Veneers Cornwall

A dental veneer is a thin, ceramic shell which is placed over the front of your existing tooth to correct a range of cosmetic concerns. As well as improve tooth structure, fill gaps and repair chipped teeth.

They are securely attached to the teeth using a special adhesive. And with the right care and maintenance, can last up to 15 years before they need replacing. Veneers are most commonly used on a patient’s front teeth, the ones visible when you laugh, talk and smile. The results are extremely realistic and will perfectly blend in with your natural teeth. Here at Revitalise, we use state of the art technology to achieve this. Including the innovative ELab Technology, a system that helps us to perfectly match the shade of your teeth to your veneers.

When will a Veneer be used?

Change or improve tooth colour: It’s not uncommon for the teeth to discolour over time. This could be due to age or lifestyle choices such as smoking and the consumption of certain foods and drinks. Teeth whitening is often a viable solution but there are cases where the results are unsatisfactory. In the case of severe discolouration or a patient is suffering from extreme sensitivity, a veneer will be a better treatment option.

Repair a damaged tooth: For patients who have a chipped or cracked tooth, a veneer is often a practical solution to repairing the damage. In many cases, a damaged tooth won’t present health complications but can leave a patient feeling self-conscious. Preventing them from smiling and talking.

Straighten and re-align the teeth: Veneers can offer a solution for patients who have wonky or misaligned teeth. They can also be used to fix gaps between the teeth. Traditionally orthodontics would be used, however, many adults are put off by the treatment length and wearing a visible brace. Dental veneers are a viable solution for patients who want to straighten their teeth without the need for a brace and months of treatment.

Change the shape of teeth: Teeth come in all shapes and sizes and it’s not uncommon to have ones that are too small or irregular. This is often not problematic from a medical point of view, however, can be aesthetically unpleasing. Particularly from the patients’ point of view. Using veneers, we can redesign the tooth so it doesn’t stand out when you smile. Creating a natural and elegant finish.

Protect damaged tooth enamel: The outer layer of the tooth is known as the enamel, which protects your teeth from tooth decay. The enamel naturally thins as we age but lifestyle choices such as diet can cause the enamel to erode. Other habits such as teeth grinding can also cause damage to the enamel. To avoid further complications such as tooth decay and complete loss, a veneer can be used to ‘restore’ the enamel and act as a new protective layer for the teeth.

The placement of a veneer is a common and painless procedure which we can usually complete within a week of starting treatment. Here’s what you can expect when having a veneer fitted.

Before we begin with the treatment we will first assess oral health to ensure there are no underlying dental problems. Once we have determined treatment is safe we can proceed with preparing the veneer.

Session 1

We begin by removing a very small amount of the tooth’s surface enamel where the veneer will be placed. This is usually about half a millimetre and is completely safe, although irreversible. This makes room for the veneer to be placed and ensures your bite remains normal. We then take an impression of your teeth, either with a mould or a digital scan, to send to our onsite dental laboratory for your veneer to be made.

Session 2

In our second session, we will place the veneer lastingly to the tooth, this is a painless procedure. We will begin by cleaning, polishing and roughening the tooth surface to successfully place the veneer. We then apply a special adhesive (dental glue) to the tooth and carefully place the veneer. Once in place, we use a high-intensity, ultraviolet light to harden the adhesive and secure the veneer in place. This whole process is known as ‘bonding’.

Finally, if you are completely happy with the veneer and we have ensured your bite is correct, we will make any minor adjustment if necessary. We will polish your new veneer and teeth one last time before you leave and share your new smile with the world.

Everything from planning right through to the placing on your veneer will usually be completed within a week of starting treatment.

Once your veneers have been securely placed you are able to carry on with your day to day life straight away. In almost all cases you are able to eat and drink straight away. In the case of a local anaesthetic being used during treatment, we recommend avoiding food and hot drinks until the effects have worn off.

Going forward it is important to look after your new smile to avoid dental problems and increase the longevity of your investment. Fortunately, there are no special requirements to maintain your veneers. A regular oral hygiene routine can be followed. This includes:

• Brushing your teeth twice a day using a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching or damaging the surface of the veneer.
• Flossing at least twice a day. For convenience sake, floss every time you brush your teeth.
• Avoid using your teeth for anything they are not designed for, such as opening bottles. Just like your natural teeth, although very durable veneers are not indestructible.
• Continue to have regular visits with your dentist and hygienist.

With the correct care and maintenance, you can enjoy your new smile for up to 15 years before replacement veneers are needed.