Any dentists in the house?
Discussion
I am considering veneers and have been chatting with a local clinic, my teeth are generally in good shape, no gaps, straight but even after trying whitening in the past they always seem to go back to there natural colour which I would like to be whiter, hence why I am looking for veneers as I know the end result will be what I want plus its my wedding in 10 months so thats also giving me the push to get them.
The clinic locally who have a really good reputation have said they use lithium disilicate veneers?
What are these like, looking online I can mainly see composite (I dont want these), porcelain or e-max.
Are lithium disilicate veneers similar and will how long typically would they last, online it seems most are about 15-20 years?
Any helps appreciated as I honestly dont have a clue!
The clinic locally who have a really good reputation have said they use lithium disilicate veneers?
What are these like, looking online I can mainly see composite (I dont want these), porcelain or e-max.
Are lithium disilicate veneers similar and will how long typically would they last, online it seems most are about 15-20 years?
Any helps appreciated as I honestly dont have a clue!
I’m not a dentist but there are a few on here and expect you to get opinions at both ends of the scale!
Having had some cosmetic work done to sort my teeth rather than aesthetics I’m not a fan of any procedure that removes the enamel from good teeth as it’s a retrograde step requiring further treatment in the future. Some places will remove a significant amount of the tooth exterior to ‘fit’ to veneer and in many cases it seems to make (to me anyway) the teeth to look bigger.
I had my dental work in Turkey (crowns, implants,bridge) to resolve issues with existing crowns that had been in place for 30+ years and left few options. There were lots of people there having veneers who I expect had perfectly good teeth but wanted the Rylance bling look. They looked far too bright and I thought why are they ruining their teeth at a young age. OK if you look like Plug (Bash Street kids) then you might want some work but otherwise work with what you have and explore non evasive treatments.
Just my thoughts and for once I reckon Cringle (resident dentist who shoots from the lip) might agree with me
Having had some cosmetic work done to sort my teeth rather than aesthetics I’m not a fan of any procedure that removes the enamel from good teeth as it’s a retrograde step requiring further treatment in the future. Some places will remove a significant amount of the tooth exterior to ‘fit’ to veneer and in many cases it seems to make (to me anyway) the teeth to look bigger.
I had my dental work in Turkey (crowns, implants,bridge) to resolve issues with existing crowns that had been in place for 30+ years and left few options. There were lots of people there having veneers who I expect had perfectly good teeth but wanted the Rylance bling look. They looked far too bright and I thought why are they ruining their teeth at a young age. OK if you look like Plug (Bash Street kids) then you might want some work but otherwise work with what you have and explore non evasive treatments.
Just my thoughts and for once I reckon Cringle (resident dentist who shoots from the lip) might agree with me
Thanks for the feedback, I have seen/heard some horror stories about 'turkey teeth' but I think like you said a lot of people want the whitest veneers possible, they dont care about the procedure or aftercare.
The clinic I had a chat with are local and a higher end clinic, they said the whole thing can be done with no anaesthetic (unless I wanted it/minor discomfort) and there is absolutely no carving of the teeth, they basically just add a very fine laminate over the original rather than carving them back and plonking chunky veneers on, I think the ones he mentioned were about 0.3mm so I dont think it will affect the enamel (too badly?).
The other option would be to get something like Philips Zoom whitening and then composite bonding, I have a very small gap between my front teeth I would like filling. My concern is in 1-2 years I will be back to where I am now and wished I had just got veneers.
The clinic I had a chat with are local and a higher end clinic, they said the whole thing can be done with no anaesthetic (unless I wanted it/minor discomfort) and there is absolutely no carving of the teeth, they basically just add a very fine laminate over the original rather than carving them back and plonking chunky veneers on, I think the ones he mentioned were about 0.3mm so I dont think it will affect the enamel (too badly?).
The other option would be to get something like Philips Zoom whitening and then composite bonding, I have a very small gap between my front teeth I would like filling. My concern is in 1-2 years I will be back to where I am now and wished I had just got veneers.
