Cosmetic Dentistry
Want to improve the shape, colour or appearance of your smile?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made coverings placed over the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. They can be used to disguise concerns such as discolouration, chips, uneven tooth shape or certain cosmetic imperfections.
At Toddington Dental Surgery, we take a personalised approach. We will assess your teeth, listen to what you would like to change about your smile and talk you through the options before recommending any treatment.
A veneer is a thin layer of tooth-coloured material that is carefully fitted to the front of a tooth.
Depending on the type of veneer and your individual teeth, a small amount of tooth surface may sometimes need to be removed before the veneer is fitted, although this is not necessary in every case.
Veneers are usually provided as a private cosmetic treatment.
Veneers may be considered if you are unhappy with the appearance of one or more teeth, including:
Not everybody will be suitable for veneers, which is why the first step is always a dental assessment.
It depends on what you would like to change.
If your main concern is simply that your natural teeth look darker than you would like, professional whitening may be a more conservative option.
Veneers may be considered when there are additional concerns involving the shape, surface, colour or proportions of individual teeth.
Your dentist can explain the different options after examining your smile.
Sometimes patients know they want to improve their smile but are not sure whether they need veneers, whitening, straightening or another treatment.
You do not need to decide beforehand.
Come and speak to us about what you would like to change, and we can explain which options may be suitable for you.
We will examine your teeth and gums and discuss what you would like to achieve. This is also your opportunity to ask questions about the appearance, treatment process, alternatives, costs and expected result. Before any cosmetic dental procedure, patients should be given clear information about the procedure, risks, benefits, likely outcome and aftercare.
If veneers are appropriate, we will create a treatment plan specifically for you. We will discuss the number of teeth involved, the type of veneer being considered and whether any preparation of the teeth will be required. We may also discuss other options where appropriate, such as teeth whitening, composite bonding, orthodontic treatment or crowns, depending on what you would like to improve.
For some veneers, a small amount of the front surface of the tooth may need to be prepared to create enough space for the veneer. An impression or digital scan can then be taken so the veneer can be made to fit your tooth accurately.
Once your veneer is ready, your dentist will check its fit, appearance and shade before it is bonded securely to the tooth. The aim is to create a result that complements your existing teeth and looks natural within your smile.
That is one of the main aims of veneer treatment. The shape, size and shade can be planned to complement your face, smile and surrounding teeth rather than simply making every tooth look identical. During your consultation, we can discuss the type of result you are looking for whether that is a subtle improvement or a more noticeable smile transformation.
Veneers are intended to be a long-term restoration, but they are not considered permanent for life and may eventually need repair or replacement. Where tooth enamel has been removed during preparation, that change to the natural tooth is generally irreversible. This is why we will discuss the advantages, disadvantages and alternatives carefully before treatment.
Veneers should be cared for much like your natural teeth. Good oral hygiene remains essential, including regular brushing, cleaning between the teeth and attending routine dental examinations. You should also tell your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth, as this may affect which treatment is most appropriate for you.
If you are considering veneers, our team at Toddington Dental Surgery can assess your smile, answer your questions and discuss your treatment options with you before you make any decision.
Call us on 01525 877 066 or speak to our reception team to arrange your consultation.