Dental Veneers

Dental veneers, sometimes called tooth veneers, can be used to correct both colour and shape problems.

Often an alternative to crowns, veneers are very thin pieces of specially-shaped porcelain or plastic that are glued over the front of your teeth with little or no anaesthesia needed. They are the cure for teeth that are severely discoloured, chipped, have small holes or pits, are misshapen or crooked, or for the correction of unwanted or uneven spaces.

Unlike crowns, veneers won't require the dentist to remove much of the tooth itself in most cases. It is important to ask your cosmetic dentist how much tooth will be removed. In some cases more tooth will need to be removed, which may increase the risk of trauma to the tooth.

Photos courtesy of perfectporcelainveneers.com

Veneers are created from an impression taken in your cosmetic dentist's office. Your custom veneer is then glued directly onto your tooth. Typically costing less than crowns, veneers won't stain, making them a very popular solution for many people seeking that perfect smile. Strong and very durable, veneers last from ten to fifteen years, and come in colours that will brighten dark teeth without the worry of them changing colour.

Veneers, porcelain or plastic, are placed over the front teeth to change the colour and shape of the teeth. Veneers are ideal for teeth that are too small, too big, or have uneven surfaces. It is very common for people to have imperfect teeth, either oddly shaped teeth or an inappropriate sized tooth or teeth that have an odd appearance. Veneers solve such irregularities and create a durable and pleasing smile.

In your first appointment, it is important to initially discuss with your cosmetic dentist that you will want to "try in" your veneers with temporary cement that is the same colour as will be used for the permanent attachment. During this "try-in" phase, be sure to look at your veneers in natural light in addition to the office light.

Teeth are prepared for veneers by lightly buffing to allow for the small, added thickness of the veneer. Veneers are thin like contact lenses, and will usually only need tooth reduction of 0.5mm to 1mm. If a drastic change is being made for the result you want, reduction may be 1mm to 2mm. A mold is taken of the teeth, from which the veneers are modeled after. Temporary veneers will be placed and worn until your permanent veneers are ready. While wearing the temporary veneers, advise your cosmetic dentist of any adjustments or changes you would like made, such as in shape or size. These changes will be translated into your permanent veneers, so good communication between you and your dentist is important in achieving your new smile.
                                                                                                 
Your dentist places the veneers with water or glycerin on the teeth to verify their perfect fit and the shade or colour. The colour cannot be changed after the veneers are adhered to your teeth. The tooth is then cleansed with chemicals to achieve a durable bond. Once the glue is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used to harden the glue/cement.

There are two tooth veneer procedures available that correct discolouration of the teeth by removing the brown and yellow staining. The type of procedures available should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist, and they will recommend the most appropriate tooth veneer procedure for you.

Composite Veneer Procedure:

Composite (direct) veneers are usually performed in a single visit to your cosmetic dentist. The procedure is an application of a bond and enamel directly to the tooth's surface.

Porcelain Veneer Procedure:

Porcelain (indirect) veneers are a very thin porcelain material. Usually porcelain veneers require two visits and also require a dental laboratory to create the final tooth restoration piece.

It takes roughly a week or two of adjustment to get used to your teeth that have been changed in colour, size, spacing and shape.

Porcelain veneers are common in creating new smiles and smile makeovers. With porcelain veneers, you can have the smile of your dreams in a very short period of time. There is no additional maintenance, other than a follow-up visit to your cosmetic dentist and proper brushing and flossing on a daily basis.

Please ask your dentist for further information.