Veneers

Veneers or Dental Veneers have long been regarded as the ultimate way of creating what is commonly known as ‘the Hollywood smile’.  The search for the ultimate teeth and smile has been around for many years.

With veneers it is possible to transform even the most undesirable teeth. This is accomplished by straightening crooked teeth, stained teeth, damaged teeth and also badly worn teeth. The transformation is incredible and will give the recipient brand new, shiny, white and straight teeth – as displayed by most celebrities.

So what are Veneers?

Veneers are essentially ‘shells’ that are cemented to the individual teeth to improve their visual appearance. Made of wafer thin laminates that are the shade of white you desire, veneers can consist of porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material.  Dental veneers are commonly referred to as ‘the fake finger nails’ of the dentistry world.

There are many reasons why you may decide to have veneer treatment such as:

• Crooked Teeth – Not always considered the best reason to have veneers due to the great affects of Braces and the lower cost of them. However, veneers certainly will correct crooked teeth.
• Gaps – The closing of Gaps (diastimas) or spaces within the teeth is one of the biggest reasons many people chose to have veneers. The results are incredible.
• Damaged Teeth – Badly worn teeth, excessive grinding, consumption of carbonated drinks and chipped or broken teeth are a perfect reason why veneers would benefit you.
• Stained Teeth – Teeth that are stained beyond repair and cannot be corrected using whitening, will benefit massively from having Veneer treatment.

With the heights of cosmetic dental technologies being reached very quickly, the durability of dental veneers means that they will last from between 10-30 years usually without any complications – but this depends on the individual. The reason they may need to be replaced is due to cracking, leaking, chipping, discoloration, decay and shrinkage of the gum line. Many people grind their teeth also, which will shorten the life expectancy of the veneers.

The cost of veneers has dropped dramatically over the last few years as the cost of developing the technology has fallen and demand has risen. On average you can expect to pay anywhere between £300 and £1500 per tooth, dependent upon the state of your teeth.

The cost also depends on where you have the procedure done. Harley Street in London will inevitably cost more than if you go abroad to have the procedure.  Hungary for example can offer the same treatment at half the cost, and there is nothing to suggest the safety of having the procedure completed there is compromised.

If you are thinking of having this procedure or any cosmetic dentistry then it is always advisable to consult with your dentist first.