How Long After A White Filling Can You Eat?

Has your dentist just told you you need a filling for one of your crooked teeth? If yes, you may have several questions in your mind regarding this procedure. For example, one of the questions that are commonly asked by dental patients about dental fillings is how long they need to wait after getting a filling before they can eat anything. If you are also searching for an answer to this question, you are in luck! This blog will explain everything you need to know about tooth fillings. So, read on!

How Long Should You Wait After Getting A Filling Done To Eat?

Dentists use different types of fillings to restore damaged or crooked teeth. For example, tooth-coloured composite is one of the most commonly used dental fillings these days. These fillings are composed of a tooth-coloured polymeric resin combined with fillers. After getting a composite filling, you should wait at least 2-4 hours before you can resume eating from that tooth. Even then, you should avoid eating hard and sticky foods directly with the restored teeth. 

On the other hand, if you have received an amalgam filling, you should wait for at least 24 hours before putting a load on the tooth. Why? Because the chemical reaction in silver amalgam fillings continues for 24 hours, after which these fillings attain sufficient hardness and strength. Furthermore, one must also avoid taking very hot or cold drinks as it may cause them to shrink or contract, leading to dislodgment. 

How Soon After Getting A Tooth Filled Is It Safe To Chew Gum?

White chewing gum may seem like a harmless activity immediately after getting a filling, but it is not. Why? Because when you chew gum, it creates a negative pressure when it touches the restored tooth, resulting in the dislodgment of the filling. That is why dentists recommend waiting at least 2-4 hours before chewing gum in the case of bonded restorations. On the other hand, silver amalgam fillings should be allowed to be set for 14 hours before enjoying chewing gum. 

Can I Eat From Both Sides Of My Teeth After A Tooth Filling?

In cases where both sides of the mouth require fillings, dentists generally restore one side at a time. This is to allow one to eat without difficulty while leaving the restored side unaffected. So, you should eat only from the side where you don’t have any fresh fillings so that the new filling remains in place. 

Can You Eat With A Temporary Filling?

Temporary fillings are given by dentists to restore one’s smile and facial aesthetics. Hence, their primary purpose is to ensure one does not feel self-conscious till they get their permanent fillings. However, temporary restorations are not designed to be used for eating. So, if you have received a temporary filling, you should not use it for chewing as it will not be strong enough to bear the biting pressure, especially in the back teeth. 

How Long Do White Fillings Last?

A common concern about the white fillings is how long they last. Previously, it was thought that composite fillings were not strong or durable as silver amalgam fillings. However, thanks to contemporary dental technology, tooth-coloured bonded restorations have considerably more durable. For example, you can expect a bonded restoration to last up to 10 years. Also, the life of these fillings can even be further enhanced by ensuring optimal oral hygiene, eating a tooth-friendly diet and visiting the dentist regularly.  

How Long Should I Wait To My Brush Teeth After A Dental Filling?

Brushing your teeth is one of the most critical aspects of your daily oral hygiene routine. However, many dental patients are concerned about whether they should brush their teeth on the day they get one of their teeth filled. So, the answer is that there is no need to wait; you can brush your teeth as soon as you get home. However, you should take care not to apply too much brushing pressure as it may dislodge the restoration. The best way is to brush your teeth gently. 

How Long Does It Take A Dental Filling To Harden?

Tooth-coloured composite fillings are hardened using a special light. So, they attain their maximum hardness as soon as they procedure is complete. On the other hand, silver amalgam filings are made by mixing mercury with metal alloys. Therefore, a chemical reaction continues for the next 24 hours, even after the filling placement. So, amalgam fillings typically attain sufficient hardness after 24 hours. 

How Soon After Filling A Tooth Can You Brush?

Many think brushing their teeth immediately after getting a filling may damage or dislodge the restoration. However, the fact is that there is no restriction on brushing one’s teeth after having a tooth filled. Why? Because your dentist will make sure that your tooth filing is secured and has hardened sufficiently before allowing you to go home. So, if you brush your teeth gently, you don’t have to worry about the filling getting chipped or dislodged. 

