Getting a porcelain veneer is usually a multi-step process, however, this is dependent on the type of veneer you choose to have fitted.
A composite bonding/ composite veneer procedure often only requires one appointment, where we bond filling material to your teeth.
However composite bonding/ composite veneers are not as long-lasting and likely will stain which a porcelain veneer won’t.
Generally, the porcelain veneer procedure follows four steps.
Consultation with the practice you have chosen to have your treatment with. During your consultation, your dentist will listen to your complaints, concerns and goals in regards to your teeth and your desired new smile.
Step two, we create a 3D model of your new smile. We will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth if we need more information on the health of your teeth.
Step three involves preparing the tooth for the veneer, where we will remove a small amount of the tooth structure, create an impression, then fit you with a temporary veneer or veneers.
During stage four, the temporaries are removed, and the final veneers are bonded to your tooth.
Veneers are one of the best options to strengthen and straighten your teeth, brighten your smile and leave you with a grin you can be proud to show off!
Whether your teeth are chipped, misaligned, discoloured, gappy or unsightly, veneers are a popular option amongst many patients today.
Generally, the most enticing benefit about veneers is that the changes can occur relatively quickly (in just a couple of visits), the process is not reversible.
If you are interested in getting porcelain veneers and would like to know more about the pros and cons of this treatment method, see below:
Veneers: The Pros
Highly durable, long-term solution: veneers can last up to 30 years if the procedure is done well and the patient cares for the teeth properly
Veneers are moulded for your teeth specifically, meaning we can provide highly natural-looking results
The procedure is minimally invasive, usually, only a small amount of the tooth has to be filed down before fitting the veneer
Teeth whitening: we can personalise the shade you would like your new teeth to be, so you can have a sparkling white or a more natural shade
Veneers provide effective results fast, we can target multiple issues at once e.g. discoloured teeth and gaps between the teeth
The procedure does not hurt: Typically patients are numbed with a local anaesthetic for the veneering process, meaning there should be no pain during the procedure. If you are only having 2-4 veneers fitted, there is often very little or no discomfort after the numbness subsides. If you have 8+ veneers inserted, there can be some soreness in the gums post-treatment. We recommend over the counter medications to reduce any discomfort.
No major upkeep required: Caring for your veneers generally requires dental check-ups/hygiene visits and regular brushing and flossing/ interdental cleaning, so it is not very different from how you would be expected to care for your natural teeth.
Improves your confidence: Veneers are a guaranteed way to change your smile and get the results you desire – since you have the opportunity to ‘test-drive’ your smile through the temporary veneer stage of the practice, you get the chance to alter and adjust the final look of your new teeth.
The Cons
Irreversible: this is the main concern for most people thinking of getting veneers. Since we remove some tooth surface in order to get the desired shape, you cannot get the original shape of the tooth back. However, it makes sense that you would not want to revert your teeth back to their original size/shape because that is the whole reason you are having the procedure!
Routine checkups: It is required that you visit your cosmetic dentist for routine checkups and hygiene visits post-treatment, to ensure your beautiful smile remains consistent with veneers. Some people may find this an inconvenience, but it is required for most dental procedures.
Just like natural teeth, veneers can become damaged if not cared for properly. People are encouraged to overcome bad habits such as biting nails or grinding teeth.
Veneers are not suitable for people with active gum disease or weak teeth. We can assess the health of your teeth during an initial consultation if you are unsure whether or not you would be suitable for the treatment!
Additional common questions answered
Does it hurt or ruin the underlying tooth when placing veneers?
Patients are put under local anaesthetic during the procedure so they are numbed to the effects of any pain. Porcelain veneer does not damage your natural teeth. They can protect your natural teeth from further decay in some cases. However, it is important that your teeth are strong and healthy prior to treatment.
How long do they last?
If cared for adequately, veneers can last up to 30 years! Be sure to book regular check-ups and hygiene visits with your cosmetic dentist so we can identify any issues with your veneers early on.
Will my veneers remain white?
Porcelain is stain-free. If you choose to have porcelain veneers, your veneers will remain in their original white shade for their lifetime. However, you will have to eventually replace the veneers.
Can you eat normally with veneers?
You can continue to use your teeth as normal post-treatment, however, you should be mindful when eating hard foods – the same way you should with your natural teeth.
How much do veneers cost?
The cost of treatment depends on where you get it done and what is required for your specific needs. Find out more about pricing options.
Are there any alternatives?
