Veneers are thin, artificial tooth shells made from porcelain or tooth coloured composite resin. Veneers are custom fitted to bond to the front of your existing teeth. They can be used to correct stained, chipped, cracked, misaligned, and discoloured teeth. Veneers are very thin and can be prone to fracture and staining, so optimal oral hygiene must be attained.
Types Of Veneers
There are two types of veneers that are commonly used. Porcelain veneers are more durable, and resist stains better. The properties of the material also helps to create a very natural tooth look. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers are not made in a laboratory, but instead directly applied to the teeth. These type of veneers typically have a shorter life span, and are less expensive.
How is a Dental Veneer fitted to your tooth?
Two visits to your dentist are typically required for porcelain veneers. At the first visit, three important steps are completed – Your tooth is prepared to be fitted with a veneer, which will involve trimming the front surface of the tooth so the veneer can be bonded on top. Secondly, an impression is taken of your tooth, then sent to a laboratory to create the veneer. Finally, you may receive a temporary veneer depending on how much of your tooth structure was removed. This temporary veneer will protect your tooth while the permanent veneer is prepared at the laboratory.
At the second visit, the temporary veneer, if you received one, will be removed. Then, the new veneer received from the laboratory will be checked to see if it fits well. It’s more difficult to adjust porcelain veneers after they are bonded to your teeth, so any adjustments will be made beforehand. Once the patient and the dentist are satisfied with the look and feel of the veneer, it will be permanently bonded to your tooth.
