What types of veneers are there?

The more common type of veneer, and the ones most people are familiar with, are "frontal" or "facial" veneers, which are applied to the front of teeth, and tend to be a more effective cosmetic intervention.

There are two major types of frontal veneers: porcelain and composite.

Porcelain or ceramic veneers

Although more expensive and time-consuming, porcelain veneers have many qualities that make the inconvenience worthwhile.

Porcelain veneers usually require some extra dental work to prepare the teeth for bonding, but they have some significant benefits. They tend to reflect light in a more natural manner, mimicking the effect of tooth enamel better. They are also stronger, can last longer than composite alternatives, and resist staining more effectively with proper care.

Composite veneers

Composite veneers are applied directly to your teeth by building up several layers of resin to create the new veneer.

In composite veneer treatment your teeth will be etched beforehand as well as have an adhesive glue applied to help with the adhesion of the resin material. A focused light is used to harden both the composite material and the adhesive material to secure the veneer in place. The veneer will then be cleaned up and polished to its final appearance.

Composite veneers can be more convenient than porcelain alternatives, as they are cheaper and require fewer visits to the dentist. They also tend to require less drilling and processing of your teeth.

However, they are usually less hard-wearing than porcelain veneers, and will generally have to be replaced within 5-8 years of installation. In many cases, they are also more susceptible to staining and do not always have a natural-looking toothlike translucency, which can compromise the cosmetic qualities of the veneer.

What should I expect after being fitted with veneers?

After the procedure, it will be necessary to attend a follow-up appointment with your dentist to assess how the veneers are fitting. The dentist will examine how the veneers are interacting with your gums, and make any recommendations for gum or tooth cleaning going forward. However, further invasive dental work should not be required.

If you are abroad, your dentist will want to do final checkups before allowing you to travel home.

Maintaining dental veneers is generally simple, but important. As with natural teeth, they need to be kept clean to ensure that their pristine appearance is retained for as long as possible. A non-abrasive toothpaste may be suggested to ensure that cleaning does not compromise the surface of the veneers.

In most cases, the dentist will also recommend wearing a night-guard when you sleep to protect the veneers, particularly if you grind or clench your teeth at all.

You should also expect to attend regular appointments with your dentist. To enjoy the maximum benefit of your veneers, it is advisable to book hygienist sessions where specialists can apply non-abrasive polishes that are formulated specifically for veneers. Regular dental appointments can also flag up any concerns about the integrity of your veneers, or secondary problems resulting from their installation such as tooth decay.

By and large, you can expect an instant improvement in the cosmetic appearance of your teeth and renewed confidence as a result. However, maintaining your oral health after getting veneers is just as necessary and important as it was before.

Potential risks and side effects

• Colour of veneers may not be exact match to colour of patient's teeth, and colour cannot be changed after installation.
• Teeth grinding or strong impact may cause veneers be detached from teeth, causing them to fall out.
• Around 95 percent of porcelain veneers remain in place and in their original condition after 5 years, and 83 percent remain in good condition after 20 years. The figures are slightly lower for composite veneers.

Alternative treatmens

• Dental Crowns