We understand that you’ll want to know everything you can about your dental veneer procedure before deciding to go ahead. That’s why, when you come in for your initial consultation at our North London clinic, you’ll be given the opportunity to ask any veneers questions you may have.
Until then, we have answered some of the most frequently asked veneers questions we have heard from patients to help you to feel calm and confident, and to make an informed decision for your treatment.
Patients who have considered having imperfect teeth extracted, but would like an alternative permanent solution, often ask us, ‘How do veneers work?’ And the answer to this question is very simple.
Think of veneers as working similar to fake nails. They involve a very thin layer of material being placed over the top of the original which is glued into the right position. Just like a fake nail, veneers can make the tooth appear longer, smoother, healthier, whiter and generally more attractive.
However, unlike the nails, dental veneers are a permanent cosmetic solution which can last up to 30 years when looked after by the patient and their hygienist and dentist. That’s because the veneer is bonded to your tooth with dental cement glue, using a special light beam to activate chemicals in the glue.
As your dentist may need to remove a very thin layer of enamel from the tooth before placing your veneer, in order to ensure it does not protrude above the gum line, they will also roughen up the surface of the tooth too to make it more textured. This makes the bond even stronger, meaning your veneers should last for years to come. You can read more about our own veneers procedure.
As with most cosmetic dentistry procedures, the effects of your treatment will last much longer if you take good care of them.
Most dentists say porcelain veneers can last for up to 30 years when well cared for. The most common causes of premature failure are both trauma and tooth decay, so it is vital you do everything you can to protect and maintain your new veneers.
Ensuring optimal oral hygiene with regular dental checkups, as well as regular flossing and brushing with non-abrasive toothpastes will help keep complications at bay.
You can also take steps to avoid physically damaging your veneers. Many people will use their teeth as a tool, for example when opening packaging or even (more seriously) bottle caps. Activities such as these can cause your veneers to fracture or chip, meaning you may need to get them replaced.
When you go for your hygienist appointments, either at our North London practice or elsewhere, make sure your practitioner is aware that you have veneers, so they can use the appropriate polishing technique. This will help your new teeth last for longer.
When you come in for your consultation at our surgery in Hampstead, your dentist will assess which of your teeth may require veneers. However, it is usually recommended that you go for an even number in order to ensure a mirror image on each side.
Whilst porcelain veneers are very natural looking, they will still be much less flawed than a real tooth. Veneers in sets of two, four, eight, ten or twelve tend to give the best results.
Six veneers are not usually recommended, as changes to the canines without altering the premolars can look too drastic against one another. We generally aim to carry out the fewest number of veneers, but always providing the best and most seamless smile. The more visible the back teeth are, means more veneers will need to be provided. The more changes we make to the patient’s alignment and colour, the more we need to do. It is important that the junction between the veneered teeth and the non-veneered back teeth is as invisible and seamless as possible.
Speak to your dentist about the results you would like to achieve at your consultation.
For our up-to-date charges, please view our veneers costs on our fees page.
It is important to note that the veneers process is irreversible, so you should definitely think about all of your options before you go ahead with anything. You can find out more about what veneers are here.
Since some enamel may be removed during the preparation, it is also possible that your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks.
There is also a chance that your veneers could be unsuccessful and potentially fall off. Ensure you take good care of your veneers and other teeth to make them last as long as possible.
It is important to note that the veneers process is irreversible, so you should definitely think about all of your options before you go ahead with anything. You can find out more about what veneers are here.
Since some enamel may be removed during the preparation, it is also possible that your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks.
There is also a chance that your veneers could be unsuccessful and potentially fall off. Ensure you take good care of your veneers and other teeth to make them last as long as possible.
Benefit from over 30 years expertise of our highly qualified dental veneers specialist and principal dentist, Dr Mehran Sanei (GDC No: 67683). Recognised by the British General Dental Council and the American Dental Association as a Specialist in Prosthodontics he has also giiven national and international lectures on the topics of Cosmetics and Implantology.
To book your porcelain veneers consultation, please call us today on 020 7431 2710 and we will help you achieve the results you’ve always wanted.
To book your consultation and ask any other veneers questions you may have, speak to our team today on 020 7431 2710, or come visit us at the Dental Perfection surgery in Hampstead, North London.
We have been working with clients from all over North London (including St Johns Wood, Belsize Park, Highgate, and Swiss Cottage) from our Hampstead clinic since 1979.
Our North London premises are less than a minute's walk away from Hampstead Underground Station.
For more information about dental veneers please visit one of the following pages:
