Veneers were once only restructured to the world of celebrities and film stars due to their prohibitive cost, but in the last few years they have become much more common in the UK. Us Brits have outdone Americans when it comes to changing our teeth with 435 of Brits saying they would like to have teeth whitening treatments or veneers, compared to just 36% of their American counterparts.

In addition, a report which surveyed over 1000 UK residents over the age of 18 showed that 76% of them wanted to change something about their appearance, compared to 80% of US residents.

When you look at these stats it is not surprising that more and more people come to Harley Street Smile Clinic asking to have veneers fitted.

Who Can Get Veneers?

Porcelain easy to fit veneers are available to all adults and are often used to correct issues such as discoloured teeth, cracked or chipped teeth, tooth gaps and other major and minor misalignments. They are made from thin ceramic shells, and each shell is bespoke to suit your specific smile. The shape of the veneer can be altered to create a perfect and personalised look for your mouth.

Veneers often come with many different options from natural looking smiles to dramatic, snow-white Hollywood style smiles. Single teeth can be targeted to give you a full smile makeover. Due to their long-lasting natural tooth appearance and minimal preparation, porcelain veneers are often a treatment of choice. Veneers can be worn constantly in your mouth, are non-removable and work the same as normal teeth.

Veneers are designed to last around 10-15 years, although natural wear will occur over time, just like chipping on natural teeth. However, it is prudent to be careful about what you eat in order to avoid any damage to your veneers or staining.

Foods That Could Damage Veneers

Veneers are strong just like your teeth, but they are not unbreakable! Here are a few things you should be cautious of when it comes to eating and drinking with veneers:

  • Ice
  • Hard sweets
  • Coffee, red wine, dark coloured beverages
  • Alcohol
  • Toffees and sticky foods

How you Should Care for Your Veneers

To care for your veneers, you should keep up a good oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth regularly for a minimum of twice daily for two minutes each time. Floss your veneers daily and after each meal, visit your dentist regularly and use an antiseptic mouthwash to target hard to reach places in the mouth.