What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are designed to cover up the front surfaces of teeth and consist of very thin pieces of porcelain that are custom-made to fit exactly over the tooth. Most dental veneers are made from porcelain as this is an extremely hard wearing material that will not stain, and the veneers are relatively strong once bonded onto the teeth.
Dental veneers are very versatile and are often used in cosmetic dentistry to help improve the appearance of teeth. They can help improve the teeth in a number of different ways including:
- Closing up gaps or minimizing spaces in between teeth
- Correcting teeth that are slightly out of alignment
- Hiding teeth that are discolored or stained
- Changing the color of teeth
- Changing the shape of the teeth
- Mending small cracks or replacing small areas of teeth that may have been worn down
You may choose to have veneers as a standalone treatment, or to use them in conjunction with other cosmetic dentistry techniques to help improve the overall look of your teeth. Some people will only have one or two veneers while others will opt to veneer all the teeth visible when smiling.
What Is the Procedure for Having Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers only require minimal preparation and this is usually done under a local anesthetic to make sure you’re kept comfortable. Your dentist will generally need to remove a tiny amount of material from the front of your teeth. This helps to ensure there is sufficient space for the dental veneers as otherwise they could feel bulky and would not look quite as natural. Dental veneers are very thin, typically 0.5 mm or less in thickness.
Once the teeth have been prepared your dentist will take an impression that will be used to create a plaster model of your teeth. This is an exact replica of your teeth and is used to fabricate the veneers. The final step is for the veneers to be fitted and bonded onto your teeth. Once in position they can be treated exactly as your natural teeth, and regular dental checkups and cleanings will help prolong their life.
