Porcelain veneers are ceramic tooth-shaped shells that are cemented over the top of damaged or discoloured teeth to restore structural integrity, repair damage and improve the cosmetic appearance. They can be applied individually or as part of a complete renovation of the dental arc.
Teeth are often damaged by head trauma as the result of sporting injury or a car accident. They are often chipped, cracked or split which can be very painful but can also be the underlying cause of a lifetime of dental problems if not repaired properly. It is possible to repair some minor damage with dental bonding but if the damage is more severe, any repair work will need to be further secured with a veneer. Modern veneers are incredibly thin, some only the same width as a contact lens and can be applied with little or no enamel removal. Because they are so thin they also have the translucent appearance of tooth enamel making them appear very realistic. Veneers are also used to cap teeth that have been repaired with fillings or by root canal surgery.
Veneers are being increasingly used to cover teeth that are unevenly spaced, worn down or discoloured. A row of veneers can completely restore the cosmetic appearance of a row of teeth in as little as one afternoon. Because modern veneers can be designed and manufactured with the aid of computer technology, it is now easier for dentists to make well fitting and proportioned veneers to fit over existing teeth. Teeth can become discoloured for a number of reasons, either due to medication or hereditary condition, lifestyle choices like smoking tobacco products, or simply due to the aging process. It is now possible to reverse the effects of discolouration with porcelain veneers.
The use of computer-aided design and manufacture means that porcelain veneers can be milled form a single piece of porcelain in as little as six minutes per tooth. Compared to the old laboratory manufacturing process this is incredibly fast and has had a dramatic effect on treatment and waiting times for patients. Bath dentist are using the latest technology to offer patients the most cutting-edge porcelain veneers. Make an appointment with a dentist to see for yourself the stunning results achievable with porcelain veneers.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry