Dental veneers are custom-designed shells of tooth-like ceramic material that, when applied over the surface of a tooth can cover worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing, chips or cracks. They create a bright, white smile with beautifully aligned, shapely teeth. Even better, the translucent ceramic quality of today's veneers provides a more natural look than what’s been available in the past.

Regardless of what causes unattractive teeth, dental veneers may solve most or even all of your cosmetic dental issues, including:

• Worn enamel: Over time, the thin, hard white substance covering your teeth (enamel) may become worn, dulled, and discolored. Such wear and discoloration may be natural or the result of a genetic predisposition; however, it is often a result of your habits (soft drink, tea, or coffee consumption, smoking, medication use, etc).
• Wear and tear: Teeth naturally wear down as people age. Aged teeth are more likely to have chips, cracks or a generally uneven appearance.
• Genetics: Certain people may be born with abnormal spacing between the teeth that grows wider as they age. They can also be born with stained teeth.
• Uneven teeth: Uneven teeth can result from tooth grinding or general wear and tear.

Porcelain Veneers and
Composite Resin Veneers.

The two most common materials used in the manufacture of dental veneers are porcelain and composite resin. Both porcelain and composite veneers can be fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory. Composite veneers can also be directly fabricated inside your mouth. Dental veneers that are indirectly fabricated i.e. fabricated in a dental laboratory – are bonded to the teeth with various types of resin cement. Of the two options, porcelain veneers are longer lasting better in appearance but are more expensive.

When are Veneers Appropriate?

When you want to improve your teeth. In cases of dullness, wear, discoloration, mild chipping, cracking, spacing, or uneven teeth, dental veneers may be recommended as an appropriate solution. The placement of dental veneers requires the "shaping" or "prepping" of all teeth being fitted with these custom-designed shells. This process permanently alters the teeth that are treated and is therefore not recommended if your natural teeth are functionally and esthetically adequate.

Veneers or Whitening?

Teeth whitening link may provide a white smile for mildly discolored teeth. If you have a severe case of dull or discolored teeth, you have to opt for dental veneers. Veneers also have the added benefits of longevity and a proven ability to enhance the appearance of your mouth, smile, and possibly other areas of an aged face that would be better supported by properly shaped teeth. Although veneers require a much larger commitment than teeth whitening, the results are well worth it.

Restorative Benefit to Veneers.

In addition to being esthetically pleasing, dental veneers can also serve a functional purpose by protecting the surface of a damaged tooth. In some cases, veneers may replace the need for a dental crown, eliminating the need for more invasive tooth preparation. Because dental veneers are so thin, they might require little-to-no tooth reshaping when bonded onto the tooth. Once veneers are bonded into place, they are relatively strong and durable. However, care must be taken so as not to abuse veneers because the thin porcelain shells can damage or break. Your dentist may advise you against certain uses or dietary tendencies (such as eating nuts) and may recommend you wear a protective appliance while your sleep, especially if you are a bruxer (grind your teeth).

Procedure.

The procedure to complete a veneer is very similar to that of a crown.
An important part of the procedure is the temporisation stage.

Temporary veneers will give you a preview of the expected outcome. However, if you are getting a veneer placed on one or a couple of teeth and enough enamel remains on the surface, your dentist may forgo the added hassle and cost of placing temporary veneers. After your teeth are shaped, they may be more sensitive to hot and cold. This is a result of enamel loss during the shaping of the tooth. Increased sensitivity may also be experienced if you have temporaries placed, and for a brief time following placement of the final veneers. During your initial consultation and examination, temporaries will be discussed with you. Temporaries offer a means to identify the expected look, feel, and fit of the veneer. Temporaries also help us identify adjustments that may need to be made during the development of the permanent veneer.

Click here to find out how to do veneers in one appointment without the need for temporary veneers.