What is a dental Veneer?

A veneer procedure is a popular cosmetic procedure. Porcelain is known as one of the best materials for esthetic dental procedures, because it mimics tooth enamel very closely. Veneers are extremely thin (usually less than 0.5 mm thickness), giving them enamel-like translucency, creating a natural appearance. They are about as thick as a contact lens. There is very little tooth preparation before the veneer application.

Porcelain veneers are attached to your teeth using a dental bonding glue or cement. Although veneers are very thin, once bonded to your teeth they become strong. The process is fast and conservative. First, your teeth are prepared and impressions are sent to a dental laboratory along with the design for your new smile. Veneers may be recommended along with other cosmetic procedures in order to produce optimum results.

Veneer Procedure Steps:

1. Your teeth are cleaned so that only your natural tooth is exposed. Old surface restorations are removed.
2. In some cases the tooth is etched so the veneers will adhere more easily.
3. An impression is taken of the tooth area where the veneers are to be placed and sent to the lab for fabrication.
4. When the veneers are ready, your dentist will check the fit along with its future appearance, then permanently bond them to your teeth.
5. After the veneer is set, it is shaped and polished to look like a natural tooth and fall in line with surrounding teeth.

Veneer Procedure Benefits:

• You can have your porcelain veneers and a beautiful new smile in as little as just two office visits!
• Very little tooth alteration to your natural teeth and does not affect neighboring teeth.
• Gap space between teeth can be closed without the use of braces.
• Veneers can add tooth length to worn down teeth.
• Veneers can add tooth shape and thickness.
• Veneers can cover broken or chipped teeth so that they look like healthy normal teeth.
• Veneers can renew the color of stained teeth.
• There is no dark line at the base of the tooth like some dental crowns occasionally have.
• The porcelain material is stain-resistant for lasting beauty and integrity.

Porcelain Veneers vs. Lumineers

• Lumineers is a specific brand of porcelain veneers, which use a patented porcelain material known as Cerinate. They are even thinner than traditional veneers.
• Lumineers require very little or no tooth reduction. They are a great choice if your teeth only need minor changes, to if they are set back slightly.
• Traditional veneers may be a better choice if you are looking to make more dramatic changes.