There are alternative options available if you are unsure about the veneer treatment, such as composite bonding. If you would like to find out more about the options available to you, book a free consultation appointment where we can discuss your specific dental needs!
With the holiday season rolling in, we will start getting more invites to celebrations and trips to the pub. While a nice glass of wine or pint of beer might be a great way to quench your thirst, is it the best thing for your teeth?
Dr Joe Oliver is one of London’s leading dentists, renowned for his unparalleled multi-disciplinary service that ensures high-quality, end-to-end patient care. Today, he’s sharing (some of) the worst alcoholic drinks for your teeth teeth.
Prosecco
Coming in at number one is everybody’s favourite! However, with the acidic carbonated bubbles, alcohol and sugar, prosecco is a triple whammy of badness for your teeth. There’s one heaped teaspoon of sugar present in every flute, causing major drama for your tooth enamel – avoid the bubbles and you won’t suffer from the ‘prosecco smile’!
Is Cider bad for your teeth?
If you want perfect teeth then avoid drinking cider: this favourite beverage also has a very high acidity which is not very good for your oral health.
Is Beer Bad for your Teeth?
Dark beers – stouts and ales are off the list if you want pearly white teeth, these drinks heavily contribute to stained teeth. Swap them with a lighter beer or lager!
Are Liquors Bad for your Teeth?
Spirits like Malibu are delicious because they are incredibly high in enamel destroying sugars. Swap them for drinks like vodka or gin as they also help fight bacteria in your mouth!
Dry drinks
Dry beverages like some wines or beer dry your mouth out and reduce saliva. Saliva is important because it helps remove any bacteria in your mouth, thus reducing your chances of smelly breath.
Mixers Bad for Teeth?
It isn’t always just the alcohol itself that is bad for your teeth, but the mixers that go with them. Classic mixers like Coke, lemonade, orange juice and cranberry juice have a high acidity and a high sugar level that wears down enamel. Swap them for soda water or tonic!
If you’ve been indulging in some of these drinks a little too much, get in touch with us today!
Try as you might with a thorough oral hygiene routine, sometimes stains just won’t shift. Once embedded, they are hard to get rid of (often requiring professional whitening services), which is why preventing them is so important.
Avoiding bad habits and implementing small, effective changes can make a big difference!
Here, Dr Joe Oliver, who has treated a wide range of high-end clientele, shares 5 ways to prevent teeth staining which actually work.
1: Use a straw – where possible, use a straw with any staining beverages, such as red wine. This allows the liquid to bypass the teeth and therefore prevent staining.
2: Rinse out with water – after drinking coffee, try rinsing your mouth out with water. This will prevent the build up of liquid on your teeth and therefore limit the chances of staining.
3: Limit anything which stains – it might sound really obvious, but a beneficial decision for your teeth can be to limit your intake of staining drinks and food in the first place, and be more aware of what you need to avoid in order to limit staining. Some of your favourite foods can be the worst for the teeth!
4: Chew celery – this will stimulate more saliva, which will fight the bacteria build up in your mouth. Chewing celery and crunchy vegetables will help to clean teeth and rub your gums.
5: Visit your hygienist – regular visits to your dentist and hygienist should be a given anyway, but the more you keep on top of it, the more your professional will be able to monitor staining and offer preventative methods.
Sticking to these simple yet effective techniques will minimise the amount of deep stains – meaning your teeth should stay whiter for longer. If you’re interested in how to whiten your smile, check out some of our other tips.
Learn more about Dr Joe Oliver. If you’re ready to book an appointment, check out our fees page and get in contact here.
There are an overwhelming amount of products to choose from when it comes to making your teeth that little bit whiter – not to mention the potential for dental treatments which can brighten your smile – but sometimes it’s simple home remedies which can make a whole world of difference.
Below, Dr Joe Oliver who has worked with a wide range of celebrity clients, shares some great ways to achieve a brighter smile using natural home remedies!
1. Brush your teeth with baking soda. This is an ingredient present in most toothpastes, as it has natural whitening properties. By mixing a small amount of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water, this will help eliminate bacteria and target stains. Do this a few times a week, and you should see a gradual difference.
2. Eat fruit and vegetables. This is imperative for a healthy diet anyway, but certain hard and crunchy fruit and vegetables can help buff away plaque on your teeth as you chew. Additionally, fruits such as strawberries and pineapple specifically can contribute to whiter teeth due to the enzyme properties in them.
