Achieving a radiant, confident smile is easier than you might think, especially with options like dental veneers.
However, the process of veneers can seem intimidating without the correct information. Patients sometimes avoid cosmetic dental treatment due to unclear information about the process, benefits and costs.
At The Berkeley Clinic in Glasgow, we aim to help you feel more informed and confident about your cosmetic dental options. That’s why we’ve created this guide to understand the process of dental veneers, outlining what you can expect before, during, and after treatment.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about the process of veneers and take a step towards improving the look, feel and function of your smile.
Initial consultation: Assessing candidacy and treatment planning
Your journey to a perfect smile with veneers begins with an initial dental consultation.
This involves having a one-on-one meeting with our expert dental professionals, where our skilled dental team will assess your dental health, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine your veneer eligibility. This allows us to then create a personalised treatment plan that aligns with your expectations and needs.
Remember that veneers are a versatile solution suitable for a wide range of individuals. They can address cosmetic issues such as discoloured, chipped, or slightly misaligned teeth, making them an ideal solution for anyone eager to fix their smile without undergoing invasive surgery.
However, patients must have healthy gums and sufficient tooth enamel to move forward with dental veneers.
Those with severe tooth decay, gum disease and those who clench or grind their teeth may not be suitable candidates.
Tooth preparation explained
Tooth preparation is crucial for the fit and look of your future veneers and it is the second step in fixing your smile with dental veneers. This step ensures the veneer will fit naturally and bond securely with your natural teeth.
The veneer procedure includes removing a small amount of tooth enamel to accommodate the veneer. This step is vital for ensuring a natural look and a secure fit.
Despite this, Veneers typically do not require any shaping of the front teeth. This procedure is relatively painless, as it does not include work on any nerves or roots.
However, in some cases, removing a small amount of tooth enamel may bring slight discomfort to and leave your tooth feeling sensitive afterwards. At The Berkeley Clinic, we offer anxious patients anaesthetics and other helpful methods to ensure you have a comfortable procedure.
Choosing the right type of veneers for your mouth
Choosing the best veneer material is up to the patient’s preferences. The “best” veneers depend on individual factors, including dental health, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle.
Here are the three main types of veneers that you can choose from:
- Porcelain veneers: Due to their durability and ability to mimic the translucent properties of natural teeth, porcelain veneers are highly favoured.
- Composite veneers: Composite veneers are made of tooth-coloured resin. They can be applied in a single visit but may not last as long as porcelain veneers.
- Minimal-prep veneers: Minimal-prep veneers require less tooth reshaping than traditional veneers, making them a popular choice for those seeking a less invasive option.
Each has advantages, but porcelain and composite resin are the most common materials.
During your consultation, we’ll discuss the best options for you. At The Berkeley Clinic, we offer porcelain veneers as the primary option due to their durability and natural look. They are an excellent treatment choice for those who want to make minor adjustments to their teeth.
However, we are open to using composite veneers and will always have a frank and honest discussion with you to ensure we use the right material for your goals and budget.
The Bonding Process: Attaching veneers to the teeth
Our computerised technology for veneers in Glasgow eliminates the need for messy impressions.
We scan your mouth using a CEREC Omnicam camera, which takes digital images of teeth. Once we finish, we send the file to our in-house dental lab, meaning highly accurate, custom-made veneers for your teeth.
The dentist and technician will then assess the results and prepare bespoke veneers suited to your mouth. This assessment ensures we can give our patients the results that they deserve.
Our state-of-the-art dental technology assures patients can have the procedure done on the day of their visit, in contrast to the traditional techniques, which require multiple return trips before the veneers are even fitted!
Once your veneers are ready, we start bonding them to the front surface of your teeth. We will ensure they match your natural teeth in colour, shape, and size, providing an enhanced yet natural-looking smile that covers up any unwanted imperfections.
The bonding process is typically quick, taking only about an hour or two. However, the exact time may vary depending on the number of veneers applied.
Aftercare instructions and maintenance tips for veneers
Taking care of your veneers is like caring for your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential for healthy., long-lasting smiles.
We also recommend avoiding hard foods and habits that may damage your veneers, like teeth grinding or smoking, especially in the weeks after your treatment.
Your lifestyle and diet are important in maintaining your new teeth. Sugary foods, smoking and alcohol can cause damage to your teeth and to your new veneers. It is essential to keep your oral health in great condition to ensure your veneers work effectively. Read our blog on the 8 ways to keep your teeth clean and healthy to ensure long-lasting results for your smile.
We also encourage you to book an appointment with our dental hygienist so they can best advise you on how to take great care of their teeth and veneers.
Start Your Veneers journey now with the Berkeley Clinic
The veneer process is a transformative journey to a more radiant smile.
While each step is critical, the ultimate success depends on your own commitment to your dental health as well as your choice of dental clinic.
The Berkeley Clinic is an award-winning dentist in Glasgow, boasting a dedicated team of experts who have mastered the veneer process. Our approach is clear, straightforward, and centred on your needs. We aim to make you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Please schedule a consultation with us today to explore our dental veneers further and embrace the journey to a more confident you with The Berkeley Clinic.