What Are Veneers?

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 and chips or cracks with little or no anesthesia needed. Often an alternative to crowns, veneers won't require the dentist to remove much of the tooth itself in most cases. Dental veneers can help to create a bright white smile with beautifully aligned shapely teeth.

When are Veneers Appropriate?

Such minor problems may be functionally and cosmetically repaired with a composite "white filling." Where a composite resin material is bonded to the tooth in order to fill in the chip or crack and better protect the surrounding tooth structure. But for more severe cases of dullness, wear, discoloration, mild chipping, cracking, spacing, or uneven teeth, dental veneers may be recommended as a more appropriate solution.

• 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.).
• General 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.
• Uneven teeth: Uneven teeth can result from tooth grinding or general wear and tear.
• As an option to a Crown: 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.

How are Veneers attached to your Teeth?

Teeth are prepared for veneers by lightly buffing to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. 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 color. The color 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.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

• Veneers generally last between 10 and 15 years. After this time, the veneers would need to be replaced.

Do Dental Veneers Require Special Care?

• No. Good oral hygiene practices are still encouraged including brushing and flossing as you normally would.
• Even though porcelain veneers resist stains, it is recommended that you still avoid stain-causing foods and beverages (for example, coffee, tea or red wine).

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