Dental veneers are wafer-like layers of porcelain or composite resin, which are placed on the crowns of damaged teeth to protect them from further damage. They are thus important in cosmetic dentistry for the restoration of broken, chipped, discoloured or corroded teeth. Accident victims, or victims of falls where the teeth have undergone considerable trauma, are candidates for this type of cosmetic dentistry. Composite veneers can be made directly in the patient’s mouth, while porcelain veneers are made through a more complex procedure in a dental laboratory.

Modern veneers are highly reliable, and typically last anywhere between 10-30 years. Porcelain veneers in particular are highly popular, and are preferred by many dentists in Kent because of their natural colour and ease of cleaning. They do not stain easily from tobacco smoke, or from caffeinated drinks and colas.

Some benefits of dental veneers in modern cosmetic dentistry include:

• They are very effective in correcting teeth discoloration. The top hard layer of teeth, also known as enamel, can become discoloured with time especially by the overuse of products like tea, coffee and colas, as well as smoking. A porcelain veneer in this case would be perfect for covering the dulled surface, and improving the appearance of the teeth.

• Normal wear and tear of teeth occurs with time. This results in teeth that are chipped and uneven. A dental veneer in this case will serve the purpose of covering the worn out surface, and consequently improving the bite characteristic of the patient’s teeth.

• Some people are born with widely spaced teeth. Teeth veneers, in this case, will serve the purpose of closing up these gaps.

The procedure of placing dental veneers is a long one, and involves the patient visiting the dentist’s clinic on more than one occasion. During the first visit, the dentist makes an impression of the patient’s teeth on wax. This impression is then sent to a laboratory where it is used to make a custom-fit veneer. This process usually takes about two weeks.

During application of these veneers, the dentist might need to chip off the surface of the teeth to make the veneer fit perfectly. Patients who grind their teeth during sleep are advised to wear a protective cover on top of the veneer to avoid damaging it. There are some porcelain veneers that are available today, and are used by some dentists in Kent, which are referred to as minimally invasive veneers or no- prep veneers. These veneers are better than traditional veneers as they require minimal chipping-off of the enamel, before placement.

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, call Dentist Essex - for a free consultation on 01708 442114 or email: care@perfectsmilespa.co.uk