What are Porcelain Veneers?
Many patients are discovering the benefits of dental veneers.
Unlike a crown, which covers the entire tooth, a veneer is a thin covering
that is placed over the front (visible) part of the tooth. The dentist applies
veneers in a simple, comfortable procedure that takes just a few visits.
Veneers are a popular treatment option for several reasons. Veneers generally
are placed on upper front teeth that are severely discolored, poorly shaped or
slightly crooked. Veneers may be used to lighten front teeth that are naturally
yellow or have a gray cast and can’t be whitened by bleaching.
Veneers are sometimes used to correct teeth that are chipped or worn. They
may also be used to correct uneven spaces or a diastema (a large, noticeable gap
between the upper front teeth).
There are two types of veneers:
Ceramic Veneers (sometimes
called laminates) and Composite Resin Veneers.
Ceramic Veneers are extremely thin shells made of a strong
and durable dental ceramic. The dentist removes a small amount of enamel from
the front and sides of the tooth. This makes room for the veneers and prevents
the restored tooth from feeling or looking bulky or unnatural. Next, the dentist
makes an impression of the prepared teeth so that the shape of the preparations
and surrounding teeth can be replicated in the dental laboratory.
The dentist also looks for the shade that will best match or blend with the
other teeth. The impressions are sent to a dental laboratory that makes
the ceramic veneers to fit your individual teeth. This may take several
days.
At the next visit, the dentist places the veneers on the teeth to check the
fit and shape. After any adjustments, the teeth are cleaned and the ceramic
veneers are then bonded to the teeth with dental cement. Further adjustment may
be done at a subsequent appointment.
Composite resin veneers generally are done in one
appointment. After the tooth is prepared or reshaped, the dentist carefully
bonds and sculpts the composite material in a color that matches your other
teeth. A special light is used to harden the composite. The veneer is smoothed
and polished to look like a natural tooth.
Considerations
Ceramic veneers have a smooth translucent
surface that provides a very natural appearance. They are more resistant to
staining than composite veneers but may require more visits to complete. Ceramic
veneers generally are more expensive because they involve custom impressions in
the dental office and custom fabrication by a dental laboratory technician. The
procedure for ceramic veneers can require the removal of more tooth enamel than
that for composite veneers.
Composite veneers can often be completed in one appointment because they do
not require dental laboratory work or impressions. They are generally not as
strong or wear-resistant as ceramic veneers; but should they fracture, composite
veneers are easily and quickly repaired. If a ceramic veneer fractures, another
may be needed to replace it. For both types of veneers there may be a period of
adjustment, a few days to a week, to become accustomed to the feel of your
restored teeth.
Teeth must be healthy and free of decay and active periodontal disease. Your
dentist can treat these conditions before a veneer is made. Veneers typically
require less removal of tooth enamel than crowns. However, the process is not
reversible once the enamel is removed.
Patients who clench or grind their teeth are not good candidates for veneers,
because the thin veneers may chip or break. If you clench or grind, your dentist
may suggest a plastic dental nightguard to be worn while sleeping, which can
help minimize stress on the teeth.
Because veneers are somewhat brittle, they might chip or peel. Avoid biting
your fingernails and chewing on hard objects, such as pencils or ice. Like any
dental restoration, it is possible, over time and with wear, for veneers to
dislodge. In that case new ones may be needed.
