A Weybridge dentist has advised that veneers can be replaced more that once, but only certain types of veneers. A veneer in the normal sense is just a thin crown that covers a defect on a tooth, which could be anything from a chipped tooth, to a crack or discolouration. A misaligned tooth is not usually covered by a simple veneer, although a porcelain veneer is sometimes used in such cases. With thin veneers the case is that they can be replaced, and usually there is not a problem with them being replaced time after time. They last just 3-5 years anyway so they have to be able to be replaced quite often, it is usual to replace any damaged ones during this period anyway. Porcelain veneers are slightly different in that they aren’t made or used for multiple changes, they last 10-15 years in most cases and after that they are easily replaced in a few sittings. The problem with porcelain ones is that the actual tooth they are covering needs to be trimmed down in thickness quite a bit, this leaves not a lot of tooth left to place a new veneer on, although this is quite easily done after the 15 years lifespan of the original. The third one is usually the problem tooth, but even then a coating of a porcelain paste can be used to build up the thickness again. This is then ground down to facilitate the new veneer and make a good bonding, with all the sides sealed up to prevent infections getting in. Veneers are very flexible in their use and this is what makes them so popular with patients and dentists, they can also be polished to take off any staining that may occur, but not if the stains are too deep.

Zoom teeth whitening is a procedure used throughout the UK to lighten the colour of tooth enamel and restore the appearance of discoloured teeth. Teeth whitening has been used as a cosmetic procedure for many years but it is only recently with the advent of such treatments as Zoom that it has become more widely available and affordable to all.

Teeth can become discoloured for a number of reasons, including what we eat and drink. Substances like red wine, coffee and tobacco can increase the rate of discolouration and result in unpleasant stains. However, even without these substances, teeth will naturally discolour with age. The thinking behind teeth whitening is therefore that by having whiter teeth you will appear younger and healthier and with the stunning results now achievable this is definitely the case.

The Zoom treatment works by using a special lamp to accelerate the bleaching process. The concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel then penetrates the enamel bleaching any stained substances white and restoring the enamel to its original colour. Zoom treatments are carried out in Sunbury dentist’s surgeries as dentists are fully trained to use the necessary safety equipment, as in the wrong hands the concentrated gel can cause damage to the soft tissue on the mouth.

The treatment usually takes around an hour, depending on the condition of the teeth, and can produce stunning results up to ten shades whiter. Repeat treatments are advised for patients wishing to achieve the best results, or specially prepared, low-concentration trays are available to take home for a more dramatic effect. The treatments are perfectly safe if professionally carried out with only minimal discomfort being experienced by some patients, similar to sensitive teeth, for several hours after the application.