Evidence shows that the first Veneers were used a century ago. It was discovered that back in the 1920’s, a Californian dentist was asked if he could alter the look of an actor’s teeth. Some believe that this is where the phrase ‘Hollywood Smile’ originated. However, these veneers were not permanent, the actors were able to remove them at the end of the day. It wasn’t until the 1950’s when Dr. Michael Bunocore discovered that lightly etching the surface of the tooth first would allow a bonding agent to stick better. This allowed veneers to last longer before needing to be replaced.
Today, veneers can last anywhere between 10 to 15 years with the right care. They are colour matched to your existing teeth so that they blend in, giving you a natural looking smile. In this post, we will talk about how your veneers will be fitted and how you can best look after them.
What are Veneers?
Veneers fall into the cosmetic dentistry category. They are used to alter the size, shape, or colour of your teeth. A thin ceramic shell is placed over the front of your existing tooth, similar to how a false-nail is placed over a real nail. By hiding your natural tooth behind the veneer, it allows you to alter your smile without undergoing any major dentistry work. This procedure, however, is irreversible due to the enamel of your real tooth needing to be removed.
How are Veneers fitted?
The process of having veneers fitted is a simple and straightforward one. It usually only takes a few sessions, and you will still need to attend regular appointments with your dentist and hygienist after they are fitted.
Planning
The first stage of the process involves creating a treatment plan. A member of our cosmetic team will first assess your teeth and take x-rays. This is to determine that veneers are the best treatment option, and that you have no other underlying oral health issues. You may need to undergo different treatments first, before we can go ahead with fitting your veneers, or a different treatment may be better for the result you are trying to achieve. Our team are on hand to advise and guide you through the different treatment options available.
Once the treatment plan has been decided, your dentist will discuss with you your options for your new tooth. They will help you choose a shape, size, and colour that is as close to your other teeth as possible, leaving you with a natural looking smile.
Preparation
Once you are happy with your chosen veneers, our team will prepare your teeth for the treatment. The first step of the preparation stage is to remove a small amount of the enamel from the tooth’s surface. The amount removed will only be the same thickness as the veneer it is being replaced with. This allows your teeth to remain the same thickness as before, therefore not making them too bulky and help enhance the natural look.
The next step is to take a digital impression of your teeth. This mould will then be sent to our on-site lab where our expert technicians will carefully create your new veneers.
Procedure
The final step is actually having your veneers fitted. First, we will roughen, clean and then polish the surface of the tooth. By doing this it allows the bond between tooth and veneer to be stronger. A special adhesive is then applied to your tooth before the veneer is placed on top. A high intensity light is then used in order to help the adhesive harden quickly.
Before you leave, we assess your bite and make any final adjustment, ensuring that you are happy, and feel comfortable with how they look and feel.
How to care for your Veneers
Caring for your veneers should be no different to your normal oral hygiene routine. Using a non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended, so as not to damage the surface of your veneers. Brushing twice a day and flossing as normal will help to keep your overall oral health in good condition.
Although they are durable, veneers are not indestructible. They are able to become chipped or broken, just like your natural teeth. Try to avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice, pens and pencils, or even your nails.
As already mentioned, regular visits to your dentist and hygienist will help you keep your new smile as healthy as possible. They will be able to help advise on how best to look after your veneers, and let you know when you may need to get them replaced.
Find out more
If you would like to discuss treatment around veneers, or how we can transform your smile, please book a consultation to discuss your options with our cosmetic dentistry team.
