Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers or porcelain laminates, are custom-made, thin, tooth-colored casings that dentists apply to the visible part of teeth to make them look more attractive. Veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth to help improve their shape, color, length or remove gaps. Veneers are made of porcelain or composite resin materials. Porcelain is better at resisting stains and mimicking the appearance of natural teeth. You and your dentist can decide the right type of veneers for your case.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Dental veneers are a useful way to improve the appearance of teeth that have:
- Unwanted gaps
- Teeth are permanently discolored from prior root canals, tetracycline use, excess fluoride use, and other conditions
- Teeth are worn down, chipped or cracked
- A tooth that may be crooked, uneven, or have an undesirable shape such as bulging or cratering
What are the Benefits of Veneers?
Veneers are a great alternative to more invasive dental crowns. Such as:
- Natural tooth appearance
- Rarely affects gum tissue
- Closes unwanted gaps
- Stain resistance
- Perfect color match to surrounding teeth
- Strong and durable lasting up to 15 years
What is the Process of Applying Veneers?
When you get dental veneers, you’ll usually follow a three-step process:
First Visit
When you first visit your dentist to see if you’re a candidate for veneers, your dentist will ask you what your goals are. Veneers may be the answer to perfecting your smile, but some cases can be better served with other dental options. If you’re a good candidate, your dentist will take tooth impressions and X-rays.
Preparation Visit
Your dentist will remove about one-half millimeter of enamel from the surfaces of the teeth that will receive veneers. Your dentist will then make an impression of your teeth to send out to a dental laboratory to create the veneers. It usually takes about two to four weeks for your veneers to be made and sent to your dentist.
Application Visit
Your dentist will examine the veneers for the proper color and fit the veneers on your teeth, making any adjustments necessary to ensure a perfect fit. Then, your dentist will prepare your teeth to receive the veneers by cleaning, polishing, and etching your teeth.
Etching is necessary to give the tooth a rough exterior that promotes a strong bond with the veneer. Once your veneers are perfectly shaped and located, your dentist will permanently bond them to your teeth using a special light that activates a chemical reaction, allowing cement to harden and cure for a permanent bond. Your dentist will then check to ensure the veneers are perfectly placed and may trim away excess cement if necessary.
You may require a follow-up visit for your dentist to ensure the bond is strong and check for signs of gum damage.
If you are interested in veneers to find out if they are right for you, make an appointment today or call our office at 860-667-2600. At Cedar Mountain Dental, our team is committed to providing high-quality care for all your dental needs.