Professionals all have their favourite multi-tasking product that delivers without fail. For the cosmetic dentistry team at Seapoint Clinic, that beauty boost is instant veneers! With Zoom becoming the msot popular method of commnication we could all do with a nice dental boost if you are self conscious about your smile
You can do so much more with instant veneers than any other cosmetic treatment in the smile style business, says Dr Ed O’Flaherty of Dublin’s Seapoint Clinic, a leading cosmetic dentistry provider, who has the low-down on what you should know about instant veneers.
What are instant veneers?
They are a thin layer of tooth coloured composite material bonded over a natural tooth to improve how it looks or to protect its damaged surface.
How do they differ from porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers typically require drilling of the tooth structure in order to make space for porcelain. With advances in composite materials we can get the same appearance with thin layers of composite, which typically means we can avoid drilling the teeth at all.
Why are they so popular?
Many people were concerned about having their teeth drilled in order to improve the appearance of teeth, and, as dentists, we were too. With instant veneers we can add on to the tooth in such thin layers that we avoid tooth damage entirely.
For severe cases where teeth are prominently misaligned, we combine clear aligners to straighten the teeth before finishing off with instant veneers.
So, what do they fix?
Instant veneers improve teeth that are cracked, chipped, broken, discoloured, widely spaced, badly shaped or misaligned. They can change the colour, shape or position of teeth, and they transform how you look, even straightening teeth without having to wear braces and fixing problems with bite or teeth grinding.
If teeth are very crooked, braces can be combined with instant veneers to preserve the tooth structure.
How long does it take?
Instant veneers can be completed in just a single visit at Seapoint Clinic, thanks to very accurate hi-tech 3D scanning and highly skilled cosmetic dentists. We take digital scans that are quicker and more comfortable to produce a simulation of the look the patient wants to achieve. Then it’s just a matter of hand crafting the required shape and colours and bonding them to the teeth.
Who is suited to veneers?
Practically everyone with healthy teeth, which is why they are extremely popular. Instant veneers allow you to customise your own look and can literally be designed with the patient, to reflect personality, skin tone, eye and hair colour.
Some teeth are naturally yellow or dull, and no amount of bleaching will help, but veneers give an even colour and brightness, with the natural translucence of teeth.
Do I need to get all my teeth done?
Dental problems with one tooth can be fixed with a single instant veneer, or for a better aesthetic effect people may choose to get 4,6 or 8 front teeth veneered. It depends on the problem you need addressed and the overall appearance you want.
Do instant veneers need special care?
You clean and floss veneers as you would natural teeth.
Like natural teeth they need good home care and regular dental hygiene visits to stay their best, particularly if you enjoy coffee, tea or red wine.
Will they last?
Instant veneers typically have a lifespan of 3-5 years after which time they will usually need to be resurfaced or replaced.
How much?
Instant composite veneers cost just €500 per tooth and finance is available to spread the cost out. That means you can have a stunning new smile for less than the cost of a coffee a day for a year!
Dr Ed O’Flaherty is a co-founder of Seapoint Clinic, the award-winning practice that offers the latest cosmetic dentistry and implants from an experienced team of dental professionals in comfortable welcoming surroundings. Conveniently open early mornings, late evenings, lunchtime and Saturdays.
