Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain made by a laboratory to replace the outer surfaces of teeth that are either damaged or unattractive. Similar to crowns and bridges, veneers are permanently cemented into place resulting in a more attractive and healthier smile. Made to match individual teeth impressions, dental veneers are paper-thin pieces of tooth-colored porcelain designed to conceal damaged or discolored dental enamel (outer layer of the tooth).
A form of cosmetic dentistry, dental veneers are affixed over the front of your existing teeth to give you a more attractive, whiter, and healthier smile. Porcelain dental veneers may also be used as an alternative to dental crowns because placement of veneers requires less grinding down of tooth enamel. Placement of dental crowns usually requires the dentist to remove additional enamel in order to fit the crown as snugly as possible over a tooth.
When Should You Get Dental Veneers?
Veneers have a wide range of applications. Your dentist may suggest you consider dental veneers for a variety of major uses:
- To correct crooked and misshapen teeth.
- To make a discolored tooth whiter and brighter.
- To resize teeth that are either too large or too small.
- To repair chipped or worn permanent teeth.
- Veneers are used in cosmetic dentistry to create a uniform and beautiful smile.
What do porcelain Dental Veneers involve?
Dental veneers require two appointments. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth. An anesthetic may or may not be necessary during the procedure, depending on the amount of enamel the dentist needs remove. Usually there is little tooth structure removed which requires little or no anesthetic during the procedure.
Once the teeth have been prepared, an impression of your teeth is taken and sent to the laboratory along with a shade selection. You and your dentist will decide on an enamel shade best suited for your needs before sending your impression to a laboratory.
At the second appointment, the teeth are cleaned to create an ideal surface for the veneers to bond to. Initially, your dentist will place your customized veneers over your teeth to ensure they fit properly. If no adjustments are necessary, your dentist will then proceed to affix veneers to your teeth using a special dental bonding agent.
After you are fitted with your dental veneers, you’ll receive instructions about the best ways to maintain your porcelain veneers so they stay in quality shape.
Following each visit at Hanover Family Dentistry, you will receive instructions for how to best care for your new porcelain veneers. After receiving dental veneers, patients learn that regular dental visits combined with good eating habits and proper oral hygiene will help lengthen the life of the veneers and protect other teeth to keep smiles healthy and beautiful.