I wouldn’t assume the worst about work abroad. It’s obviously more difficult for aftercare, but my impression visiting dentists abroad is that they are well ahead of us in terms of quality and experience at much lower cost. I imagine they do a lot more cosmetic veneers in Turkey than they do in eg Bolton too!
usn90 said:
Can you have teeth whitening done at your dentist?
Obviously at a cost, but how effective is it, as i assume you’re not going to get any invasive treatment there
I’ve had it a few times. Philips Zoom brand in chair. I had decent results, but like the OP I think they went back to their old shade over approx 3 months.Obviously at a cost, but how effective is it, as i assume you’re not going to get any invasive treatment there
Louis Balfour said:
dmahon said:
I imagine they do a lot more cosmetic veneers in Turkey than they do in eg Bolton too!
One of my Uni friends had her teeth veneered in Turkey (she was Turkish). She went from a cute, elfin little thing to Freddie Mercury.Veneers of any kind will require maintenance and redoing. If you are happy to re do them, let's say every 10 years then it's your teeth. But there are so many times we can cut your teeth and you only get one set of teeth.
My suggestion is to be as non invasive as possible so orthodontic movement and whitening.
But then I am not a cosmetic dentist so perhaps I take a more pragmatic aproach in terms of health of the teeth instead of aesthetic merits of veneers. Each case is a case but if you are young your teeth shouldn't really have many fillings and with extensive veneers you are just increasing the maintenance costs long term but its very personal. Go for it if you like. There are very natural looking veneers that look great but to do them well it will cost you. The doing them well might not be obvious to the lay person but will certain have a bearing in the longevity of them.
You just have to be prepared to one of them to "ping off" at some point in your life and understand that your dentist may not be able to sort it for you immediately on the day that that happens.
For me if my own teeth are not filled, are reasonably straight I am good and I say this being a dentist but I do mostly surgery so perhaps not good at selling "that" smile.
As for Turkey, UK. There are good professionals everywhere just do your research. The material of the veneer is important but more so is the prep, impressions and the technician that makes them. On the background you need to have excellent gum health and stability or the result will be bad.
Minimal prep and bonding them to enamel will be the best aesthetic result and the more long lasting but this implies your teeth are already in a good position and don't have fillings, which for me then begs the question of why do you want veneers. Bonding them to dentin or root surface is just asking for trouble, they will always look great when fitted but will discolour at the margins due to bacteria infiltration and weak bond will mean they will ping off more easily. Off course the dentist may overcome this by cutting a lot more of your tooth but that then defies the purpose of veneers that should be minimal preparation. more preparation your are going into the realms of full crowns that really is bad news for long term.
Heavily filled teeth, etc yes crowns will be a good option but we are talking elective treatment here. Cutting tooth structure is irreversible.
I am sure someone more cosmetically inclined will give you a better picture of this and reassure you about it. It will be fine.
My suggestion is to be as non invasive as possible so orthodontic movement and whitening.
But then I am not a cosmetic dentist so perhaps I take a more pragmatic aproach in terms of health of the teeth instead of aesthetic merits of veneers. Each case is a case but if you are young your teeth shouldn't really have many fillings and with extensive veneers you are just increasing the maintenance costs long term but its very personal. Go for it if you like. There are very natural looking veneers that look great but to do them well it will cost you. The doing them well might not be obvious to the lay person but will certain have a bearing in the longevity of them.
You just have to be prepared to one of them to "ping off" at some point in your life and understand that your dentist may not be able to sort it for you immediately on the day that that happens.
For me if my own teeth are not filled, are reasonably straight I am good and I say this being a dentist but I do mostly surgery so perhaps not good at selling "that" smile.
As for Turkey, UK. There are good professionals everywhere just do your research. The material of the veneer is important but more so is the prep, impressions and the technician that makes them. On the background you need to have excellent gum health and stability or the result will be bad.
