Understanding Dental Veneers

Teeth are exposed to our day-to-day chewing and habits like clenching or grinding which cause them to wear down. Our genes and the daily dental care routine also play a role in the condition of the teeth.

What can someone do about crooked or uneven teeth, worn enamel or small chips and cracks? Dentists usually prescribe dental veneers to patients for cosmetic issues.

While porcelain is the usual material from which veneers are made, composite resins can also be used. Both varieties are made in a laboratory environment or in a dental office, and all are custom made for each patient’s mouth.

How are dental veneers attached to the teeth? For the veneer to fit perfectly on to the teeth, the original teeth must be appropriately shaped by the dentist. This means that only those with damaged or uneven teeth should consider veneers, since it would be unwise for an individual with fully functioning and aesthetically pleasing teeth to have them ground down.

After the dentist completes an overall dental examination, the process of dental veneer application requires two additional visits to their dentist’s office over the course of a six-week time span.

A local anaesthetic is often administered during the process of tooth preparation and fitting of the veneer. A temporary veneer is placed on the affected teeth after they have been reshaped and a mold taken which will be used to mold the final veneers.

The permanent veneers are attached to the appropriate teeth with dental bonding material during the second visit. As the bonding agent sets, corrections are made. Though the adhesive is strong and durable, there are occasions when a veneer may need to be re-attached or replaced.

At the end the patient receives advice on the maintenance of their veneers to extend the longevity of their dazzling new smile.