Veneers and Crowns in Hertfordshire
Looking to transform your smile or repair damaged teeth?
At Elegance Dental Hertfordshire, our veneers and crowns can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted – with results that look completely natural.
What exactly are dental veneers?
Veneers are thin shells, usually made from porcelain, that cover the front surface of your teeth. Think of them as a permanent "facade" that can transform the colour, shape, and overall appearance of your teeth.
Modern dental porcelains are remarkably strong despite their thinness, allowing us to create veneers that look lifelike while requiring minimal removal of your natural tooth structure. The porcelain material reflects light much like natural tooth enamel, creating a luminous, vital appearance.
Veneers can also close small gaps between teeth, lengthen worn-down teeth, and create a more symmetrical smile line. The transformative effect often extends beyond just appearance, with many patients reporting increased confidence in both professional and social settings.
What's involved in getting veneers?
Crowns are caps that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. They're designed to restore strength and appearance when a tooth is damaged, weakened, or severely discoloured.
While veneers are primarily cosmetic, crowns provide both protective and aesthetic benefits. Here at our Hertfordshire practice, we create crowns that protect your teeth while blending seamlessly with your smile.
How is a crown fitted?
Crown placement also typically requires two appointments. First, we prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. We then take detailed impressions and fit a temporary crown while your permanent one is being crafted.
When you return to our Hertfordshire practice, we'll remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent one in place. We take care to ensure it fits perfectly and matches your adjacent teeth for a natural appearance.
The veneer process at our Hertfordshire clinic generally takes two visits. During your first appointment, we prepare your teeth by removing a very thin layer of enamel from the front surface—typically less than a millimeter.
We then take precise impressions to create your custom veneers. You'll wear temporary veneers while our skilled laboratory technicians craft your permanent ones using the highest quality dental porcelain.
On your second visit, we'll bond the veneers to your teeth and make any necessary adjustments for a perfect fit. This bonding process creates an incredibly strong attachment between the veneer and your tooth.
Many of our Hertfordshire patients are amazed by the immediate transformation of their smile. We'll also provide detailed care instructions to help you maintain your veneers for years to come, along with recommendations for protective measures if you have habits like teeth grinding that could affect their longevity.
Why choose Elegance Dental for veneers and crowns in Hertfordshire?
Our Hertfordshire practice combines technical skill with an artistic eye to create veneers and crowns that enhance your natural beauty. We don't believe in "one size fits all" smiles – instead, we create restorations that complement your facial features and personality.
We've helped countless Hertfordshire residents transform their smiles with custom veneers and crowns. From subtle enhancements to dramatic makeovers, we work closely with you to achieve results that exceed your expectations.
Ready to explore how veneers or crowns could transform your smile? Contact our Hertfordshire practice today to book your consultation. We'll listen to your goals and help you choose the perfect solution for your unique smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my veneers or crowns look obviously fake?
Not at all. At our Hertfordshire practice, we create restorations that mimic the natural characteristics of teeth, including colour variations and translucency. Many of our patients tell us that friends and family notice their improved smile but can't pinpoint exactly what's changed.
Is getting veneers or crowns painful?
We ensure your comfort throughout the process. Your teeth will be numbed during preparation, and any sensitivity afterwards is typically mild and temporary. Our Hertfordshire patients often tell us the procedure was much more comfortable than they expected.
Can I whiten my veneers or crowns if they discolour?
Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers and crowns can't be whitened once they're placed. That's why we recommend completing any teeth whitening treatment before getting veneers or crowns, so we can match them to your preferred shade.
Are veneers and crowns suitable for everyone?
Not everyone is a candidate for veneers or crowns. Factors like oral health, tooth structure, and biting patterns need consideration. During your consultation at our Hertfordshire clinic, we'll assess your specific situation and discuss all suitable options.
How much do veneers and crowns cost in Hertfordshire?
The cost varies depending on how many teeth need treatment and the complexity of your case. We provide transparent pricing during your consultation and offer payment plans to help make your smile transformation affordable.
How do I care for veneers and crowns?
While veneers and crowns can't develop cavities, the teeth beneath them can. Regular brushing, flossing, and check-ups at our Hertfordshire practice are essential.
Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite hard objects like ice or pens. If you grind your teeth at night, we might recommend a nightguard to protect your investment.
What are Dental Crowns?
When would I need a crown rather than a veneer?
Generally, you'd need a crown when a tooth requires significant structural repair. If you have a tooth that's cracked, has a large filling, or has had root canal treatment, a crown provides the protection it needs.
Dental research shows that properly fitted crowns can extend the life of damaged teeth by up to 15 years. At our Hertfordshire clinic, we've seen crowns preserve teeth that might otherwise have been lost.
Veneers, on the other hand, are better suited for cosmetic enhancements when your teeth are structurally sound. They're a more conservative option, requiring less tooth reduction than crowns.
How long do veneers and crowns last?
With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 10-15 years, while crowns often last 15-20 years or even longer. A recent study found that over 90% of porcelain crowns remain fully functional after 10 years.
Your home care routine and regular visits to our Hertfordshire practice play a big role in how long your restorations last. We'll show you how to maintain them properly to maximise their lifespan.