Dental veneers are custom-made, natural-looking coverings for your teeth made of the highest quality dental material. Veneers can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped or broken, stained, crooked or misshapen. They are different from crowns because they cover only the front surface of a tooth rather than the entire tooth structure.
Types of veneers
There are two types of veneers: porcelain and composite. Each type has its benefits.
- A porcelain veneer - is a thin shell of ceramic custom-made to fit onto the front surface of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are strong, long-lasting and beautifully natural-looking.
- A composite veneer - is made from a tooth-colored composite filling material that is bonded to your tooth. Composite veneers may require less tooth enamel to be removed and fewer visits to the dentist. They are easier to fix if damaged but are not as stain- or wear-resistant.
Before getting veneers
Before getting veneers it is important to understand that:
- Treatment is often is not reversible because tooth enamel must often be removed to place a veneer.
- We must first treat any dental issues that you have, such as tooth decay, infection or gum disease. Placing veneers over unhealthy teeth may worsen existing dental problems.
How veneers are placed
We will begin by helping you to select the best color shade to match your natural teeth.
To place porcelain veneers, we will:
- Prepare your tooth for bonding by removing, if and as necessary, a small amount of enamel from the tooth. The amount of enamel that must be removed will depend upon a variety of factors, including the amount of space needed to place your veneers in an ideal position.
- Take an impression of the tooth for a mold
- Send the impression to our dental lab, where our dental technician will custom make the veneers to fit your tooth. You will have a temporary veneers until yours is ready.
- Place the veneers on your tooth to check the fit and shape. After any required adjustments, your teeth are cleaned, and the veneers are bonded to the tooth.
To place a composite veneer, we will:
- Prepare your tooth, then carefully bond and sculpt the composite material.
- Use a special light to harden the composite veneer so that it bonds to your tooth.
- Smooth and polish the veneer to look like your natural tooth.
Frequently asked questions
How should I care for my veneers?
To properly care for your veneers:
- Avoid biting your fingernails and chewing on hard objects or foods.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play a sport or do an activity that could injure your mouth.
- Be cautious with foods and beverages that may stain or discolor your veneer such as coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco.
- Maintain your dental health by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and cleaning between your teeth daily. You can still get cavities under or around a veneer.
