Dental Veneers in Leeds

FAQ'S ABOUT DENTAL VENEERS IN LEEDS AT LS1 DENTAL

What is a dental veneer?
A dental veneer is a thin shell of porcelain fabricated to fit over the front surface of a tooth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Veneers are commonly made of porcelain but sometimes a natural colour 'composite' material may be used. Veneers are held in place by a very strong luting resin which requires minimal tooth conditioning.

What are the advantages of dental veneers?
Veneers can give the appearance of natural healthy teeth. They can improve the colour, shape and position of teeth. A precise shade of porcelain can be chosen to give an accurate colour which will improve a discoloured or stained tooth or lighten the appearance of front teeth. A veneer can make a chipped tooth look intact.  The porcelain covers the whole of the front of the tooth with a thicker section replacing the chipped area. Veneers can also be used to close small gaps between teeth, when orthodontic treatment is unsuitable or unwanted.  If one tooth is slightly tilted out of position, a veneer can sometimes be fitted to bring it into line with other teeth.

How are teeth prepared for a veneer?
The outer enamel surface of the tooth may be removed by your Leeds dentist, to ensure that the veneer can be bonded permanently in place. If the teeth do not require any realignment or shape correction, the amount of enamel removed is the same as the thickness of the veneer to be fitted. This ensures that the profile stays the same. A local anesthetic may be used to ensure that there is no discomfort.  Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will take an 'impression.' This will be given to the Leeds dental technician, along with any other information needed to make the veneer.  CEREC 3D veneers do not require such impressions and can be completed within a single visit. The colour of surrounding teeth is matched on a shade guide to ensure that the veneer will look entirely natural.

How long will a dental veneer last?
Veneers should last for many years, but they can chip or break, just as natural teeth can. Your dentist in Leeds at LS1 Dental can give an estimate as to how long veneer treatment can last. If a veneer becomes chipped it may be repaired, or a new veneer can be fitted.

Can veneers be placed if i had braces as a child but my teeth have become crooked again?
Veneers can also be placed to improve the appearance of teeth which have previously undergone orthodontic treatment. Previously corrected crowding and overlapping can reappear later in life. Orthodontic care may not be an option and therefore veneers may be placed to regain the desired appearance and function.

A guide to dental veneers and lumineers