A bright, white, perfectly aligned smile is often considered one of the most desirable and attractive features a person can have. This idealised ‘Hollywood smile’ has become increasingly popular, with many people seeking ways to transform their own smiles. One of the most effective options for dramatically improving your smile is dental veneers. This article will explore the ins and outs of getting the perfect Hollywood smile with veneers in the UK.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are small covers for your teeth made of composite or porcelain resin. They can be used to reshape teeth, fix chips or gaps, straighten slightly crooked teeth, and, most importantly – make teeth look whiter and brighter. Veneers provide an instant smile makeover with minimal impact on the underlying tooth structure.
The Main Types of Veneers
The two main types of veneers used in the UK are:
- Composite Veneers -Composite veneers are made of plastic resin and moulded directly onto the tooth’s surface. Direct composite veneers are cheaper and can be done in just one or two dental visits. However, they stain more easily and need replacing every 5-7 years. A full set of composite veneers cost UK patients an average of £500-£800 per tooth.
- Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain veneers are thinner, translucent shells custom-made in a dental lab. They are more durable, stain-resistant and mimic the light reflectivity of natural teeth better. You may be wondering how long do porcelain veneers last. Porcelain veneers generally last 10-15 years with proper care. A full set of porcelain veneers cost UK patients an average of £550-£1300 per tooth.
The Veneer Procedure
Getting veneers is a multi-step process involving preparation, impressions and bonding:
- Preparation – The dentist will lightly shave down the front and sides of the teeth to make room for the veneer shells. For composite veneers, less tooth reduction is needed.
- Impressions and Fitting – An impression will be taken of the prepared teeth and sent to a dental lab to create the veneer shells. Patients will wear temporary veneers in the meantime. The veneers are tried on to ensure proper fit before they are bonded.
- Bonding – The teeth are cleaned, and the veneers are permanently cemented onto the teeth with a special dental adhesive. Precise adjustments may be made to ensure the right shape, symmetry and bite.
Advantages of a Smile Makeover with Veneers
Veneers offer many benefits for patients who want to reinvent their smiles:
- Whiter, brighter smile – Veneers create a uniform white colour and brightness. No more yellowing or stained teeth.
- Straighter, properly aligned teeth – Veneers can fix small gaps or overlaps for straighter teeth.
- Corrected chips, cracks or breaks – Small fractures and defects are repaired for smooth teeth.
- Improved symmetry and proportions – Veneers can balance out teeth sizes and shapes.
- Minimal tooth reduction – Only 0.3-0.7mm of enamel is removed, protecting the tooth’s structure.
- Durable and long-lasting – Porcelain veneers look great for 10-15 years or more with good oral care.
For those seeking the perfect Hollywood smile, dental veneers offer the possibility of stunning results with minimal impact to teeth. Though not inexpensive or a quick fix, veneers can give you the smile of your dreams with proper planning. Work with your dentist to determine whether composite or porcelain veneers are right for you.
