Veneers are porcelain or composite shells that are placed over damaged teeth to improve the size, shape and shade of the tooth. They are often recommended as part of a smile makeover treatment when someone is looking to change the way their teeth look.
Veneers are not the only option available when looking to change the look of your teeth. However, they are popular due to their easy installation and long-lasting impact.
What to Expect When Getting Veneers?
You should expect to have at least two appointments when getting veneers, one for preparation and one for the fitting. This is because they are customised to your exact needs and must be fabricated. For complex cases and further bespoke designs the number of appointments is increased to help achieve the perfect smile.
Your first appointment will involve going through the options for your new teeth. Then once you have a plan, there will be another two appointments for preparation and fitting. Treatments can be fast tracked if we are informed in advance, and we can organise same day smile makeovers.
Your First Appointment
During this appointment, you will discuss how many veneers are required, X-rays will be taken of your teeth to see if they are suitable for veneers, and the dentist will check for any other issues that may be in place. This will include assessing your current smile, bite, facial profile and dietary habits. In order for dental veneers to last there are a lot of factors to take into account which our expert Cosmetic Dentists can help with.
Tooth Reduction, Impressions and Temporary Veneer Appointment
In your second appointment, you will undergo the first stage of the treatment. This will include thinning the tooth ready for application. The dentist will reduce the enamel from the tooth in order to make a veneer that fits perfectly within the mouth. We are very passionate about minimally invasive dentistry therefore every effort is made to ensure tooth reduction is minimised to 0.3mm-0.7mm . As this process can trigger sensitivity, you will likely receive aesthetic for this part of the procedure. Our team may offer sedation dentistry for this part of the process if you are someone who has difficulties with procedures, but this is on a case-by-case basis. Please speak to your Dentist should you believe you need this.
Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will use a shade guide to match the shade of your veneer to the teeth along with clinical photography. If you are having multiple veneers, then the shade may differ depending on where they are in your mouth, and there may be different shades required for different parts of one veneer. At Bespoke Dental & Implant Clinic we offer an opportunity to visit our Signature Dental Laboratory for you to meet the technicians behind the scenes and previews designs, colours and materials.
Finally, an impression of your teeth will be taken so that the Dentist & Technician can fabricate the veneer in a way to match the rest of your teeth. The impressions are usually taken using putty or paste, which is loaded into a tray and then placed over your teeth until it sets, then removed. An intra-oral scan is also an alterntiave impression technique available for individuals who can’t tolerate impression materials.
In some cases, you will then be offered a temporary veneer to see you until your permanent veneer is fabricated and applied.
Veneer Fitting Appointment
The next appointment will involve any temporary veneers being removed. As temporary veneers are not bonded in place, this should be relatively pain-free.
You will then have your new veneers fitted. This appointment is exciting for both the patient and the Dentist as you are moments away from your new smile. The Dentist will set your veneers in place using custom gels and Dental bonding Cements. The dental cements come in a variety of shades to help give improved shade matches.
Finally, they will professionally clean and polish your teeth to clear all the paste or bonding agents.
Post-Treatment Recovery
As there is no surgery to fit veneers, your treatment recovery time is minimal. You will have to wait for any aesthetic to wear off if it has been required, but you shouldn’t need any strong pain relief and can start eating as normal within a couple of hours. Your mouth and gums may feel slightly sore, and some discomfort may come from the bonding paste used; however, you shouldn’t be in any severe pain.
The shape of your teeth will have changed quite drastically, so you may find yourself biting your tongue or the inside of your mouth for a short while as you get used to this. In these cases, try to be mindful of the changes and how you are eating.
Caring for Veneers
Veneers can last for up to 15 years when properly cared for and some patients retaining them for up to 30 years. Caring for veneers is just like caring for your normal teeth, with regular brushing and flossing. Avoid anything hard which is capable of chipping your teeth, such as chewing hard sweets, pens or ice and don’t open any packaging with your teeth. Grinding teeth can have a big impact on veneers, so if you have a habit of grinding your teeth, you may want to speak to your dentist about a retainer that can protect them.
Getting Advice From the Experts
Our team has been applying veneers in Manchester for years and can answer any questions you may have about the procedure, or aftercare during your consultations. If you are looking for a private dentist in Manchester to help with your smile makeover or help replace older veneers, we’ll be happy to help. Complete our online enquiry form to receive a quote and start the process.