The dental veneer technique is a fairly lightweight cosmetic dental method, designed to correct minor aesthetic defects. Veneers can produce a stunning change in your smile!
Thin pieces of porcelain, custom-made to fit your teeth by a professional dental laboratory, are designed to blend right in with neighboring teeth, both in terms of shape and color.
When deciding between cosmetic crowns and cosmetic veneers, this minor cosmetic dental procedure might prove to be a better choice, since it does not require such an extensive reduction of the size of your natural teeth.
As is true with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent, so they may need replacement someday. They are very durable, however, usually lasting many years to give you a beautiful long-lasting smile.
When are Veneers Desirable?
- When you want to improve the look of your teeth – their shape, uniformity, and color
- For crooked or misshapen teeth
- If you have badly discolored or stained teeth
- If some or all of your teeth are too small or too large
- When there are undesirable or uneven spaces between teeth
- If you have a chipped tooth
- For worn-down teeth, which are sometimes caused by teeth grinding, or bruxism
The Process of Porcelain Veneers
Having veneers done usually requires two visits. Little or no anesthesia is used. First, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the thickness of the veneer, about the thickness of a fingernail. This is why the veneers look so natural – they do not add bulk to the teeth. This is also why veneers are irreversible.
Next, we take an impression of the teeth, and then help you select a shade (color) that will go best with your other teeth. Temporary veneers are provided.
On the second visit, a special liquid is applied to aid the bond. Then the veneers are attached to the teeth with bonding cement. A special light is used to help set the bond.
Our Porcelain Veneer Brands
- IPS e.max®
- IPS Empress® (preferred)*
Ultra-Thin Veneers
Very, very thin veneers do not even require us to reduce the size of your teeth at all. Instead, the teeth are just lightly etched to ensure a proper bond. This is done during the same visit when the ultra-thin veneers are attached.
Our Ultra-Thin Veneer Brands
- Lumineers
- Glidewell Vivaneers (preferred)*