Minimal prep and bonding them to enamel will be the best aesthetic result and the more long lasting but this implies your teeth are already in a good position and don't have fillings, which for me then begs the question of why do you want veneers. Bonding them to dentin or root surface is just asking for trouble, they will always look great when fitted but will discolour at the margins due to bacteria infiltration and weak bond will mean they will ping off more easily. Off course the dentist may overcome this by cutting a lot more of your tooth but that then defies the purpose of veneers that should be minimal preparation. more preparation your are going into the realms of full crowns that really is bad news for long term.
Heavily filled teeth, etc yes crowns will be a good option but we are talking elective treatment here. Cutting tooth structure is irreversible.
I am sure someone more cosmetically inclined will give you a better picture of this and reassure you about it. It will be fine.
dmahon said:
I’ve had it a few times. Philips Zoom brand in chair. I had decent results, but like the OP I think they went back to their old shade over approx 3 months.
I see you can have 2 treatments, one where they make a mould of your teeth to take home and leave gel on over the course of a few weeks, and a treatment done “in chair” which you mentionNo prices though, what ballpark figure are we talking for the in chair treatment?
The home kit is just as good but takes longer. A lot of the “wow” effect of the chair one comes from dehydration of the enamel as well.
Get a decent hygienist appointment and have air polishing done, this will blast rubber particles that effectively remove all stain between teeth then get trays made and get good quality whitening gel. Use overnight everyday depending on sensitivity and you will get good results if your teeth have a thick enamel layer.
Keep the trays and top up as required.
Get a decent hygienist appointment and have air polishing done, this will blast rubber particles that effectively remove all stain between teeth then get trays made and get good quality whitening gel. Use overnight everyday depending on sensitivity and you will get good results if your teeth have a thick enamel layer.
Keep the trays and top up as required.
usn90 said:
I see you can have 2 treatments, one where they make a mould of your teeth to take home and leave gel on over the course of a few weeks, and a treatment done “in chair” which you mention
No prices though, what ballpark figure are we talking for the in chair treatment?
I paid around £250. I didn’t do the at home one as I think you are supposed to wear it overnight, which I didn’t like the idea of.No prices though, what ballpark figure are we talking for the in chair treatment?
One post you rule composite out, then say "i dont have a clue" The next post is suggesting zoom whitening and composite..... I dont think youve had the right advise and/or not confident in the treatment plan youve received. Like all industries, high end fancy shop fronts dont guarantee you get what you want or need apart from a big bill
Post a decent pic of teeth with gums - my OH is a restorative dentist so can ask her to give you a headline do/dont. She doesnt do veneers (removing healthy teeth is awful, failure rate), she doesnt use layering (prone chips, discolouring), for last 5+ years she used 99% injection moulded, heated composite and can fill small 2 mm gaps/black triangles. To do this she has the best tools for the job, alas most dentists dont invest in latest tech (or updating their skills....)
Im 50 and my teeth are in pretty good shape now, ive had invisalign braces, composite restoration on a front tooth but i still whiten them. I had it done for my wedding too, but what I will say is if i suggested having veneers (i wouldnt) my OH would of given me a flat no!!
Post a decent pic of teeth with gums - my OH is a restorative dentist so can ask her to give you a headline do/dont. She doesnt do veneers (removing healthy teeth is awful, failure rate), she doesnt use layering (prone chips, discolouring), for last 5+ years she used 99% injection moulded, heated composite and can fill small 2 mm gaps/black triangles. To do this she has the best tools for the job, alas most dentists dont invest in latest tech (or updating their skills....)
Im 50 and my teeth are in pretty good shape now, ive had invisalign braces, composite restoration on a front tooth but i still whiten them. I had it done for my wedding too, but what I will say is if i suggested having veneers (i wouldnt) my OH would of given me a flat no!!
cheeky_chops said:
One post you rule composite out, then say "i dont have a clue" The next post is suggesting zoom whitening and composite..... I dont think youve had the right advise and/or not confident in the treatment plan youve received. Like all industries, high end fancy shop fronts dont guarantee you get what you want or need apart from a big bill
Post a decent pic of teeth with gums - my OH is a restorative dentist so can ask her to give you a headline do/dont. She doesnt do veneers (removing healthy teeth is awful, failure rate), she doesnt use layering (prone chips, discolouring), for last 5+ years she used 99% injection moulded, heated composite and can fill small 2 mm gaps/black triangles. To do this she has the best tools for the job, alas most dentists dont invest in latest tech (or updating their skills....)
