Veneers

Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing color, shape, size, or length.

Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin  composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better  than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting  properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and  require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement. Dr. Cox and Dr. Patel will help you determine the best material for your veneer.

 What do veneers fix?

•  Teeth that are discolored-either because of root canal treatment; stain from tetracycline or  other drugs,  excessive fluoride or other causes; or the presence of large resin fillings that have  discolored the tooth. Teeth that are worn down, 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).

The procedure

Getting a veneer usually requires three trips to the dentist-one for consultation and two to make and apply the veneers. One tooth or many teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process described below.

Diagnosis and treatment planning

This first step involves your active participation. Explain to us the result that you are trying to achieve. During this appointment, we will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations. We may need to take x-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth.

Preparation 

To prepare a tooth for a veneer, we will remove about ½ millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface.  Before trimming off the enamel, you and your dentist will decide the need for a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes 1-2 weeks to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. Temporary dental veneers can be place for an additional cost.

Bonding 

Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, we will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color. Fit and color can be adjusted prior to cementation or may be adjusted with the shade of the cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched—which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then placed on your tooth. Once properly positioned on the tooth, we will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden and cure very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary.

The benefits:

• They provide a natural tooth appearance.
• Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.
• Porcelain veneers are stain resistant.

The color of a porcelain veneer can be selected such that it makes dark teeth appear whiter. Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color and shape; veneers generally don’t require the extensive shaping prior to the procedure that crowns do, yet offer a stronger, more aesthetic alternative.

The realities of dental veneers:

• The process is not reversible.
• Veneers are more costly than composite resin bonding.
• Veneers are usually not repairable should they chip or crack.
• Veneers may not exactly match the color of your other teeth. Also, the veneer’s color cannot be altered once in place. If you plan on whitening your teeth, you need to do so before getting veneers.
• Though not likely, veneers can dislodge and fall off. To minimize the chance of this occurring, do not bite your nails; chew on pencils, ice, other hard objects; or otherwise put excessive pressure on your teeth.
• Teeth with veneers can still experience decay, possibly necessitating full coverage of the tooth with a crown.
• Veneers are not a good choice for individuals with unhealthy teeth, (for example, those with decay or active gum disease), weakened teeth (as a result of decay, fracture, large dental fillings), or for those who have an inadequate amount of existing enamel on the tooth surface.
• Individuals who clench and grind their teeth are poor candidates for porcelain veneers, as these activities can cause the veneers to crack or chip.

How long do  veneers last?

This is difficult to answer but typically in excess of 5 years and most patients’ veneers last much longer.

Care required:

Dental veneers do not require any special care. Continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing as you normally would. Even though porcelain veneers resist stain, your dentist may recommend that you avoid stain-causing foods and beverages (for example, coffee, tea, or red wine).

Alternatives to veneers

Yes, alternatives to veneers include bonding and crowns. Veneers offer an intermediate option. Veneers may be best suited for individuals who want to change the shape of their teeth more than just a little bit—as is done with bonding—but not enough to require a crown.

The cost of veneers

The cost of veneers approximate the cost of full crowns, however; veneers require much less tooth reductions.  Dental veneers may be a covered benefit on most insurance plans. We can contact your specific insurance company to see if this is a covered benefit.