Private Dentists in Central London
020 7580 2551/1828
Veneers can make a significant improvement to your smile
"A veneer is a layer of material placed over a tooth, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth or to protect the tooth's surface from damage."
We regularly see patients who are acutely self-conscious about their smile and who are therefore ill at ease in company. This can have a damaging effect on their overall sense of well-being and confidence.
Well-placed veneers can make a significant improvement to your smile. Patients tell us of the change to their lives as a result of now being confident of their smile and therefore in themselves.
This picture is of one of our patients after her previous unaesthetic veneers were replaced with six carefully matched ones.
The end result is a balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. A smile that is in harmony with her face and personality.
This patient tells us that her treatment has given her a huge boost in self-confidence.
Initial diagnostic
The first step in any dental procedure is a full diagnostic. If veneers may be the appropriate treatment there will be a check on the overall oral health, an assessment of possible issues that may require prior attention such as root canal treatment and an assessment of possible contra-indications.
Contra-indications
Depending on severity minor damage or wear might be a contra-indication, as might treatment of young patients with otherwise healthy teeth.
Bruxism, the grinding of teeth, is a contra-indication, as would be wide gaps between teeth that would require too wide an 'overhang' of the veneer, making it vulnerable to cracking or failure.
If the teeth have been over-prepared previously then alternatives such as a crown or implant may be indicated.
Desired end result
We will carefully discuss with you the end result that you are looking for. We make mock-ups of options (size, positioning, shape, colour) and make extensive use of photographs during treatment at each stage. We will work closely and interactively with you throughout to agree and then to refine the treatment plan.
Veneers and 'smile makeovers' have been over-hyped and overused by some practitioners in so-called 'smile clinics'. We only fit veneers where we believe that they are the correct clinical choice and that they will give the correct balanced and aesthetic appearance. We will never recommend the "Hollywood effect" of over-perfect, over-sized or over-white teeth!
What's involved?
Once the treatment plan is agreed the teeth will be prepared to take the veneers. This involves the removal of some of the tooth surface enamel so that a good bond will be achieved. Temporary veneers will then be placed. The final veneers are only made in the laboratory after the temporary veneers have been tried and tested and both patient and dentist are happy. The shape and form of the temporary veneers are used in the production of the final veneers.
Who will the fit the veneers?
We are uniquely placed in the UK as all six of our Partners are further qualified as Specialists. Three Partners are Specialists in Prosthodontics and two are Specialists in Restorative Dentistry
Is there pain?
Normally not, although there may be some temporary discomfort as with any dental procedure.
Pain can be caused if the tooth is over-prepared such that the dentine, below the enamel, is exposed, perhaps by less experienced practitioners.
How long will my veneers last?
Given reasonable care to avoid mechanical damage, good oral hygiene and regular checkups, well fitted veneers typically last for 10 years or so before they might need attention.
Prosthodontics includes the treatment of damaged and irregular teeth.
Plowman & Partners
Centre of Dental Clinical Excellence
London