Cosmetic Veneers: Commonly Asked Questions!

Have you ever noticed celebrities' smiles completely change in an incredibly short amount of time? Did they do this through some unattainable and incredibly expensive treatment? No... they most likely just had some cosmetic veneers fitted! Cosmetic veneers come in many materials and sizes with various benefits and fitting times. These innovative pieces of tooth technology not only come with bountiful benefits but many questions too. Bamboo are here to help answer some of the most commonly asked questions about cosmetic veneers!

What are cosmetic veneers?

Veneers are wafer thin pieces of material that are custom designed to fit each patients individual teeth. Veneers are usually bonded to the front of your teeth. When you opt for veneers, your dentist will be able to work with the; colour, length, size and shape of the teeth. This allows for you to achieve the exact smile that you desire. It is most common for patients to add veneers to any or all of the front 8 teeth, although some people simply require a single veneer to correct one flawed tooth.

What are cosmetic veneers made of?

Cosmetic veneers are usually made from either porcelain or from resin composite materials. It will depend on which type of veneer you go for as to which material they will be made from. Here at Bamboo we offer two types of veneer:

• Lumineers: are a type of porcelain veneer. Their main selling point is that they are designed to be ultra thin which means that they can easily fit over the teeth with very little to none grinding down of the teeth during the procedure.
• EMAX veneers: are made out of a special treated ceramic that, much like Lumineers, can be cut very thin to minimise any work that needs to be done to your teeth prior to your veneers being fitted.

Who is a good candidate for cosmetic veneers?

Most people are suitable for cosmetic veneers as they can be used to correct several teeth issues. Veneers are often referred to as "instant orthodontics" due to their fast and effective ability in correctly mildly crooked teeth. Veneers are also used to fix gaps that you may have between your teeth (diastemas). It is often the case that a patient requires a cosmetic veneer to restore chipped or discoloured teeth. There are cases in which you may need other dental treatment before getting your veneers fitted. If you suffer from periodontal disease, tooth decay or severe teeth clenching and grinding then veneers may not be the best option for you at this time. Some people suffer from bruxism which is the act of teeth grinding and clenching, often whilst sleeping. The issue with this in relation to having veneers fitted is that your teeth grinding may cause damage to the veneers that could cause them to crack overtime.For more information about bruxism and the factors that may cause it please take a look at this article.

How long do cosmetic veneers last for?

In general, cosmetic veneers will last for 10-15 years, however the longevity will be different for each individual. Some people may find that they last for longer than 15 years. In the case that one of your veneers crack or chips it is very simple to have it replaced by your dentist. Your smile will be restored back to its full beauty in no time!

Is it possible to stain my cosmetic veneers?

Patients are very often worried about the possibility of staining their veneers. Luckily for you, veneers are completely resistant to coffee, tea and wine stains. When your veneers are fitted you will have the option of several different shades of white. Once selected, your veneers will stay this colour and cannot be effected by eating and drinking particular foods and drinks.

I'm interested, what happens next?

If you feel that cosmetic veneers are the right treatment for you then the next step is to book a consultation with your local dentist. There will be a discussion about what you want to achieve with your teeth and the options that are available to you. It will depend on which type of veneer you choose as to the following steps. Some types of veneers such as Lumineers will require just two visits to your dentist. The first will involve taking an impression of your upper and lower teeth. These will then act as a mould to create veneers that perfectly fit your teeth. On the second appointment, your veneers will then be fitted and you will be ready to show off that smile you have always wanted!