Veneers

Veneer is a form of dental cosmetic product that protects the surface of discolored or damaged teeth.

Dental veneers are fabricated in a dental laboratory by a dental technician and are later bonded to the damaged tooth.

There is no reason why anyone should put up with gaps in their teeth or with teeth that are discolored, badly shaped or crooked. In today’s dentistry, a veneer can be placed over the teeth to correct nature's mistake or the results of an injury and help you have a beautiful and sparkling smile.

Veneers are thin, custom-built shells designed to coat the front side of teeth. There are two types of veneers; the composite and the dental porcelain.

Types of Veneers

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers cover the facial surface of the tooth to correct the color, position or shape of the tooth.

When composite is added, the tooth structure increases in size and that is why tooth reduction is usually done to make room for the composite placement. The amount of reduction is determined by the position of original tooth in relation to the aspired position and color of the tooth’s structure in relation to the thickness of the composite materials required to block out color.

Composite veneers can be directly made on your teeth by your dentist during your dental appointment; these are also known as composite bonding. And this is the inexpensive yet effective way to correct small gaps, crack, and chips, and to treat discoloration of teeth.

Porcelain veneers

Dental porcelain veneers are the most common solution for some dental problems like; discoloration, cracks, chips and worn enamel. Porcelain veneers are thin layers of porcelain or composite materials that are placed on the surface of the teeth. These types of veneers can only be created indirectly at a dental laboratory.

Dental porcelain veneers are more suitable solutions for severe cases like; dullness, wear, discoloration, extensive chipping, cracking, uneven or spacing between teeth.

Precautions

You should take note that this is typically an irreversible process, because it is essential to get rid of a small amount of enamel from your teeth to make room for the veneer.

It is recommended to avoid food and drinks that may damage, stain or discolor the veneers. Also, it is advisable to avoid coffee, red wine or tea. Avoid eating food that may cause harm to the veneers like make them crack or chip.

How to take care of dental veneers?

Your dentist will advise you how to take proper care of your veneers because these thin composite layers or thin porcelain shells can be easily damaged.

You will also be advised to take precautions on certain foods that may cause damage to your veneer like carrots and too much carbohydrate.

Regular brushing and flossing will help your veneers to last for many years. With great care, veneers can last from 10 to 20 years.

To ensure that the veneers last longer, routine dental checkups are necessary.