Tooth veneers

[z1rconia]

I would really like to have these. Has anyone had a successfull experience of them?
I've seen Katie Price,and Miriam Stoppard,drooling spittle, after they've had them. Presuming that they both had extremely top-of-the-range dentists,is this what happens generally?

I went to my dentist after years of ill health had taken an effect on my teeth. I had type 1 diabetes for 15 years and stomach problems which meant numerous gum infections and sickness had eroded most of the enamel off of my teeth. I had to be listed for a kidney and pancreas transplant in 2007 and before I could go on the transplant list I needed to see a dentist. I went to one local to my work and the dentist said that she needed to pull 5 of my teeth and she did 2 one afternoon and 3 the next morning (1 of these was infected when she pulled it out - agony!). After I eventually got my transplant I really wanted to sort out my teeth as I felt too embarrassed to smile as they were horrible, discoloured and were also quite short. My initial thought was bleaching though as it was a cheaper option but I saw a couple of dentists about this and they all said that because of the loss of enamel on my teeth bleaching would be no good. I then decided I wanted veneers - I didn't know much about them and had only seen them on programmes like Extreme Makeover. I found a great (and very reasonable and experienced dentist) in Kensington/Earls Court. He told me that my teeth were too weak for veneers and that caps (crowns) would be a better option. My teeth had to be filed down for this so I wouldn't recommend really if you already have good natural teeth but the dentist said that it was like cutting a knife through butter as my teeth were so soft. I had my top teeth crowned and where the gaps were from the extractions I had pre transplant, I had 2 bridges put in, 1 on either side. It cost about £7,500 which with the bridges I thought was really good. I went to the lab to explain how I wanted the teeth to look and I brought pictures. I also chose the whiteness and was advised against my first choice as the guy in the lab told me they would look like piano keys! As my bottom teeth were ok and you can't see them, I had a home whitening kit although I have never used it. It has been the best thing for me and meant I could smile with my mouth open for the first time in years! Like others have said though, if you have your own healthy teeth I would be inclined to work with what you have as it is quite a drastic option.

I was told on a course once your teeth shouldn't be whiter than the whites of your eyes to look natural and if you look a 'celebs' the ones that look wrong are the ones who have whiter teeth than their eyes.

have you thought about orthodontics and whitening? No cheaper, but less scary and amazing outcomes...

chucky - may I ask; where the teeth that were used to make the bridge in good condition?

As there are actual dentists on this thread, perhaps they'll recognise the treatment I had. My enamel was very worn and would eventually have caused me problems but rather than veneers my dentists placed very fine layers of veneer onto them. It was a totally non-invasive procedure and 8 years later is still great. It was about 2k.

mumblesale did the dentist take impressions first, or build them directly onto your teeth?

I have veneers on 2 front teeth (discoloured due to antibiotics as a child). They are porcelain ones. They look completely natural (not like chiclets) and give me no trouble. Have expensive private (and brilliant) dentist though. Suspect the dentist key to this!

Hi Gailpotters - the teeth that were used to make the bridge were also crowned. I had forgotten to say that mine were porcelain crowns. I haven't had any problems and my gums are also in good condition now. My dad also went to the same dentist and started the process of having implants. The bone graft just wouldn't take though and the dentist said that it was very unusual and something must be wrong and for dad to get it checked. Thanks to the dentist, dad found out that he actually had osteoporosis and undiagnosed coeliac disease - its amazing how much dentists can tell from looking in your mouth!

Sprinkles no he didn't. They were very very fine layers of veneer and he just laid them onto my teeth. Not sure exactly what was going on though as my mouth was rigged into some kind of tent affair with clamps.

I was talked into them by a very charming dentist. I could have had bridges, but he did the whole 'you look like a lady who likes to laugh' thing, and I was hooked. They're good, were expensive, and I hated the whole process, but I am glad I've got them. I was in the background on tv recently, and friends were texting 'god you're teeth look great'. It has definitely given me more confidence about how I look.

mumblesale it sounds like you might have had some kind of composite veneer. The tent was probably rubber dam, and likely a large part of the secret of the success of your treatment. It keeps the teeth perfectly dry and insulated from the moisture produced by your breath and gums, and the attentions of your tongue. It's takes great skill to get any sort of cosmetic dentistry right, and it sounds like your dentist picked the right treatment for you and did it well.

Thanks Sprinkles. I was actually thinking of veneers and asked him what he thought. He said this is what I'd advise if you were my sister... I though that was such a nice thing to say!

I have two veneers on my top front teeth, after a hockey stick to the face 'killed' my teeth as a teenager.... :( I originally had porcelain veneers done in 1997, and have only recently had to get one replaced. My own teeth are a nasty colour underneath (hence the need for the veneers), but these look natural and I have been really happy with them. I am very careful with them, however - haven't bitten into an apple in 15 years, and don't eat toffee, etc. For me, it was the right choice, as I spent the 3 years previous never opening my mouth to smile, and being very very self-conscious.