If you would like to improve the appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers may be an option worth exploring. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surfaces of selected teeth, helping to improve their colour, shape and overall appearance.
At Preston Circus Dental Practice in Brighton, we can assess your teeth, discuss the changes you would like to make and explain whether porcelain veneers are suitable for you. Your dentist will also talk you through alternative treatments, so you can make an informed decision about your smile.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are individually made coverings that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. They are designed to complement your natural smile, with their shape, size and shade selected as part of your treatment plan.
Veneers may be considered for cosmetic concerns such as discolouration, chipped edges, uneven tooth shapes or small gaps between teeth. Whether they are appropriate depends on your dental health, the position of your teeth and the amount of healthy tooth structure available.
What Can Porcelain Veneers Help Improve?
Your dentist may discuss porcelain veneers if you are concerned about:
- Discoloured teeth: Veneers may be an option when certain types of staining do not respond as you would like to whitening.
- Chipped or worn teeth: They can improve the appearance of selected teeth with minor chips or wear.
- Uneven tooth shapes: Veneers can alter the visible shape and proportions of suitable teeth.
- Small gaps: In some cases, veneers can change the appearance of spaces between teeth.
- Minor irregularities: They may help improve the appearance of selected teeth that look uneven.
Veneers are not suitable for every concern. For example, orthodontic treatment may be more appropriate if you need to correct the underlying position of your teeth.
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are designed to provide a natural-looking finish when carefully planned and fitted.
A personalised appearance: The shape, size and shade of the veneers can be selected to complement your smile.
A tooth-coloured finish: Porcelain can be chosen to blend with the appearance of your natural teeth.
A targeted cosmetic treatment: Veneers cover the front surfaces of selected teeth rather than the entire tooth.
An option for several cosmetic concerns: Depending on your circumstances, veneers may help address concerns involving colour, shape, chips or small gaps.
Your dentist will explain what veneers can realistically achieve, along with any limitations and risks associated with treatment.
What Does Getting Porcelain Veneers Involve?
Treatment is planned around your individual needs and commonly involves two or more appointments.
1. Consultation and smile assessment
Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, discuss the changes you would like to make and assess whether veneers are suitable. You can discuss your preferred tooth shape and colour, as well as alternative options and costs.
2. Preparing your teeth
Depending on the treatment plan, a small amount of enamel may need to be removed from the front surface of the teeth to accommodate the veneers. Impressions or digital scans are then taken so the veneers can be made to fit.
Tooth preparation is generally irreversible, so it is important to understand the implications before proceeding. Temporary veneers may be used while your permanent restorations are being made, where appropriate.
3. Fitting your veneers
When the custom-made veneers are ready, your dentist checks their fit and appearance before bonding them to the teeth. Adjustments may be made to ensure the result is comfortable and works with your bite.
Your dentist will explain how to care for your veneers and when to attend follow-up appointments.
Are Porcelain Veneers Right for You?
Veneers may be suitable if your teeth and gums are healthy and you want to address specific cosmetic concerns. However, they are not always the most appropriate or least invasive option.
Depending on your needs, alternatives may include:
- Professional teeth whitening: May be suitable if your main concern is the colour of your natural teeth.
- Composite bonding or tooth-coloured fillings: May be appropriate for selected small chips, gaps or shape concerns.
- Orthodontic treatment: May be preferable when the position of the teeth needs correcting.
- Porcelain crowns: May be considered when a tooth requires more extensive coverage or restoration.
Your dentist will explain the advantages, limitations, costs and maintenance requirements of the available options.
Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers
Veneers need regular care, just like your natural teeth. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth every day and attend dental check-ups as recommended.
Avoid biting hard objects with your teeth, and speak to your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth, as this may affect your restorations. Contact the practice if a veneer chips, loosens or becomes uncomfortable.
Porcelain veneers can require maintenance or replacement over time. Your dentist can explain the factors that may affect their longevity and how best to look after them.
Porcelain Veneer Costs in Brighton
The cost of porcelain veneers depends on the number of teeth being treated and the complexity of your treatment plan.
Preston Circus Dental Practice offers a free cosmetic consultation according to its published fees. Contact the practice to discuss veneer costs and confirm the price of your proposed treatment before proceeding.
The practice also advertises 0% dental finance for eligible treatments, subject to approval and the provider’s terms. Ask the team to confirm the available options for your treatment.
Book a Porcelain Veneer Consultation in Brighton
If you are considering porcelain veneers, Preston Circus Dental Practice can help you understand your options and decide whether they are suitable for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does getting porcelain veneers involve?
Getting veneers usually requires two visits to complete the process, with little or no anaesthesia required during the procedure.
How are my veneers made?
The teeth are prepared by lightly buffing and shaping the surface to allow for the thickness of the veneer. A mould of the teeth is taken, then you get to choose the shade of colour with your dentist.
What happens on my second visit?
On the second visit, the teeth will be cleansed with special liquids to achieve a durable bond. Bonding cement is then placed between the tooth and veneer and a special light beam is used to harden and set the bond.
How do I look after my veneers?
After the procedure is completed, you will receive care instructions looking after your veneers. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental visits will help to ensure that they last for a long time.
Why get porcelain veneers in Brighton?
If you live outside of Brighton, travelling to our clinic is easy by train or by car. We are situated close to Brighton main station and London Road station. Patients travelling to us from London can reach us in under an hour and a half. Brighton is a vibrant coastal city with much to offer and enjoy when your treatment session is finished.
If you have any questions or concerns about porcelain venners, please contact our practice.
