Dental veneers are a great way to permanently improve the aesthetic appeal of your teeth – they can also protect the surface of a tooth from damage. If you have been considering dental veneers, you may wonder what exactly they are.
A dental veneer is a layer of material your dentist places over the surface of your tooth. The most common materials for dental veneers are porcelain and composite resin. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
These custom-fit shells look like natural teeth and can be used to treat a variety of cosmetic concerns, such as discolored, chipped, or broken teeth. Veneers can also improve the shape of teeth, close gaps between teeth, and increase the size of teeth that are smaller than normal. In some cases, dental veneers can even help the appearance of slightly crooked teeth.
Veneers are long-lasting. Depending on the type of veneer you choose, you can expect your dental veneers to last for more than a decade.
About Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are shells custom-made to fit on your tooth. Made from porcelain, these veneers have a natural-looking surface that is strong and stain-resistant.
Placing a porcelain veneer requires some preparation of the tooth to help the veneer look and feel natural. Your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the tooth or teeth to make room for the veneer. Next, your dentist will make an impression of the prepared tooth or teeth and determine the color shade that most closely matches the natural color of your teeth.
A laboratory will use the impression of the prepared tooth or teeth and the color matching to custom-make your veneer. Since this process can take several days, your dentist may provide you with temporary veneers to cover the prepared tooth or teeth. When your veneers are ready, your dentist will place the veneers on your tooth or teeth to check the fit, shape, and color. After making any necessary adjustments, your dentist will bond the veneer or veneers permanently to your tooth or teeth.
Porcelain veneers cost a bit more than composite resin veneers and require the removal of more tooth enamel.
About Composite Resin Veneers
Dentists make composite resin veneers from a tooth-colored material that they apply to the tooth; dentists can then mold and shape the resin to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Your dentist can probably place composite resin veneers in a single office visit. To place composite resin veneers, your dentist prepares and reshapes the tooth or teeth. Next, your dentist will choose a composite resin material that matches the color of your teeth, and then bond and sculpt the composite resin to make the tooth look natural. Your dentist will then shine a special light onto the resin to harden the material and bond the composite veneer to your teeth. Finally, your dentist will polish and smooth the treated tooth to make it as natural-looking as possible.
For more information about dental veneers, find your local Ideal Dental office today to schedule a visit with our dentists. Our expert team is waiting to improve your smile!