Veneers

If they are looked after correctly, including keeping the natural tooth underneath healthy and strong, your veneers can last for around ten years, and potentially longer. As part of your natural tooth is removed for porcelain veneers, you will need to have new veneers made and fitted when necessary.

You shouldn’t feel any pain during your veneer treatment. We use local anaesthetic to numb the affected area in your mouth while we are preparing your teeth for treatment. You may feel some discomfort but it won’t hurt. The fitting of the veneers is minimally invasive and not painful. You may experience some sensitivity in your teeth for the first few days after fitting, but this will fade.

Porcelain veneers require some of your natural tooth enamel to be removed for treatment. As such, it is a permanent treatment and can’t be reversed. When the veneer is fixed onto your tooth, it will not damage it, but you will need to keep up with an excellent brushing routine at home to avoid decay. However, composite veneers are built up directly on your tooth, so can be removed without issue.

The best way to look after your veneers is to treat them like your natural teeth. The veneers can’t decay, but the natural teeth underneath can, so it is important to keep these strong and healthy so they can continue to be a solid foundation. Brush for two minutes twice a day and visit your dentist for regular check up appointments so they can keep an eye on your teeth and veneers.

Porcelain veneers are much more resistant to staining than natural teeth. They can become slightly stained over time, although the level of staining is far less significant. The best way to keep your veneers sparkling white is to brush regularly, especially after drinking tea or coffee, or eating particularly rich or colourful food, such as curry. You may find your veneers stain more easily if you are a smoker.

Veneers are resilient, but they still have the potential to break if not treated carefully. Try to avoid biting into very hard foods, or using your teeth to chew pen lids or open anything, as this could cause damage. If your veneer does break, don’t panic! Give us a call and we can help and advise on your next steps.