Tooth-coloured composite fillings are one of the best options for restoring crooked, stained, or chipped teeth. However, one must go to an experienced dentist to restore teeth. This is because novice dentists may charge you less, but you must expect your fillings to last for a short time. So, if you are looking for a good dentist in Hornchurch, Essex, your best option is Harrow Dental. Our practice offers all services under one roof at affordable rates. So, book an appointment with us today, or visit here to learn more about our dental practice. 

Dental Bonding Vs. Veneers

Are you feeling self-conscious because of stained or chipped teeth? Do you wish to enjoy a beautiful and lasting smile? If the answer to these questions is a yes, then the solution to all your problems lies in cosmetic dentistry. 

But, what would be the best cosmetic dentistry solution for fixing your damaged teeth? you may ask. The two most commonly used aesthetic dentistry options are dental veneers and teeth bonding. While these options are used for the same purpose, they differ from each other in many ways. So, how to choose between dental veneers and cosmetic bonding? This blog will help you decide! This blog explains everything you need to know about dental bonding and veneers, so that you can make an informed decision regarding your treatment. So, read on!

Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?

To decide whether to go for dental bonding or veneers, one must first understand what these restorative options are. Dental bonding refers to a process of using a tooth-coloured, resin-based filling material to restore the structure, and aesthetics of damaged teeth. Bonded fillings are also called direct restorations, meaning that they are applied directly to teeth at the dental chairside. On the other hand, a veneer is a wafer-thin shell made of porcelain or composite resins that is fabricated in the dental laboratory and then bonded to the prepared teeth using adhesive. 

So, now we answer the question about whether to choose veneers or bonding for restoring your teeth. The answer is simple: since dental veneers are prepared in the laboratory, they possess fewer structural and aesthetic defects than composite fillings. Hence, veneers possess superior aesthetics and are longer lasting. However, they are more expensive than bonded fillings. 

Are Veneers Better Than Teeth Bonding?

Yes, veneers are better the bonded fillings in many aspects. First, veneers possess superior stain-resistance than composites. Therefore, they retain their aesthetics for a longer duration. Similarly, veneers, especially porcelain veneers are much stronger and durable than bonded restorations. So, if you are looking for excellent aesthetics and durability, veneers should be your choice over composites. 

Can Dental Bonding Be Whitened?

Despite the good aesthetics of bonded restorations, one of their drawbacks is that they cannot be whitened through conventional teeth whitening procedures. This is because unlike a tooth surface that is porous, and is amenable to whitening with a bleaching agent, the surface of bonded restorations is not affected by the bleaching agents. Hence, the only solution to whiten a bonded filling is to repair it or replace it entirely. 

Can Dental Veneers Be Whitened?

Like bonded fillings, composite- or porcelain-based veneers cannot be whitened, as the bleaching formula is ineffective on them. So, the only option to restore the aesthetics is to replace them. 

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Dental Bonding?

Here are some of the pros and cons of dental bonding:

Pros of Dental Bonding 

  • Natural aesthetics – the shade and colour of bonded restorations can be precisely matched with the adjacent natural teeth. 
  • Cost-effective – composite bonded fillings are more cost-effective than veneers. 
  • Safety – composite restorations are safe and do not cause any untoward reaction in the oral cavity. 

Cons of Dental Bonding 

  • Composite fillings get stained pretty easily 
  • Less durable than veneers 

Can Dental Composite Bonding Cover Severe Fluorosis?

Fluorosis is when the dental enamel is damaged due to excessive fluoride intake during tooth development. Teeth affected with fluorosis typically have a mottled appearance and brownish shade. Unfortunately, such staining is very hard to remove with conventional teeth whitening. Therefore, the only solution for the aesthetic restoration of fluorosis-affected teeth is to composite fillings or veneers over them. 

Is Tooth Bonding Safe And Permanent?

Like all dental restorations and prostheses, bonding is not permanent. The restoration starts to degrade mechanically and stains over time. As a result, they should either be repaired or replaced when needed. Typically, bonded restorations last for about 5 years, longer if they are looked after properly through oral hygiene maintenance and regular dental checkups

Do Composite Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?