Im 50 and my teeth are in pretty good shape now, ive had invisalign braces, composite restoration on a front tooth but i still whiten them. I had it done for my wedding too, but what I will say is if i suggested having veneers (i wouldnt) my OH would of given me a flat no!!
With all due respect, your second hand information from your "OH" isn't particularly helpful. You report she is a "restorative dentist". Aren't all dentists? Unless you're a specialist, 90% of dentists are technically restorative dentists i.e. any dentist who restores teeth. Post a decent pic of teeth with gums - my OH is a restorative dentist so can ask her to give you a headline do/dont. She doesnt do veneers (removing healthy teeth is awful, failure rate), she doesnt use layering (prone chips, discolouring), for last 5+ years she used 99% injection moulded, heated composite and can fill small 2 mm gaps/black triangles. To do this she has the best tools for the job, alas most dentists dont invest in latest tech (or updating their skills....)
Im 50 and my teeth are in pretty good shape now, ive had invisalign braces, composite restoration on a front tooth but i still whiten them. I had it done for my wedding too, but what I will say is if i suggested having veneers (i wouldnt) my OH would of given me a flat no!!
The OP is referring to full on composite bonding meaning composite veneers vs invisalign with edge bonding of composite, two quite different things.
As for your OH having mastered injection moulding using state of the art techniques, do you actually know what this means? Buying a kit of Clark matrices and using heated composite, total investment £600 is hardly state of the art. Any dentist can jump on a weekend course and start providing this. You will also find that the leading composite dentists in the country like Jason Smithson, Monik Vasant etc don't touch this injection moulding business.
I think you should stick to your day job rather than shouting out questions to your missus and trying to answer questions on here
Quick update on this, currently sat on my laptop and clipping my retainers back in and this thread popped in my mind.
In the end we decided to go for the invisible orthodontics route (using these - https://sparkaligners.com/en-us), the dentist is confident these for a few months plus Philips Zoom whitening will give me the look I want without any major work, worst case we can use some minor composite bonding in the end if I am not 100% happy but in general they should be what I had in mind.
The retainers take some getting used to and I am still struggling to keep them in 20-22 hours to be honest but its only been 2 weeks.
Apart from the minor issues I pointed out they also noticed some other teeth would benefit from this treatment too so not only is it a visual job it will help some of my back teeth to be better aligned.
I live in Spain and went to a nice modern and recommended clinic local to me, they explained everything, took all the impressions and so on and offered me the lot at a great price.
They did say that veneers were an option (they could physically do them if I was 100% certain) but they did not recommend putting veneers on teeth which are not perfect, they did mention that if I am adamant in the future I now have a good base for them rather than covering issues.
Overall so far so good, thanks for the tips everyone.
In the end we decided to go for the invisible orthodontics route (using these - https://sparkaligners.com/en-us), the dentist is confident these for a few months plus Philips Zoom whitening will give me the look I want without any major work, worst case we can use some minor composite bonding in the end if I am not 100% happy but in general they should be what I had in mind.
The retainers take some getting used to and I am still struggling to keep them in 20-22 hours to be honest but its only been 2 weeks.
Apart from the minor issues I pointed out they also noticed some other teeth would benefit from this treatment too so not only is it a visual job it will help some of my back teeth to be better aligned.
I live in Spain and went to a nice modern and recommended clinic local to me, they explained everything, took all the impressions and so on and offered me the lot at a great price.
They did say that veneers were an option (they could physically do them if I was 100% certain) but they did not recommend putting veneers on teeth which are not perfect, they did mention that if I am adamant in the future I now have a good base for them rather than covering issues.
Overall so far so good, thanks for the tips everyone.
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