3. Prevent stains before they happen. Instead of investing time on targeting stains, try and limit the stains in the first place. Use a straw for any staining beverages such as coffee and red wine, and also try to brush your teeth as soon as you can after coming into contact with foods and drink which stain. Also try to avoid anything which can be damaging to your teeth, such as sugary drinks. Regular visits to the hygienist also play a good role in limiting the levels of stains.
4. Try apple cider vinegar. This product has traditionally been used as a natural cleaning product. The active acidic ingredient in apple vinegar is great at targeting bacteria, which is good news for your oral hygiene and stains on your teeth. Apple cider vinegar is best used as a mouthwash to swill around your mouth and spit out. However, it’s not advised to be used every single day, due to the acidic properties. It needs to be used sparingly and after being diluted with water.
5. Try oil pulling. This is a traditional remedy intended to remove toxins from the body and improve overall oral hygiene. Coconut oil is the most popular product to use, due to its more pleasant taste, and the amount of general health benefits it has anyway. Oil pulling involves swilling the oil around in your mouth like a mouthwash to target bacteria which can cause plaque, and trying to navigate the oil back and forth through your teeth before spitting out.
The latest fads hitting social media come and go, but your teeth will be around for a lifetime. At least, that’s the goal!
Be cautious as the next big fad you see online may be causing more harm than good for your teeth. After all – many of these fads come from non-scientifically proven methods, not from trained dentists.
Here, Dr Joe Oliver, who has treated a wide range of high-end clientele, shares 5 dental fads that could ruin your teeth!
1: Gems – sticking gems, stickers or even LED lights to the front of your teeth might seem like an ingenious way to bedazzle your mouth for that upcoming festival, but it’s a nightmare for your enamel. Once enamel goes, it cannot be brought back because it’s not a living tissue.
2: Lemon juice – some sources advocate using lemon juice to whiten your teeth… which is a terrible idea! Lemon juice is incredibly acidic leading to tooth erosion. Tooth erosion happens when acids wear away the enamel on teeth. Enamel erosion can be caused by the following: Excessive soft drink consumption (high levels of phosphoric and citric acids) and excessive fruit drinks consumption (some acids in fruit drinks are more erosive than battery acid!.
3: Tongue and lip piercings – mouth piercings cause regular knocks to your mouth that damage your teeth. They’re also the perfect breeding place for germs and bacteria if not cleaned properly.
Sometimes, good intentions aren’t always the best choices. You can think you have the perfect hygiene routine and diet for your teeth, but there may be small mistakes you are making that are essentially working in the opposite way where your teeth are concerned.
Below, Dr Joe Oliver, who has worked with a variety of celebrity clients, shares how everyday habits could actually be negatively affecting your teeth.
1. Brushing your teeth after breakfast. It’s logical to think the best time to brush your teeth in the morning is after you’ve had your coffee and toast. But it’s really more beneficial to brush your teeth as soon as you wake up, to eliminate all the bacteria which has formed overnight. You should then rinse your mouth with mouthwash after eating breakfast.
2. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Brushing your teeth as hard as possible with a rough bristled brush may appear a good way to get rid of stains and plaque, but it could actually be counterproductive. A hard brush can damage your gums and protective tooth enamel. It’s much better to use a semi-soft toothbrush instead for the best results.
3. Flossing after brushing. Flossing is great in removing food debris in between teeth, but it should be done before you brush them. Flossing before and not after means your teeth are as clean as can be.
4. Regular snacking. Eating in between meals is inevitable, and there’s nothing wrong with it. But you need to ensure that your snacks are healthy options which benefit the teeth, such as crunchy vegetables or unsalted nuts. Unhealthy snacking on sugary products means you’re exposing your teeth to more bacteria between main meals, which also encourages more plaque to develop. This can lead to decay and even tooth loss, which is a problem that is completely avoidable! If you’ve suffered a tooth loss or two, learn more about your options to restore your smile including our porcelain veneers treatment in London.
5. Using your teeth as a tool. It may seem like a great party trick when someone uses their teeth as a bottle opener, or you cut the Sellotape using your teeth when you’re busy wrapping presents. But using your teeth to open things or using them in any way which isn’t to chew your food can eventually wear away the teeth – or even chip and break them.
If you think you may have already caused some damage, book in for a consultation with Dr Joe Oliver here. Learn more about the variety of cosmetic treatments Dr Joe Oliver offers here.
Interested in more top dental tips? Check out the rest of our blog here!
