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Two of the types of dental veneer available from Central London dentists are made of porcelain and composite resin. The aim of all dental veneers is to restore the appearance of teeth damaged by discoloration, worn enamel or structural damage. Veneers are placed over the top of the existing teeth and cemented in place. This not only adds another protective layer to the teeth but also makes them appear whiter and more even.
Porcelain veneers are the more expensive of the two options. The porcelain has a translucent quality similar to that of tooth enamel which makes them look incredibly lifelike. Porcelain is also very durable and resistant to staining. Modern porcelain veneers can be made using the latest digital technology and computer-guided machinery, which is radically reducing treatment and manufacture times. Porcelain veneers are also very thin which means that there is little need for any enamel removal prior to fixing. Although very expensive, porcelain veneers are incredibly effective and ideally suited to the replacement of a whole dental arc.
Composite resin veneers involve mixing up a resin to closely match the colour and texture of the existing enamel. This can be done at the chair-side and involves little further preparation. After the tooth has been cleaned and prepared with a mild etching acid to roughen the surface, the dentist will apply the resin to the tooth and smooth it to the desired shape and size. When happy with the appearance the dentist can then set the resin hard using the heat of a dental laser. The veneer can then be polished and buffed to look smooth like enamel. Composite veneers are more suited to smaller scale repairs but can also have a dramatic impact across the whole dental arc. Ask your Central London dentist for more advice about dental veneers.