A beautiful, dazzling smile is one of the most beautiful physical features a person can have and it can also have a positive impact on one’s self-esteem.
Regular visits to the dentist are a must for a healthy smile. However, due to the natural aging process, teeth become more discolored and worn down from daily grinding and chewing food and consuming beverages.
Aside from natural changes, some people are just not satisfied with the appearance of their smile, and prefer to have a ‘Hollywood smile’.
What are veneers and how can they help you?
Veneers are extremely thin porcelain shells, designed to cover the front surface of natural teeth. These shells are adhesively bonded to the front of the tooth to improve the colour, shape, size and position of teeth to correct irregularities and to provide an aesthetically
appealing smile.
Veneers are not something you can simply buy—they are tailor-made just for you and your smile, to fit your long-term needs and requirements.
The procedure
● Firstly, your dentist will explain the entire treatment to you and discuss your wishes and expectations with you.
● After the consultation, the dentist will slightly trim and shape the front surface of your teeth to prepare the surface upon which the thin porcelain shells will be placed.
● The dentist will then take impressions of your teeth, so the laboratory can create perfectly fitting veneers for you.
● After taking the impressions, your dentist will place temporary veneers on your teeth.
● During the same session, you will choose the colour of your veneers. Once you have decided on the colour and shape of the shells, your impressions will be sent to the laboratory.
● In just a few days, your perfectly matched veneers will be installed.
The pros and cons of veneers
The greatest advantage of veneers is that they look absolutely natural because of the material they are made from. Porcelain veneers mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth and are known for their ability to resist stains. What is more, porcelain in also very well tolerated by gum tissue. They are a much less invasive treatment than crown treatments, as they require only minimally invasive shaping procedures.
However, if you are thinking about having this procedure done, you should also know that veneers are a permanent solution and cannot be removed, as a small portion of the tooth enamel has to be removed to make room for the placement of the shells. Even though they are permanent, veneers have to be replaced eventually. But with the right care, veneers can last up to 20 years.
What is the cost of veneers?
The cost of veneers varies greatly depending on the skills of the dentist, materials used and your location. The average price for one porcelain veneer in the United Kingdom is £900, though in Croatia you would pay almost 60 percent less and save over £500.
For more information about veneers, other cosmetic dentistry treatments and prices in Croatia, visit www.dentum.com.
