Q What is a veneer and how do I know if I need one?

A Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain or composite material that fit over the surface of a tooth, and is bonded in place using dental cement.

If your teeth are chipped, out of line, discoloured or just spaced unevenly, dental veneers can be used to fix those inconsistencies and help to provide you with a natural, attractive look.

Veneers are especially useful, and less invasive, if you have multiple teeth that are out of line and you want a simple, pain-free solution that helps give your smile a natural, engaging look.

They can be a lot cheaper than having some of the more extensive treatments such as orthodontic braces or having individual crowns put in.

The procedure itself is quite straightforward and can be completed in two visits.

The first visit will be to prepare the tooth that requires the veneer.

This involves some of the outer enamel surface of the tooth being removed.

This ensures that the thickness of the veneer matches the amount of enamel that is removed so that your teeth stay the same size.

An impression of your teeth will be taken and given to a dental technician who will make the veneers.

Once this is completed, it’s time to have the veneers placed which will be done with special adhesive cement to ensure they stay permanently in place.

Typically, after the veneers are fitted they will take a while to get used to and you may get called in for a check-up and polish a week later.

* For more information about dental issues, contact Synergy Dental Clinics Bolton or Bury, email bury@synergydental.org.uk or go to synergydental.org.uk/dentist-in-bury