What Types of Problems Do Dental Veneers Fix?
 

Veneers are routinely used to fix:

• Teeth that are discolored because of:

  • root canal treatment 

  • stains from tetracycline or other drugs

  • excessive fluoride

  • large resin fillings 

  • other causes

• Teeth that are worn down

• Teeth that are chipped or broken

• Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped (for example, have craters or bulges in them)

• Teeth with gaps between them (to close the space between these teeth)
   

Dental Veneer Procedure
 

Getting a dental veneer usually requires three trips to the dentist – one for a consultation and two to make and apply the veneers. One tooth or many teeth can undergo the veneering process at the same time.

Diagnosis and treatment planning 
 

You will tell your dentist the result that you are trying to achieve. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are right for you and discuss the procedure  and some of its limits. They may take X-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth.

Preparation
 

To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will reshape the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. You and your dentist will decide whether they numb the area before trimming off the enamel. Next, your dentist will make a model, or impression, of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which makes your veneer. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the veneers to come back from the laboratory. Temporary dental veneers can be used in the meantime.

Bonding
 

Your dentist will place the veneer on your tooth to examine its fit and color, repeatedly removing and trimming the veneer to achieve the proper fit, before permanently cementing it to your tooth. The veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched. Etching roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer and it is then placed on your tooth. Once the veneer is properly positioned, your dentist will shine a special light beam on it to activate chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, checking your bite and making any needed adjustments. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check your gums and the veneer's placement.

Dental Veneer Benefits

Veneers offer these advantages:

• They provide a natural tooth appearance.

• Gums tolerates porcelain well.

• Porcelain veneers are stain resistant.

• A color can be selected to make dark teeth appear whiter.

• They generally don't require as much shaping as crowns do, yet they are stronger and look better.