Q: How long will a veneer last?

A: The life of a veneer will depend on how well it is looked after. The venner itself cannot decay, but decay can start where the edge of the veneer joins the tooth. It is very important to keep this area as clean as your other teeth, or decay could endanger the veneer. Properly cared for veneers will last for many years.

Q: How are teeth prepared for a veneer?

A: Some of the shiny outer enamel surface of the tooth may be removed, to make sure that the veneer can be bonded permanently in place later. The amount of enamel removed is minimal and will be the same as the thickness of the veneer to be fitted, so that the tooth stays the same size. A local anaesthetic may be used to make sure that there is no discomfort. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist will take an ‘impression’. This will be given to the dental technician, along with any other information needed to make the veneer. The colour of the surrounding teeth is matched on a shade guide to make sure that the veneer will look entirely natural. If the surrounding teeth are of varying shades it may be necessary to involve these teeth to achieve the perfect result.

Q: How long will it take?

A veneer takes at least two visits; the first to prepare the tooth and to match the shade, and the second to fit it. Bonding a veneer in place is done with a special adhesive, which holds it firmly on the tooth.

Q: Will I need a temporary veneer between visits?

A: Yes, the temporary veneer will usually be similar in shape to the final result.

< Back | Next >