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what is veneer
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What is a veneer?

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramics, which are bonded to the front of teeth. Increasingly popular since the late 1980's, porcelain veneers have been used to improve the appearance of the front teeth.

What are veneers used for?

Veneers are used to correct many of the same things as bonding. Veneers may be an option instead of a crown in covering a partially broken front tooth. They are much stronger and last longer than bonding does but are more expensive and time consuming to have done. Veneers can:

  • cover up discoloration and stains in front teeth
  • brighten teeth
  • repair a damaged (chipped) tooth
  • change the shape or size of your teeth.

What are the advantages of veneers over bonding?

  • They are much stronger than bonding.
  • They will not pick up stain like bonding does.
  • They do not become dull over time like bonding does.
  • Veneers last longer than bonding.

Most people should get at least 4-5 years from a veneer with reports of veneers lasting more than 10 years. How long they last will depend on how a person uses their teeth.

What are the disadvantages of veneers? 2, 3

  • They are more expensive than bonding (typically 12,000-15,000 per tooth).
  • They are more time consuming to prepare and cannot be done in one sitting.

Are they a substitute for braces? 2

Porcelain veneers are not "instant orthodontics," and in most instances, they are not a substitute for braces. Patients with very crooked teeth should consider braces first. However, patients with teeth that need minor movement may be suitable for porcelain veneers. The appearance of crowded front teeth can be corrected with porcelain veneers when the back teeth have a good bite.

Who should not consider veneers?

Patients must have fairly sound tooth structure. Persons who are not good candidates for veneers include those with:

  • periodontal disease
  • teeth that are severely broken down
  • little or no enamel remaining

Porcelain veneers can fracture on their edges if you clench or grind your teeth a lot. Persons with Bruxism should definitely wear a night guard while sleeping. Veneers will not last as long for these patients.

What happens during the procedure? 1, 2, 3

Persons will require 2 or 3 appointments to have a veneer inserted.

  • The first appointment may consist of an initial consultation. The consultation includes an evaluation of the present conditions, a visual examination, and sometimes X-rays. Some dentists take color photographs to show other patients or colleagues the "before-and-after" results of this procedure.
  • During the second appointment (lasting 1-2 hours) the teeth are prepared by essentially sanding off a small amount of enamel, making a mold of the tooth and sending it to a lab to make the veneer.
  • During the final appointment (lasting 1-2 hours) the veneer color is first adjusted. Once the final decision on color is made, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. A special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth. Then a visible light beam initiates the release of a catalyst to harden the cement. Excess cement is removed.

It's critical that you take an active role in the smile design. Spend time in the decision-making and planning of the smile. Have more than one consultation if necessary to feel comfortable that your dentist understands your objectives.

How do I care for my veneers?

You will go through an adjustment period of a week or two as you get used to your "new" teeth. Follow normal hygiene procedures by brushing and flossing daily. At first, flossing may seem "tight" because of tiny amounts of excess cement that may remain. After one or two weeks, you may return for a follow-up appointment for minor adjustments of the veneers and additional cement removal, if necessary.

Questions to ask your Dentist- be informed! 2

Before choosing the dentist to place your porcelain veneers, request information about the dentist's experience. Before-and-after photographs of previous treatment will give you an idea of the dentist's esthetic skill. Ask your dentist about the laboratory technician's expertise with porcelain veneers. Other questions you might ask are:

  • Is there any way to preview what I will look like?
  • What if I don't like the results?
  • What complications do you foresee?

Have realistic expectations 2

There is no such thing as perfect with veneers. It's not uncommon to see slight variations in the color of porcelain veneers upon close inspection, as this occurs even in natural teeth.