It is a common misconception that composite veneers damage the teeth. This is not correct; the fact is that, although a thin layer of the enamel is removed from the teeth to accommodate the veneers, this layer is so thin that it does not weaken the teeth or make them sensitive or cavity-prone. Hence, composite veneers do not damage one’s teeth if designed and bonded by an experienced cosmetic dentist

What Are The Reasons Why Dental Bonding Is Worth It?

If you are thinking of getting your crooked or damaged teeth restored with dental bonding, here are some benefits of this procedure that will help you decide in their favour:

  1. Cost-effective – compared with veneers and dental crowns, dental bonding is cost-effective. 
  2. Aesthetics – your dentist can easily match the shade and colour of your bonded restoration with your natural teeth. As a result, your bonded restorations will become virtually indistinguishable from your teeth. So, bonded restorations improve one’s smile and boost self-confidence. 
  3. Repairability – even if bonded restorations get chipped or stained, they can be easily repaired in most cases. Alternatively, restorations can be replaced without damaging the underlying tooth structure. 

Dental bondings are an excellent restorative option provided they are placed by an experienced and qualified cosmetic dentist. If you live in Hornchurch, Essex, or the suburbs, your best option is to visit Harrow Dental Practice, where we provide all dental services at affordable rates under one roof. So, contact us today to book your appointment and let us give you a smile that you genuinely deserve. 

Composite Bonding For Teeth – Everything You Need To Know

Composite bonding is one of the routinely performed dental procedures worldwide. Whether you are unhappy with the colour of your teeth, or you wish to get rid of your chipped or crooked teeth, cosmetic bonding is the solution to virtually all restorative and cosmetic dental problems. 

If the appearance, shape, or colour of your teeth makes you unhappy, this article is for you as we explain everything you need to know about composite restorations. So, continue reading to find out how composite bonding can help you achieve an attractive and confident smile. 

What Is Composite Teeth Bonding?

According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, bonding is a cosmetic procedure in which your dentist will place a tooth-coloured, resin-based filling material on your teeth to fix various restorative and cosmetic dental issues. Some of the dental problems that can be fixed with bonded restorations include:

  1. Permanently discoloured teeth 
  2. Chipped or cracked teeth 
  3. Congenitally de-shaped teeth 
  4. Restoration of teeth after removal of tooth decay 
  5. To cosmetically fix mild to moderate cases of dental overcrowding 
  6. To cosmetically restore mild case of teeth gaps 

Can Bonded Teeth Be Whitened?

A common question that dental patients ask is whether bonded restorations can be whitened like natural teeth. Unfortunately, it is not possible to whiten bonded restorations using bleaching agents. In cases where bonded restorations get stained or discoloured, the only option is to either repair them with a fresh layer of composite resins, or to replace them altogether. 

Can I Get Dental Bonding Instead Of Braces?

There are certain cases where dental bonding may be used as a “cosmetic alternative” to orthodontic treatment. For example, if someone has mild tooth crowding, misalignment, or teeth gaps and they don’t want to get braces for treatment, their dentist may use bonded restorations to treat the cosmetic issue caused by these conditions. However, it must be noted that bonded fillings will only improve the aesthetics and will not address the underlying issue. Therefore, the ideal treatment option for orthodontic problems is braces or Invisalign aligners, which completely eliminate the underlying problem. 

Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding and veneers are excellent options for fixing various restorative and cosmetic tooth defects. Likewise, both have their own merits and demerits. Dental bonding is a single visit procedure that does not require extensive removal of the healthy tooth structure. On the other hand, porcelain veneers require at least 2-3 visits and require tooth preparation for their bonding to the teeth. Furthermore, dental veneers are more expensive than composite bonding. At the same time, if we compare the longevity of both, veneers are stronger and longer-lasting. So, if you are looking for a cost-effective and quick restorative option, bonding should be your choice. On the other hand, if you are looking for a long-term and aesthetically pleasing solution, you should consider veneers. 

Can Dental Bonding Be Added To The Back Of Front Teeth?

