Veneers

What are veneers?

Designed by your cosmetic dentist and fabricated by expert dental ceramists these are custom-made ultra thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of your teeth.

Who is a good candidate for Veneers?

Most of our veneer cases are patients who just do not like the overall appearance of their teeth. They may be unhappy with the colour, shape, gapping, length or alignment of their teeth and as a result have lost confidence in their smile. Some of our patients simply have had thicker, less attractive veneers done elsewhere and wish to change to a more natural appearance. Many patients also have composite bonding done previously and while it has greatly improved their smile they are looking for a treatment which provides better aesthetics and is more durable and resistant to chipping.

The Process of Porcelain Veneers

The Consultation Appointment
This is the most important stage in our opinion. Some patients are just not suitable for veneers and if so we can advise them if orthodontic treatment will provide a better outcome. At this appointment we will discuss what the patient’s main concerns are and try and customise the treatment plan to address these problems and find solutions. X-rays are often needed at this point and sometimes we take impressions in order to provide the patient with a lab made diagnostic wax–up or trial smile in order to help them visualise the final result before any preparation is done.
Preparation and Impression Appointment
Once you commit to your veneer plan we normally arrange a long appointment to prepare your teeth to accept the veneers. Sometimes there is little or no preparation of your teeth but often we may need a reduction of 0.5-0.75mm of enamel under local anaesthetic to provide space for the porcelain veneer and avoid protrusion. We then provide temporary veneers which will act as your trial smile. These can be adjusted to your preferences and once you are fully satisfied with the appearance we can transfer this information to our ceramist for duplication.
Veneer Fit Appointment
While the external appearance of a veneer is highly glazed and polished for an ultra smooth finish the fitting surface is etched to provide retention using a bonding cement or resin to your natural tooth. This adhesive is hardened with a UV light to secure everything in place permanently. Your teeth will look great and you will be able to chew practically any food with complete confidence.

FAQ’s

Can veneers fall off?

Although this happens infrequently, veneers can de-bond or break usually due to grinding of your teeth at night or possibly to trauma. If this happens we normally can re-cement or replace the veneer depending on the situation. For patients who grind their teeth at night we can supply a plastic guard which is worn nightly to protect the veneers.

Is it a painful process?

The preparation stage is most often done under local anaesthetic and is pain free. Your teeth can be a little more sensitive while wearing the temporary veneers as these are bonded using a softer temporary adhesive. We find approximately 30-40% of patients will have some bonding sensitivity which is a reaction between your teeth and the bonding resin. This can be uncomfortable for a few hours after fitting so we generally advise some over the counter simple pain relief. Classically this will start to dull pretty quickly once the teeth adapt. Patients can expect some hot/cold sensitivity for 7-10 days after the fitting appointment.

Is there any special aftercare?

It is best to look at veneers as an investment which you need to be taken care of with regular brushing, flossing, mouth rinse and 6 monthly check ups. This after care follow up will extend and prolong the life of your veneers.

Can I still get cavities if I have veneers?

Yes, it is critical that you maintain extremely good oral hygiene and do not have a high sugar diet. We do not advise veneers to patients who drink an excess of soft drinks as they will develop cavities underneath their veneers.

What do they cost and are they worth it?

Each veneer case is different as it is a customised treatment for your individual mouth but generally the cost is approximately €650-800 per tooth. We find our porcelain veneer patients all can smile with confidence again following their treatment and ultimately they report that this is priceless to them on completion of treatment. Every situation is different so whether veneers are worth it to you is dependent on how you feel about your current dental situation and how much of a financial commitment you wish to make.