Veneers in Chester

Do you have chipped or discoloured teeth? Then veneers may be the solution for you. Veneers are designed to obscure chipped enamel and other dental imperfections, and to improve your smile. These thin, tooth-coloured shells are attached to the front of teeth to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Once installed, they are permanently bonded to your teeth.

Before receiving treatment though, it is important to decide if you prefer veneers made from porcelain or composite resin materials.

Porcelain or composite veneers?

A porcelain veneer is thin and shaped to cover the whole of a front tooth. It mimics the natural look of a real tooth in both shape and translucent colour. It offers strength, versatility and durability, and can last up to 20 years if well-maintained. Surgery typically involves three appointments. The first involves a consultation and examination. In the follow-up, impressions are made and sent off to a lab, while tooth enamel is shaved off to accommodate the veneer. At the final appointment, the permanent veneer is attached to the tooth.

There are two types of composite resin veneers. Direct composite veneers are applied directly to the tooth. This process can be completed in one single appointment. Indirect composite veneers are created by forming a resin shell. As with porcelain, this is done at a lab and requires three appointments. Their thin shells are made out of ceramic and acrylic resin, again replicating natural teeth colour.

Composite veneers are more brittle than porcelain and, with a 5-year lifespan, do not offer the same durability. They will, though, appeal to people who prefer a cheaper alternative.

Are veneers painful?

Preparatory work and placement for veneers is only minimally uncomfortable. The tooth shaving process can come with some minor discomfort, but the dentist will only need to remove a thin slice of enamel, perhaps no more than a fingernail width.