Yes, dental bonding can be applied on any tooth surface. The reason is that dental bonding, as its name suggests, bonds directly to the tooth structure. So, no matter what tooth surface is damaged, it can be restored with composite fillings. On the other hand, dental veneers are only applied to the front surfaces of the teeth. 

How Long Do Composite Fillings Take To Set?

Composite restorations are based on polymeric resins. After applying a composite material layer to the tooth, your dentist will use a special light to polymerise the material and harden it. In this way, dentists apply increments of composite resins and harden them to obtain the desired tooth shape and aesthetics. So, the composite resin filling set. However, although the setting reaction of composite restorations starts immediately, it may take up to 24 hours for them to harden completely. 

Can Dental Composite Bonding Cover Severe Fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis is when the teeth appear permanently discoloured due to excessive exposure to fluoride during childhood. In this condition, faint white or yellow lines appear on the teeth, and the dental enamel is considerably weaker and less resistant to tooth decay. 

The discolouration in such teeth cannot be removed through professional teeth whitening. Therefore, the only option to restore their aesthetics is to apply tooth-coloured composite restorations, porcelain veneers, or crowns over them. In fact, dental bonding is one of the commonly used restorative and cosmetic procedures for the aesthetic treatment of tooth discolouration caused by dental fluorosis. 

Is Tooth Bonding Safe And Permanent?

Composite restorations are based on polymeric resins, which are harmless and do not cause any adverse effects in the oral cavity. This is also why dentists recommend getting composite restorations instead of silver amalgam fillings that are known to cause adverse health effects due to mercury. 

If we talk about the longevity of composite resins, they are quite durable, but like all dental restorations, they are not everlasting. However, with proper care and oral hygiene maintenance, you can expect your bonded restorations to last for 5-10 years, even longer with adequate care.  

Another factor that determines the lifespan of bonded fillings is the skill of the dentist and the quality of the material used. At Harrow Dental Practice, we take pride in having the most qualified and experienced dentists in town and state-of-the-art dental equipment. We also use high-quality materials that are long-lasting and have no adverse effects. So, what are you waiting for? Book a free virtual consultation with us today, and let us give you a beautiful and confident smile that you genuinely deserve. 

How to Get a Perfect Smile

Do you often stand in front of the mirror and wish there was something you could do to improve your smile? The British orthodontic society is reporting that the number of adults seeking orthodontic treatment in the UK has risen recently by about 75%.

A beautiful smile is an invaluable social asset. It not only makes you look younger but also boosts your self-esteem and makes you look more attractive. A survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry revealed that a staggering 99.7% of the respondents believed that a beautiful smile is a priceless social asset. But while some are born with a Rockstar smile, others are not that lucky. But the good news is that no matter how flawed a smile is, you can still get a picture-perfect, naturally beautiful smile. How? Continue reading to find out.

How can I improve my smile?

Here are some tips that can help you in getting your dream smile:

Oral Hygiene Maintenance

A healthy smile is a beautiful smile. You cannot enjoy a charming and attractive smile without meticulous oral hygiene. Dentists worldwide recommend that you must brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day for having those pearly white, perfect teeth! For best results, the British Dental Association recommends that you should use a soft toothbrush and a fluoride-containing toothpaste for either adults or children (be sure to purchase the correct one).

Regular Dental Check-ups

No matter how meticulous you are in brushing and flossing, your oral hygiene routine is incomplete without regular checkups. Your dentist can diagnose dental problems well before they are even visible to the naked eye, not only saving you from huge expenditures on treatment but also ensuring that you retain a beautiful smile throughout life.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Whether it is about restoring chipped or crooked teeth, restoring the balance between your upper lips and the size of your teeth, teeth whitening, or replacing missing natural teeth, cosmetic dentistry has the solution to all your aesthetic problems.

