Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or composite material made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, like a false finger nail. The veneer is fixed to the tooth using a strong adhesive. Veneers can improve the visible color, shape and position of your teeth. The exact color of the veneer can be chosen to best match your goals. They are less resilient than your natural teeth and are prone to breaking; small chips can be repaired, or a new veneer fitted if necessary.
Possible applications include:
- Improve the color of a single discolored tooth.
- Lighten your front teeth.
- Visibly repair a chipped tooth.
- Close small gaps between your teeth (when braces are not suitable or desirable).
- Change the height of your teeth to better match the surrounding teeth.
The outer enamel layer of your tooth may be removed to create a small recess and to prepare the tooth surface for the adhesive. The amount of enamel removed will be approximately the thickness of the veneer to be fitted, to keep the front of the tooth the same size. A local anesthetic may be given to prevent pain as the tooth or teeth are being prepared, but this is often not required.
Once the teeth are prepared, a dental impression will be taken to get the exact shape and size of your teeth. The dental impression will then be used for the laboratory to fabricate the correct sized veneers.
The color of the veneers will be discussed with your dentist.
The veneer will be fitted on your second visit after the dentist has fabricated your veneers. The veneer will be test fit and adjusted along with your tooth for a perfect fit. The veneer will then be bonded to the tooth using permanent adhesive.
Only minor adjustments can be made after the veneer is fitted. This is typically limited to polishing because of the risk of cracking / damaging the veneer.
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