Veneers

 Veneers cover the front teeth and can significantly improve the appearance of your smile.They are a more conservative option than a crown and are excellent for improving chipped, discoloured, slightly misaligned or misshapen teeth. By veneering the teeth your dentist may also close gaps between the front teeth. Porcelain veneers are thin tooth-coloured porcelain (ceramic) shells carefully crafted to bond to a tooth. They are resistant to staining, do not decay and last for many years. However, porcelain veneers cannot be repaired if damaged or if the gum shrinks away from the top edge. They may fracture just like normal teeth, if they are struck by sharp objects. Wearing a mouthguard during sport is strongly recommended. Two or three visits will usually be required to prepare the teeth, manufacture the veneers in the lab by a dental ceramist, fitting and cementing. Direct laminate veneers are an alternative to porcelain veneers. This type of veneer is made of dental resin which is chemically bonded onto the tooth surface. They require one visit and are usually less expensive than porcelain because they do not involve impressions and laboratory work. Direct laminates can be repaired or replaced. However, they are not as strong as porcelain and may chip or break, they also require more maintenance and in some cases regular touch-up work.