BRITS are often ridiculed for their bad teeth and less than pearly whites, with a recent study showing up to half of us hate our gnashers.
But rather than grin and bear it, more and more people are turning to veneers to achieve that million-dollar smile.
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How much are veneers?
There are two different types of veneers, with very different price tags.
The cheapest option is composite veneers, which are sculpted from a special resin.
This is bonded to the front of the tooth to mimic the size, shape and colour of the other teeth.
Composite veneers cost between £200 to £500 per tooth.
The more expensive option is porcelain. They use a similar method to composites, but the process takes longer and the results are more natural and hard-wearing.
Therefore, porcelain veneers cost around £650 to £1,000 a tooth.
For those with deep pockets, the sky’s the limit when it comes to getting the perfect smile.
TV favourite Amy Hart reportedly paid celebrity dentist Dr Richard Marques £100K for her sparkling new pearly whites.
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How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are more durable than composites and can last anywhere between 10 and 25 years.
Composites are not as hard-wearing and are easier to chip. Therefore they will last around five to 10 years.
It is worth bearing in mind that porcelain veneers cannot be repaired – they must be removed and replaced – whereas composites can be repaired relatively easily.
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Do veneers ruin your teeth?
If veneers are fitted and made properly by a professional dentist they are harmless to teeth.
However, not everyone is suitable to have them fitted and your dentist will need carry out a range of tests before fitting them.
According to dental experts, they can cause increased sensitivity in teeth which can be uncomfortable for the user.
This can last for the first few days after the procedure has been done and includes both hot and cold food and drinks.
Your dentist will also have to change the structure of your teeth and shave off some of the enamel.
This means that they are permanent as the shaved enamel cannot be restored.
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Are veneers permanent?
Veneers are not permanent, but the procedure to fit them is irreversible.
This is because your natural teeth will have to be filed down in order to accommodate the new veneers.
As your natural tooth enamel will not grow back, you will always require some kind of veneer to be fitted.
Is it painful to get veneers?
Most dentists will offer some type of local anaesthetic while you are in the chair, so you should only feel mild discomfort.
Patients who only have two or four fitted will often experience little or no pain at all after the procedure.
But for those who have more fitted, they can be subject to some soreness in the gums and jaw.
However, this aching and soreness can usually be dealt with by over-the-counter painkillers.
