Veneers

Aesthetic porcelain veneers (laminates) may be used for a number of reasons:

  • To close gaps
  • To align crowded or twisted teeth
  • To lighten discoloured teeth

A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that fits over the front surface of a tooth. This procedure has several advantages over other tooth restoration procedures. Porcelain is an extremely durable material with a color, translucence and texture that is similar to tooth enamel. It is not susceptible to decay and resists staining while maintaining a natural appearance. Veneers can effectively close gaps between teeth, lengthen and reshape teeth, repair chipped, broken, or misshapen teeth, and cover stains and discolorations.

If you’re considering porcelain veneers, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure.

What will happen at the consultation?

During the consultation, you and your dentist will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He/she will also explain the kind of anesthesia required if any, and costs.

Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the procedure. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision.

How is porcelain veneering performed?

At your first appointment following the initial consultation, your teeth will be roughened and shaped to remove part of the outer tooth enamel. This provides a better surface for bonding and allows room for the placement of the thin porcelain shell. After shaping, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create veneers that fit your mouth precisely. He/she may suggest applying temporary veneers to protect your teeth until your customized veneers are completed.

After your teeth have been prepared and before your permanent veneers have been applied, appearance should be fairly normal. Some sensitivity may be encountered mainly with cold drink

At your next appointment, your dentist will test your veneers to make sure that they fit properly and that they are the correct size and color. At this time, you and your dentist will work together to make sure that you are satisfied with the result.

Once your veneers are permanently placed, they will feel like a natural part of your teeth, and you can use them just as you would your regular teeth. However, veneers are not indestructible. To protect your veneers from chipping, avoid biting down into hard substances. Try to avoid habits like chewing on fingernails, pencils, or paperclips.