Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that are attached to the front of the teeth to change their appearance. They are custom-made and help to improve the look of a smile. At our office, we aim to provide our patients with a smile that they’ll love.
How do veneers work?
Dental crowns are another popular dental procedure that is used to change the appearance of a smile. Unlike crowns, however, which completely cover a tooth, cosmetic veneers cover only the front of a patient’s tooth. They are effective at concealing minor flaws and are commonly used to treat issues such as:
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Stained teeth (that cannot be whitened using traditional methods)
- Deformed teeth
- Worn teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Gaps in teeth
- Teeth alignment issues
They are a popular procedure in cosmetic dentistry due to their affordability, versatility, and simplicity. They also hold an advantage over dental crowns in that they require less of the tooth surface to be removed when preparing it.
Procedure
To place veneers, a local anesthetic will be used to minimize pain and discomfort. The teeth will be prepared to receive the veneers by having a small amount of the enamel removed. This creates enough room for the veneers to fit comfortably on the front. Once the teeth have been prepared, an impression will be taken. This will be sent to a dental laboratory where the veneers are created. Temporary veneers will be placed on the prepared teeth to keep them protected while waiting for the veneers to be completed. It usually takes two to four weeks for veneers to come back.
During a second appointment, the temporary veneers will be removed and the permanent veneers placed on the teeth to check for the fit. Adjustments can be made, if necessary, before they are permanently bonded to the teeth. The treated teeth will then be cleaned, polished, and etched. The veneers will be bonded using a special cement and cured using a special light beam. Excess cement will be removed, and the fit will be checked one more time to complete the procedure.
Veneers are virtually unnoticeable and have an added benefit of being stain-resistant. If you are interested in receiving this treatment, contact us to book an appointment.