Veneers are very thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of teeth by dentists. They are also called porcelain laminates or dental veneers. The application of veneers is generally deemed a cosmetic procedure as its purpose is to dramatically change the appearance of the teeth. Since veneers are individually sculpted to each patient, it is very difficult for someone who is not in the dental profession to tell the difference between veneers and original teeth.
Purpose
Veneers are popular among people who are looking to improve the appearance of their smiles. People who have discolored teeth, chipped teeth, crooked teeth, poorly shaped teeth, gaps or uneven spaces between their teeth or teeth that are heavily worn often opt for veneers. Another reason people opt for veneers is the porcelain is only applied to the front of the tooth--versus crowns which cover the entire tooth.
Types and Applications
There are two types of veneers: resin-based veneers and ceramic veneers. The placement of resin-based veneers involves cleaning and reshaping the original teeth. The dentist sculpts the material to the desired color and then bonds it to the tooth. A special light is then used that hardens the material. After hardening, the resin-based veneer is smoothed out and polished. All of this can be done in one session.
The placement of ceramic veneers first involves the reshaping of the teeth. Then an impression or mold is taken of the teeth and a color shade is chosen by the dentist. The impressions and shade specification are sent to a dental laboratory that specializes in making ceramic veneers. The dentist generally receives the veneers back from the lab within a few days. Once they have been received, the veneers are fitted onto the teeth to see if they fit properly. If so, the teeth are cleaned and the veneers are bonded to the teeth with special dental cement. If the veneers don't fit properly, they may be adjusted in the dental office or returned to the lab for re-working.
Candidates
People who are candidates for veneers must have healthy teeth. The teeth must be free of periodontal disease and decay. Individuals who grind or clench their teeth are often turned down for veneers because the grinding and clenching apply pressure to the veneers which can cause them to peel, chip or break.
Care
Individuals who have veneers do not have to do any special maintenance on their teeth at home. Patients are encouraged to care for their teeth as normal and to practice good oral hygiene every day. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day is encouraged, as is flossing the teeth once a day.
Considerations
People who are advised to not chew on hard things, such as ice or pencils. They are told to avoid biting their fingernails. Because veneer applications require a reshaping of the teeth and enamel removal, the process is not reversible. If veneers should become dislodged or damaged, new ones will need to be applied.
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