people who regularly drink of tea, coffee, and red wine.
Damaged teeth can occur through excessive grinding or carbonated drinks, or may simply have been chipped or broken in an accident. A veneer can extent the length of a full-sized tooth.
Crooked teeth form naturally due to lack of space, and are better treated with orthodontics such as invisalign braces. However, this can take a year or more to correct, so some people turn to veneers for a quick fix.
Gaps or spaces that have formed between your teeth can be hidden by veneers to produce a better structured and balanced smile.
How can I get veneers?
A consultation with your dentist will give you a chance to discuss all the options, including whether tooth veneers are right for you. They are a popular choice because they look just like real teeth with the light-reflective characteristics of enamel. Veneers also resist staining, unlike natural teeth.
However, you should be aware that the process is irreversible. Veneers may not be suitable for people with unhealthy or weak teeth, or for those who grind their teeth a lot, either in their sleep or as a general nervous habit. This may cause the veneers to break off.
For a single tooth, prices start from £200 and range up to £1,200 depending on the material used. Because tooth veneers are a form of cosmetic dental surgery they are not available at subsidised rates on the NHS. Healthy porcelain veneers last for 5-10 years, while composite veneers may only last for 1-2 years. So eventually they will need to be replaced at additional cost.