What are veneers?

Veneers are a popular dental treatment used to improve the appearance of teeth. They are thin, custom-made shells that are placed over the front surface of teeth to cover imperfections such as discoloration, chips, gaps, or misalignments.

In the UK, veneers have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with more and more people opting for this cosmetic dental treatment.

In this article, we will provide a scientific overview of veneers, including what they are made of, types of veneers, advantages versus other treatments, how they are placed, and interesting UK statistics about veneers from the dental industry.

What are veneers made of?

Porcelain and composite veneers are two types of veneers commonly used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of teeth. Here’s some information about the differences between the two:

Porcelain Veneers:

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. They are made from high-quality dental porcelain, which is a strong, durable and translucent material that closely resembles natural teeth.

Porcelain veneers are usually recommended for patients with teeth that are severely discoloured, chipped, misshapen, or have large gaps between them. They are also known for their longevity and resistance to staining, making them a popular choice for patients seeking a long-term solution to improve their smile.

Composite Veneers:

Composite veneers are also thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. However, unlike porcelain veneers, they are made from a composite resin material that is bonded to the teeth in layers and sculpted to the desired shape. Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers and can be completed in a single appointment, making them a popular choice for patients seeking a more affordable and quicker solution to improve their smile.

Advantages of Porcelain Veneers:

• Porcelain veneers are highly durable and long-lasting.
• They are highly resistant to staining, maintaining their appearance for many years.
• Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit perfectly onto the tooth, providing a natural-looking result.
• They are highly versatile and can be used to correct a wide range of cosmetic dental issues.

Advantages of Composite Veneers:

• Composite veneers are more affordable than porcelain veneers.
• They can be completed in a single appointment, making them a popular choice for patients seeking a quicker solution.
• Composite veneers are easily repairable if damaged or chipped.
• They require less tooth structure to be removed compared to porcelain veneers.

What types of veneers are there?

There are two main types of veneers: traditional veneers and no-prep veneers. Traditional veneers involve removing a thin layer of the tooth’s surface to make room for the veneer. No-prep veneers, on the other hand, are thinner and require little to no tooth reduction, making them a less invasive option. No-prep veneers are typically made of porcelain.

What are the advantages of veneers?

• Veneers offer several advantages over other treatments such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, or orthodontic treatment.
• They can be used to correct a wide range of cosmetic dental issues and can provide a long-lasting solution.
• Veneers are also stain-resistant, making them a great option for people who want to maintain a white, bright smile.
• Additionally, veneers can be placed relatively quickly, and the procedure is usually painless.

How are veneers placed?

Placing veneers typically involves three steps: consultation and planning, preparation, and placement. During the consultation, the dentist will examine the patient’s teeth and discuss their goals and expectations. They will then create a treatment plan and discuss the type of veneers that would be best for the patient’s needs.

The preparation phase involves removing a small amount of the tooth’s surface to make room for the veneer. Impressions of the teeth are then taken, and the veneers are custom-made to fit the patient’s teeth.

Finally, the veneers are placed on the teeth using a special adhesive. The dentist will then use a curing light to harden the adhesive, and the patient’s new smile is complete.

Interesting UK statistics about veneers

• A survey by the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that 80% of dentists reported an increase in demand for cosmetic dental treatments, including veneers.
• A survey by the British Dental Association found that 43% of dentists reported an increase in demand for veneers specifically.
• According to the same survey, the most common reason for patients seeking veneers was to improve the appearance of their teeth (89%), followed by boosting their confidence (77%).
• Another survey found that 60% of UK adults aged 18-34 would consider cosmetic dental treatment, with veneers being the most popular treatment option.
• According to a survey by the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, porcelain veneers are the most popular cosmetic dental treatment in the UK. The survey also found that composite veneers were the second most popular treatment option, indicating their popularity as a more affordable and quicker solution. The same survey found that 67% of respondents were satisfied with their veneers, indicating a high level of patient satisfaction with both porcelain and composite veneers.