  • Veneers – a veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that is bonded the front teeth surfaces to restore tooth shape, function and aesthetics. Dental veneers are useful for the correction of the following cosmetic problems:
    • Chipped or fractured teeth.
    • Teeth with permanent stains
    • Cosmetic correction of excessive teeth gaps
    • Correction of mild tooth misalignment
  • Crowns – porcelain crowns are often referred to as a ‘cap’- they are shaped structures that are placed over the entire visible structure of a tooth. They are not only used for restoring tooth aesthetics but are also used reinforcing weakened teeth, owing to their excellent strength and durability. You can benefit from porcelain crowns in the following situations:
    • Grossly damaged teeth that cannot be restored with fillings
    • To mask permanent teeth stains
    • To restore the structure of chipped or fractured teeth
    • If you are not satisfied with the shape or size of your teeth, your cosmetic dentist will give you crowns to cosmetically reshape them and restore your smile.
    • To reinforce weakened teeth
    • To reinforce teeth that become brittle following a root canal procedure.
  • Dental Implants – Dental implants are by far the most aesthetically pleasing, functionally efficient and durable option for replacing missing natural teeth. An implant is a screw-shaped metallic fixture that is inserted into the jawbone, and it serves as the replacement root. Once the implant has become completely embedded within the bone, a suitable prosthesis such as a porcelain crown, bridge or a removable denture is then placed over it to restore the artificial tooth. Dental implants look, feel, and function just like natural teeth. If you shy away for smiling in public because of your missing teeth, then dental implants may be the best option for restoring your facial aesthetics and smile.

Perfect teeth alignment

Do you want to get rid of your misaligned and crooked teeth, but the thought of wearing those ugly metal braces is a deal-breaker for you? Don’t worry; you can still get a set of perfectly aligned teeth with Invisalign removable aligners. Invisalign is an orthodontic system based on the use of removable aligners. The aligners are designed from a special transparent acrylic material that makes them virtually invisible. Also, the Invisalign aligners are more comfortable and convenient in comparison to the conventional metal braces as they allow you to eat all your favorite foods and maintain optimal oral hygiene.

A beautiful smile not only makes you look gorgeous, but it can also bring joy and smiles to so many other faces! So, what’s stopping you? Book an appointment your cosmetic dentist today and impress your loved ones with your brand-new smile.

How much does a perfect smile cost?

The cost will always vary depending on exactly what treatment is required, So it’s very difficult to say exactly. Here are a few examples:

  • Teeth whitening – to get perfect white teeth £395
  • Composite bonding – to restore broken down teeth or reshaped teeth, from £250
  • Orthodontic treatment with 6 month smiles – from £3600

Many dental practices offer interest-free finance making treatments affordable and a monthly basis.

 

How long do veneers last?

So you’re thinking about getting dental veneers? Or perhaps you have just had dental veneers and want to know useful information about how long they are going to last?

We will answer a series of questions that people commonly ask about dental veneers, each of them taking a different viewpoint on the overall question of how long do veneers last.

Is it a bad idea to veneer healthy teeth?

This is a good place to start our journey into looking at dental veneers, should you have them in the first place and should they be used over healthy teeth?

There is always a balance in dentistry, balancing the health of your teeth and gums with how you look. Ideally most dentists would want to maintain as much natural healthy tooth structure as possible, however in some circumstances teeth can be very dark (such as with tetracycline staining), and ugly shape or broken down.

dental veneers
Dental veneers showing the small amount of tooth removed prior to the veneer being placed

Generally speaking dental veneers require 0.5 mm of reduction of 2 separate in order to accept the new custom-made veneer. This is a very small amount but if your natural teeth have already begun to wear this may go all the way through the enamel and into the softer dentine underneath.

A veneer will have a border all the way around the edge where it meets the natural tooth and it is often this border which causes any problems. If any small amount of bacteria gets in underneath the veneer then they can cause decay in the underlying tooth.

Dental veneers may also fracture, if this happens the veneer will need to be completely removed and manufactured again.

For these reasons it is best to err on the side of caution and leave natural teeth as they are… Unless they cause you concern due to the way they look.

This is when the balance tips the other way, if the benefits of having a new, bright and fresh smile outweigh any of the downsides of having natural tooth surface removed.

Veneers are then absolutely the right thing to do.

Can you get veneers with gum disease

Gum disease typically means that the oral health isn’t quite as good as it could be. If the oral health isn’t as good as it could be for veneers, then  it is indicative that it will not be as good after veneers, and veneers need to be looked after as well as natural teeth do.

