Laminate Veneers

What is a Veneer?

Veneers are very thin layers of ceramic that are precisely made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, in much the same way that a false fingernail fits over your natural nail. They are very effective in the correction of minor imperfections such as chipped, cracked, stained, misaligned or uneven teeth. They can also be used to transform your smile in cases where spacing or crowding is a concern. 

It is possible to create a single veneer for one discoloured or chipped tooth, or a whole set to cover all of your front teeth for your smile line. Veneers make your teeth look natural and healthy, and are one of the quickest ways to boost the appearance of your smile.

We don’t recommend veneers for the patients with large gaps in between their teeth and in cases where the patient has severely broken teeth, too many or large fillings/cavities, over-bite or grinding issues. 

Veneers vs. Lumineers: What’s the Difference?

A type of veneer, called Lumineer®, is a particular brand of veneer. Lumineers are composed of Cerinate® ceramic, which is an ultra-thin material similar to the contact eye lenses that can eliminate the need for drilling or injections for local anaesthetic. Lumineers are often called “no prep” veneers. 

Lumineers are minimally invasive as they require less preparation to apply to your teeth. They’re potentially reversible, but they don’t last as long as veneers. They’re also not as effective at hiding severely stained or damaged teeth. Unlike traditional veneers, you don’t need temporary veneers to be put on while you’re waiting for your custom Lumineers.

Benefits of Veneers

• Veneers require only minimal preparation of your teeth. A very small amount of enamel may be removed so that the veneer can be bonded properly.
• As veneers can be customised to perfectly match the size and colour of your natural teeth, it is difficult to tell the difference between your natural teeth and the veneer.
• Veneers are resistant to stains.
• Veneers are gum friendly.  
• Veneers are long-lasting and can take 15-20 years before replacing them.
• Veneers don’t require drilling.
• Veneers don’t require extra maintenance; you only brush your teeth as you would normally. 
• Veneers fix discoloured tooth from the root canal treatments. This makes your tooth seem to have a shade similar to adjacent teeth.
• Veneers are translucent, giving your teeth a very natural look under fluorescent light and flash photography, making them popular for people seeking a perfect smile.

Steps of the Procedure 

1 ^st Appointment

• Clinical examination including matching the shade of the crown with your natural teeth, evaluation of the X-Ray and consultation.
• Administration of local anaesthetic (not necessary for Lumineer®).
• Preparation of the tooth by removing a small amount of tooth structure (removing tooth structure is not necessary for Lumineer®).
• Taking an impression of your tooth by means of an intra-oral camera or conventional mould filled with dental paste which you will be asked to bite into. The impression will be then sent to our on-site dental laboratory where your veneer will be fabricated. 
• Placement of a temporary veneer until your permanent veneer is ready (not necessary for Lumineer®). Avoid sticky or hard food and avoid chewing from that side until your final fitting appointment. 

2 ^nd Appointment

• Checking the fitting in terms of bite, size, shape and colour. When the results are satisfactory, the veneer can be polished and cemented at the second appointment in some cases. 

3 ^rd Appointment

• Final adjustments, polishing and permanent fixing of the veneer. One or two extra appointments might be arranged for perfect fitting where needed. 

1 week

2 appointments