Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells of tooth-colored materials, which are used for covering the front surface of teeth for cosmetic purposes and are also known as porcelain veneers. Veneers are used to change the color, length, shape or size of teeth and are bonded to the front surface of teeth.
Either porcelain or resin composite is the material, which is used for making the veneers. In comparison to resin veneers, stains are better resistant by porcelain veneers and the light-reflecting characteristics of natural teeth are better mimicked by them. Veneers made of resin are thinner and less of the tooth surface needs to be removed to place them. So, when it comes to deciding the best choice, it is better to consult your dentist.
What Types of Problems Can Be Fixed with Dental Veneers?
Typically, the following problems can be fixed using dental veneers:
Broken or chipped teeth
Gaps between teeth
Irregular, misaligned or unevenly shaped teeth
Worn down teeth
How Are Dental Veneers Applied?
You will have to visit your dentist thrice if you want to get dental veneers, one for consultation, the second for making the making the veneers and the third for applying them. Veneers can be applied to one tooth or simultaneously to multiple teeth.
Before your dentist prepares your teeth and makes veneers for them, you will have to explain what sort of a result you want to achieve. Your teeth will be examined by your dentist during your first appointment, and your dentist will determine if dental veneers are suitable for you. Your dentist may make possible impressions of your teeth and mouth, and may also take dental X-rays.
About 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the surface of your tooth will be removed by your dentist to prepare it for a veneer. Before the enamel is trimmed off, your dentist will decide and even ask you if you want local anesthetic so that the area is numbered. Next, an impression or model of your tooth will be made. The dentist will send out the model to a dental laboratory, where it will be used to construct your veneer. The laboratory will send back the veneer within a week or two.
Before permanently cementing the dental veneer to your tooth, your dentist will check if it fits properly and its color is appropriate by temporarily placing it on your tooth. To ensure the veneer fits properly, your dentist may remove and trim it a few times. Your dentist may use the cement to adjust the color of the veneer to match your natural teeth. Next, the dentist will clean, polish and etch your tooth to roughen it so the bonding process is strong.
Your dentist will apply special cement to the veneer and will place it on your tooth. After properly positioning the veneer on your tooth, a special light beam will be applied to it, activating the chemicals in the cement as a result of which it will harden quickly. In the …