What Are The Advantages of Veneers?

Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy, and because they are very thin and are held in place by a special strong bond (rather like super-glue) very little preparation of the tooth is necessary.

When Would I Need A Veneer?

Veneers can improve the colour, shape and position of teeth (see example bottom right).

A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give the required colour, to improve a single discoloured or stained tooth or to lighten front teeth (usually the upper ones) generally.

A veneer can make a chipped tooth look intact again - the porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth with a thicker section replacing the broken part.

Veneers can also be used to close small gaps (see example to the right), when orthodontics are not suitable. If one tooth is slightly out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with the others.

What About Alternatives?

A natural coloured filling material can be used for minor repairs to front teeth. This type of restoration is excellent where the tooth supports the filling, but may not work so well for broken tooth corners. There will always be a join between the tooth and filling material which will stain with time and look unsightly.

Crowns are used for teeth which need to be strengthened - either because they have broken, have been weakened by a very large filling, or have had root canal treatment.

How Long Will A Veneer Last?

Veneers should last for many years, but they can chip or break, just as your own teeth can. You will be advised how long each individual veneer should last. Small chips can be repaired, or a new veneer fitted if necessary.