Veneers
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials. They cover the front surface of teeth to improve your smile and appearance. These shells bond to the teeth, changing their color, shape, size, or length.
Types of Veneer Materials
Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better and mimic natural teeth’s light reflection. Resin veneers are thinner and require removing less tooth surface. Discuss with your dentist which material suits you best.
Who Can Benefit from Veneers?
Veneers help with:
Discolored teeth from root canals, stains, or large resin fillings
Worn down, chipped, or broken teeth
Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth
Teeth with gaps that need closing
The Veneer Procedure
Getting dental veneers usually requires three visits: consultation, preparation, and placement. You can get veneers on one tooth or multiple teeth simultaneously.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
During your first visit, discuss your goals with Dr. Schick. He will examine your teeth, confirm if veneers are right for you, explain the procedure, and discuss limitations. X-rays and impressions may be taken.
Preparing and Bonding the Veneer
Before permanently bonding, Dr. Schick will temporarily place the veneer to check fit and color. He adjusts it as needed. Then, he cleans, polishes, and etches your tooth to prepare for bonding. Special cement secures the veneer, which is hardened using a curing light. He removes excess cement, checks your bite, and makes final adjustments. A follow-up visit may be scheduled to check gum response and veneer placement.
Tooth Preparation and Veneer Fabrication
Dr. Schick removes about ½-1 millimeter of enamel, equal to the veneer’s thickness. He may numb the area before trimming. A model of your tooth is made and sent to a dental lab to create the veneer, which takes about three weeks. Temporary veneers may be placed if more tooth reduction is needed.
Advantages of Dental Veneers
They provide a natural tooth appearance.
Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.
Porcelain veneers resist stains.
Veneer color can make dark teeth appear whiter.
Veneers offer a conservative way to change tooth color and shape without extensive shaping.
Downsides of Dental Veneers
The process is not reversible.
Veneers cost more than composite resin bonding.
They are usually not repairable if chipped or cracked.
Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold may increase after enamel removal.
Veneers may not perfectly match your other teeth’s color and can’t be altered once placed.
Whitening should be done before getting veneers.
Veneers can dislodge if exposed to excessive pressure (biting nails, chewing ice, etc.).
Teeth with veneers can still decay, sometimes requiring crowns.
Veneers are unsuitable for unhealthy, weakened teeth or teeth with insufficient enamel.
Teeth grinders and clenchers are poor candidates, as veneers may crack or chip.
Longevity and Care
Veneers generally last between 5 and 10 years before needing replacement.
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine to preserve veneer color.
Alternatives to Veneers
Alternatives include dental bonding and crowns.
Veneers suit those wanting more change in tooth shape and shade than bonding offers, but less than a crown requires.
