Are dental veneers the right choice for you?

Are dental veneers the right choice for you?

13 Dec 2024

In recent years, dental veneers have become a popular option for people who are looking to transform their smile totally. But what are dental veneers, and are they the right options for you? Let’s dive a bit deeper.

Dental veneers or composite bonding?

Composite bonding is a great choice for those who want a smile makeover but don’t want to go through the expense of dental veneers as yet. Composite veneers will allow you to try your new smile for a few years before you upgrade to porcelain veneers. Composite veneers or bonding will give you a great result, but due to the inherent nature of the material, it may need refreshing or resurfacing every now and again as it loses its shine after some time due to day-to-day wear and tear. Porcelain veneers do not lose shine or lustre, so they do not require re-polishing. However, you still need to maintain your dental checkups and hygienist visits.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that are attached to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can be made from either porcelain or composite resin and are bonded permanently to the teeth for a long-lasting aesthetic transformation.
Dental veneers can be used to enhance the appearance of your smile. Veneers are often chosen for:

• Covering chipped or broken teeth
• Masking severely discoloured teeth or creating a more uniform smile colour where tooth whitening won’t be effective
• Changing the appearance of small teeth for a better smile profile
• Evening out pointed or unusually shaped teeth
• Filling in gaps in the smile

As dental veneers are so versatile, they are a fantastic option for many people who want to transform their smile for the long term. Plus, as the treatment is quick and efficient, you can change your smile in just a couple of visits to your dentist!

How long do dental veneers last?

The longevity of dental veneers depends heavily on how well they are maintained and the material they are made of. The average lifespan for dental veneers is around 10 years. However, they may last longer than that and do not have to be replaced if they are functioning well. Composite resin veneers are less hardy and tend to need replacement in 4-8 years. Porcelain or ceramic veneers are usually more durable and can last decades if carefully looked after!

Behaviours that can damage veneers include eating very hard foods (for example, crunching ice between your teeth!), smoking and using your teeth to open packaging or bottles. Dental veneers are also compromised if your oral hygiene is poor, so it’s vital to maintain them as you would your natural teeth!

What happens to my natural teeth?

Many people mistakenly believe that veneers require teeth to be shaved down into pegs. However, this isn’t always the case. Veneers are typically only 1mm thick, meaning that only a minimal tooth surface (around 0.5mm or less) needs to be removed before their placement. As such, these ‘minimal-preparation’ veneers damage your natural teeth as little as possible. The latest in veneers is No Prep veneers, which are suitable for most clients who have straight and aligned teeth. Your dentist may suggest having a quick course of braces or Invisalign before having veneers if you want minimal preparation and don’t like the idea of shaving your teeth down.

Are veneers the right option for you?

Dental veneers are just one cosmetic dental option available, so be sure to speak to your dentist! Our dentists are members of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), meaning they are committed to always providing an outstanding standard of treatment. Part of this is ensuring that when you choose to have dental veneers, our dentists preserve the maximum amount of your natural teeth, helping to support the ongoing health of your smile.

If you’d like to find out more, book an appointment with the team today!

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