Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are custom made to fit over teeth, providing a natural, attractive look yet with minimal invasions into their teeth.. Veneers can improve the aesthetics of stained or dark teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth, crooked teeth and crowded teeth as well as unevenly spaced or not the right shape teeth.
Dental veneers can improve your smile and boost your self-confidence. The process for applying veneers is simple and only requires a couple of trips to the dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Studies have shown that porcelain veneers can strengthens teeth by 95%. Teeth that have been damaged by cracks, chips or that are uneven in length will be aesthetically pleasing with the application of veneers.
- Close gaps in teeth especially front teeth, possibly eliminating the need for braces. Teeth that are too short or long in relation to the rest of the mouth can be brought into balance.
- To cover up stained and discolored teeth.
Porcelain veneers can be completed in 2 visits with 1 week apart. The first visit includes a detailed consultation where the treatment plan is formed based on the patient’s desire. Then the teeth are shaped and prepared for the veneers. An impression is taken of the teeth and temporary veneers are placed.
The second visit permanently places the veneers that have been prepared by the lab. Before they are bonded, patients have an opportunity to have further adjustments made to color or shape as after they are bonded, they are permanently affixed.
Normal hygiene practices of brushing and flossing and regular dental visits for cleaning are essential to maintain dental health and the longevity of the veneers.
Porcelain veneers are very durable. However porcelain is a glass and can crack if very strong forces are applied. It is advised to avoid chewing ice, hard nuts, hard candy, kuaci, bones as well as avoiding using the teeth to open packages, etc.
The natural teeth are often damaged by these same foods though porcelain veneers are very strong, they aren’t invincible.
Yes this will eventually damage your veneers just as this behavior will grind down natural teeth. Our doctor will make a night guard for you to wear at night to reduce the stress on your teeth while you sleep.
Unlike our natural teeth, porcelain veneers should never stain. However, composite veneers do get stained.
Porcelain veneers last a long time. Most patients get 5 to 10 years or more use from their veneers before they need to be replaced as it is subjected to wear and tear in our mouth. If a veneer comes off, our doctor can re-bond it to the tooth or replace it if it has become damaged.