Gum disease  can include swollen, puffy and bleeding gums, this can make the process of having veneers difficult in the first place, plus the margin between the veneer and the tooth could irritate these already irritated gums and therefore make the gum disease worse.

Prior to getting veneers any dentist will want to ensure that the oral health is in good condition, with a good oral health care routine with daily brushing. Then, and only then should veneers be considered.

Are veneers permanent

Because veneers are a thin layer which is applied over the surface of the natural teeth many people consider them to be temporary. However, your tooth is likely to have been trimmed down slightly by the dentist to accept a veneer, for this reason, dental veneers should always be considered a permanent treatment.

In some circumstances a dentist may be able to apply a thin layer of composite resin to the surface of the tooth without reducing the tooth. If this is what the dentist does then it may be possible to remove the raising and therefore remove the veneer.

What is life like with veneers?

living with dental veneers should be virtually the same as living with natural teeth. Daily cleaning with a brush, floss and mouthwash is still advised and is in some ways more important with restorations.

One of the biggest problems with veneers they can chip and crack, particularly porcelain veneers. The highest incidence of these happens when people accidentally banged their teeth on a glass or mug, this porcelain on porcelain contact often can chip the veneers.

All that is required for living with dental veneers is to remember that dental veneers are fitted, be careful with the foods that are eaten to ensure that the front teeth on used an extremely hard foods… And be careful with those drinks!

How long does tooth bonding last?

Tooth bonding is the process of applying a thin layer of composite resin the outer layer of the, often known as composite veneers or immediate veneers. the advantage of this type of veneer is that they are quick to do, often being done in a single appointment with no injection. They do however have a tendency to pick up stains including red wine, coffee and tea.

A typical tooth bonding veneer will last between 5 and 7 years before it needs replacing. This time can be dramatically reduced is particularly strong coloured foods are ingested and/or the veneers are put under too much stress and they break.

How long do veneers last?

It depends on which type of veneer you have, with proper care and attention:

  • composite bonding veneers typically last 5-7 years
  • porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years

Veneers may last slightly less time if you grind your teeth, although this will be spotted by your dentist prior to having veneers in the 1st place.

Summary

Taking the average lifespan of the dental veneer to be around 10 years puts the typical cost of a porcelain veneer to about £85 per year,  if you care for your veneers  with good quality dental care than they could last even longer.

If you follow the dental procedures outlined above and take good care of your teeth then your veneers should give you long and excellent service.

More information can be found here.

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Common Questions and Answers about Dental Veneers

Dental veneers have been around for many years now and still a common treatment option for a variety of cosmetic dental problems. In this blog post we take a detailed look at some of the common questions and answers about this popular treatment choice.

What are teeth veneers?

dental veneersTeeth or dental veneers are usually made of one of 2 materials, either composite resin or ceramic. They are an extremely thin layer which sits over the front surface of your natural tooth and is custom designed to fit your tooth perfectly.

Veneers can be used to straighten, whiten and correct problems such as chips and pits in teeth . They can also be used to change the shape of teeth which is a common reason for using a veneer. The best veneers shape will be discussed with you prior to treatment so that you can be sure to have the results you are looking for.

Sometimes the natural tooth needs to be trimmed down slightly to accept the new veneer although this is not always necessary, depending upon your clinical situation.

Even though veneers look extremely natural you still need to maintain good oral hygiene to ensure your new veneers last as long as possible.

Do veneers make teeth look bigger?

Veneers do not necessarily make teeth look bigger. Sometimes veneers are used because teeth are too small in this case a big are looking to is desirable.

If veneers are used to fill spaces between teeth then they can also make the teeth look slightly bigger but this should be taken into account during the diagnostic phase of your treatment, so it should not come as any surprise.

if a veneer is going to be used to change the shape, colour or position of the tooth and it is dealt that it might make your teeth look to make them very often a small amount of natural tooth will be removed. This then allows the dental technician and dentist to rebuild this tooth in the correct alignment, position or colour without making the tooth look too big.

One area that many people overlook is their face shape. Your face shape whether it be round, square or triangular will be reflected in the shape of your teeth and it’s important to make sure that your teeth fit with your overall features.

