Dental veneers are very thin plastic or porcelain coverings which are custom-made for each patient and are glued onto the surface of your teeth. Dental veneers are used when patients want to disguise or hide coloured teeth or chips. They can also help hide gaps or overcrowding in the mouth. Dental veneers often give a brighter smile than through bleaching along. However, dental veneers are not suitable for badly broken-down teeth - you are better off getting a crown fitted in these instances.

The Treatment
Firstly, a local anaesthetic is applied. About 0.5 mm of enamel is then shaved off from each tooth that is being treated. The dentist will then take an impression of your teeth. He may also fit temporary veneers which will stay fixed for up to a fortnight until the permanent veneers have been made.

At the second appointment, the temporary veneers will be removed and the permanent veneers bonded to the teeth using a special, tough adhesive.

Results
Dental veneers take immediate effect. They should look realistic straight away. Porcelain veneers should resist staining and chipping better than ordinary fillings.

Generally, veneers are very durable but if you do might on something very hard, the veneer may become dislodged. It is advisable to not crunch on anything hard like gobstoppers or hard-boiled sweets. If you play a lot of contact sports, the veneers may also come adrift or break if you are knocked in the mouth. It is advisable to wear a mouthguard whenever you play a contact sport.

Cost
Costs will vary depending on the amount of veneers you want done and the materials used. Ask you dentist if they are able to give you a quote and do the work, or if they can refer you to a dentist who specialises in cosmetic dentistry.

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