DENTAL VENEERS

Veneers are custom shells designed to cover the front sides of your teeth in order to give you a confident, natural look.

Veneers are typically made from porcelain or composite resins. Porcelain veneers are more stain resistant, as well as more natural in appearance, but resin veneers are considerably thinner, meaning less of your tooth has to be removed to fit them in your mouth.

Most patients get veneers over the course of three visits:

1. Consultation – You and your dentist discuss your goals and if veneers are an appropriate treatment. Next, you will discuss pricing, the procedure, and any possible disadvantages.

2. Preparation – Your dentist prepares your teeth for veneers by removing approximately 0.5mm of enamel from the tooth surface – about the same size as the veneer itself. If this process is uncomfortable we may a local anesthetic for this procedure.

Next, your dentist makes an impression of the tooth to make your permanent veneer from, then fits a temporary veneer on the tooth if needed.

3. Fitting – Your tooth is cleaned, polished, and etched to ensure a strong bond, then cemented and dried using a blue light. Any final adjustments are made, and you’re done.

• Natural looking teeth and smile
• Stain resistant appearance
• Less shaping needed than with crowns

• The process is irreversible
• Possible increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
• Your veneers may chip or crack if you have bruxism (grinding)

Note also that if you have tooth decay, gum disease, weak teeth, or insufficient enamel, veneers may not be a safe option for you.