Can a teeth gap be hidden by veneers?

Yes. Spaces between teeth can easily be closed with dental veneers, sometimes these veneers are manufactured by a dental technician and other times  will be instant veneers placed directly by your dentist.

Should I get dental veneers or dental bonding?

Sometimes dental bonding is thought of as a less permanent option than dental veneers, if the dental bonding is additive only, by that we mean no natural tooth has been removed and the composite has been added to the surface of the tooth exclusively then you may be able to have the composite bonding removed. However you should not rely on this and you should always consider any form of veneer to be a permanent restoration.

One of the advantages of bonding is its immediate results, your dentist will apply the bonding composite directly to your tooth surface whilst you are in the dental chair, this will be to the correct colour and tooth shape that you require. Ceramic veneers on the other hand can take up to 2 weeks to be made by a dental technician.

The advantage of ceramic veneers  is that they are far more hard wearing and won’t collect stain as can sometimes happen with composite bonding.

What are porcelain veneers? What are their pros and cons?
What options are available to change the shape of teeth?

Is it a bad idea to veneer healthy teeth?

The mantra of a good dentist will always be to maintain as much natural and healthy tooth structure as possible and to keep your teeth as fit and healthy as we can. However this guiding principle needs to be balanced with the desire to have a confident smile, your perfect smile is not always something you’re born with..

Your dentist will always look for as many alternatives is possible to achieve your cosmetic result with out damaging the teeth in any way, however if extensive cosmetic alterations to your smile, such as crooked teeth or dark teeth are required then it is inevitable that the teeth may require some trimming down in order to accept the new dental veneer.

Is there any way to remove the veneers from my teeth?

Veneers can be removed however it is an extremely difficult and time-consuming procedure to undertake. The question then also needs to be asked, what will go on in their place?

If the veneers were only added onto the surface of your natural teeth without any reduction of trimming of the underlying teeth then it may be possible to remove them, however if the underlying tooth has had enamel removed, as is normal, then it will not be possible to remove the veneers as you will need a permanent covering over the surface of the teeth.

How to get rid of ugly yellow teeth?

There are a few options to get rid of ugly teeth:

  1. Teeth whitening. Even if you have a single yellow tooth then teeth whitening can still be undertaken on that tooth alone. Teeth whitening can also whiten all of your teeth if they are all too yellow.
  2. Dental bonding. Sometimes teeth whitening is not able to whiten teeth enough on its own and additional treatments such as bonding are required. Dental bonding will then use a lighter coloured bonding material which is placed on the outside of your teeth to cover up the ugly yellow tooth underneath.
  3. Dental veneers. In the event of exceptionally dark yellow teeth and dental and maybe the only option. It is possible to make ceramic dental veneers with a small amount of opacity to them which will cover up the ugly yellow teeth underneath.

How much do dental veneers cost?

The cost of dental veneers varies enormously depending on:

  • the type of veneer you have
  • the skills and experience of the dentist

It takes many years to train to understand all the nuances of being a cosmetic dentist and to have the necessary experience to be able to provide natural dental veneers which last many years. It’s also worth noting that you will be using your new dental veneers all of the time and are therefore a definite investment in yourself.

Many people will happily pay many thousands of pounds for a new car and yet that car begins to devalue immediately and will probably only last a few years. Dental veneers will last considerably longer, up to 20 years and are often much cheaper than a car!

Porcelain veneers are available for around £850 per tooth wear as composite bonding is available from around £250 per tooth.

For the front 6 teeth you are therefore looking at just over £5000 for the top 6 teeth to be redesigned with dental veneers. Compare this to the price of a car and how long that car will last and veneers suddenly are far more affordable.

Many practices also offer interest-free finance or interest-bearing finance, in this example above dental veneers would cost £107.11 per month over 60 months. *

Certainly a much more affordable way of having a brighter and more attractive smile.

Subject to status. Conditions apply. Representative example. Cash price of goods/amount of credit £510060 monthly payments of £107.11; Total amount repayable £6426.57; Representative 9.9% APR variable.