If you are unhappy about the appearance of your teeth, then speak to your dentist and find out about the different types of cosmetic dental treatments that are available for you. Cosmetic dental treatment has advanced significantly over the years which means it is now more accessible for everyone. In previous generations, only celebrities and movie stars had access to cosmetic dental treatment, whilst the public watched them flash beautiful white smiles across the screen; not anymore. Everyone can improve the appearance of their smile with cosmetic dentistry, and the treatments are now more affordable than before. With dental practices offering payment plans, you can improve the appearance of your teeth at your convenience. You will need to book an appointment so that your dentist can assess the health of your teeth and gums before planning cosmetic dental treatment. If you have healthy teeth and gums, then you are ready to improve the appearance of your teeth whereas if your teeth are affected by tooth decay, or gum disease, this will need to be treated beforehand to promote better dental health, but also to allow you to improve your smile safely and successfully.
Veneers in London are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments in the world. This is because veneers in London can be used to disguise a range of aesthetic issues that are affecting the appearance of your teeth. This includes stubborn extrinsic stains, intrinsic stains, chips and cracks, misshapen teeth, slight misalignment issues of the teeth and minor gaps between the teeth. One treatment can be used to address all these issues which is why patients who are looking for a smile makeover need to speak to the dentist and find out about veneers in London and whether or not they are suitable for them.
Are veneers suitable for you?
Veneers in London are most successfully used on patients with healthy teeth and gums.
If the enamel of your teeth is damaged or your teeth are too worn down, veneers may not be suitable for you. This is because a veneer is attached to the surface of the teeth after having removed a thin layer of enamel, if there is not sufficient healthy enamel it makes it challenging for the veneer to adhere to the surface of the tooth. You may have to speak to your dentist and find out about alternative cosmetic dental treatment such as composite bonding. Composite bonding is another great way of improving the appearance of your smile. A layer of composite is applied directly onto the surface of your teeth, which means that even if your enamel has been compromised, then you can still improve the appearance of your teeth and smile in this way.
Some patients may need orthodontic treatment before they can have veneers if their teeth are very crooked or wonky. You may be thinking, why do I need orthodontic treatment if my teeth will be covered with veneers anyway? By undergoing orthodontic treatment beforehand, you will reduce the amount of tooth that needs to be shaved down to create an even surface. You may need veneers of different thickness to create a neatly aligned smile and this can be uncomfortable in the mouth and appear bulky or fake. If you have large gaps between your teeth these should be addressed with orthodontic treatment, otherwise the veneers may not be able to fill the gap or the veneers may need to be bigger than normal to be able to fill the gaps which again can make them appear fake. Speak to your dentist and find out more about orthodontic treatment before having veneers and you will achieve better aesthetic results at the end.
How do veneers work?
When you and your dentist are happy that you are ready for veneers, a thin layer of enamel will be removed from the surface of your teeth, as mentioned. The dentist will take an impression of your mouth that will be sent to the laboratory with the design of veneers that you require. You and your dentist can choose the shape, size, and colour of veneers that you need and these will be manufactured for you within the next few weeks. Once they are ready you will have them fitted at your dental practice and they should last between 10 and 20 years. It is important to remember that your natural teeth are still underneath the veneers. Therefore you need to maintain excellent dental hygiene to prevent tooth decay or gum disease from developing. Although the veneers are safe, your teeth are still susceptible to decay and disease, but with good dental hygiene and regular visits to the dental practice, they should last for a long time. Speak to your dentist today to find out more.