What are veneers?
Dental veneers are customized shells made of porcelain or a composite resin that fit over your teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are especially helpful in improving your smile if you have teeth that are chipped, stained or misshapen. The purpose of veneers is generally cosmetic, but you may have them fitted as part of an overall dental makeover that includes treatment for gum disease.
Dental veneers are stain-resistant resin-based composite or porcelain covers that are glued to the front of the teeth. They can create a cosmetically satisfying appearance by covering teeth that are discolored, misshapen or chipped.
The Process
Resin-based composite veneers are generally placed in one appointment. When you get ceramic or porcelain veneers, here’s what to expect:
Preliminary: You can expect to make a preliminary office visit at which your dentist will take x-rays.
Preparation: The dentist trims about half a millimeter of the tooth enamel to prepare for the veneers. Then he or she takes an impression or mold of your teeth to send to a lab to prepare the veneers, which takes about one to two weeks.
Placement: When the veneers are ready, your dentist checks the fit and color of the veneers and prepares the tooth (or teeth) by cleaning them thoroughly and then roughening the tooth surface to improve the adhesion of the veneer. The veneer is attached to the tooth with a special cement, then ultraviolet light is used to harden it quickly.
Preservation: Your dentist may schedule a follow-up visit a few weeks after the procedure to be sure that the veneers are properly placed.
Then just follow your regular oral hygiene routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing as you normally would, and you can expect veneers to last for five to ten years before you need to replace them.
FAQs
What are the types of veneers?
Porcelain and composite bonding are the most common veneer materials. Composite veneers are made of a resin that is shaped and bonded to a tooth to enhance the appearance. Porcelain veneers are usually made in a lab and are more resistant to staining, compared to other materials.
What are the advantages of dental veneers?
The preparation of veneers preserve the most amount of tooth structure, as very little needs to be removed. They can improve the appearance of your teeth, and gum tissues respond well to dental veneers. The color can be custom selected, and in the case of porcelain veneers they are stain resistant.
How long do dental veneers last?
Typically, a veneer lasts approximately 5-10 years. They do not require any special care other than regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the prosthodontist. If they are properly cared for then they can last much longer. Professional cleanings every 6 months and yearly exams are highly recommended.
