UPGRADE YOUR SMILE
Get a spectacular smile with dental veneers
Dental veneers are routinely used to fix teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped, gapped or broken, misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped.
Unlike a crown, which covers the entire tooth, a veneer is a thin shell that is placed over the front or visible parts of the tooth.
There are two types of veneers: porcelain or ceramic veneers that are produced by a dental laboratory, and resin-based composite veneers. With proper care, your new veneers will greatly improve your appearance and increase your confidence for years to come.
Dental veneers are routinely used to fix teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped, gapped or broken, misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped. Dental veneers – sometimes called dental porcelain laminates – are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials (porcelain or resin composite), which are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth to improve your appearance.
The materials, porcelain and resin, each have their own benefits. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin and better simulate the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement. Talk to us about which choice of veneer material is best for you.
The process usually requires 2-3 trips to the dentist – one for a consultation and two to make and apply the veneers. The process includes:
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
The initial step involves you explaining to us about your goals, and us explaining your options and the process. We will also examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you. This may include taking x-rays and possibly making impressions of your mouth and teeth.
Preparation
To prepare a tooth for a veneer, about 1/2 millimeter of enamel will be removed from the tooth surface. Next, we will make a model or impression of your tooth, which is sent out to a dental laboratory to construct your veneer. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory.
Bonding
Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, it will temporarily be placed on your tooth to consider the fit and color. We will repeatedly remove and trim the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit; the veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched — which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. Once properly positioned on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which causes it to bond quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary.
