Dental Veneers
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are wafer-thin pieces of porcelain applied to the front surface of a tooth. These coverings are as strong as natural enamel and are custom-made to fit the contours of your teeth, much like a glove fits a hand.
How Are Veneers and Crowns Different?
Crowns, also known as caps, cover the entire tooth, whereas veneers only cover the front portion. Preparing a tooth for a crown requires a significant amount of tooth reduction, while veneers require minimal preparation—usually just 1mm from the surface. Crowns are more therapeutic, while veneers are considered a cosmetic treatment.
Will a Tooth Need to Be Pulled for Veneers?
No, there is no need to extract any tooth for veneers. The preparation involves removing a small amount of enamel from the front and sides of the tooth to create space for the veneers to fit naturally.
What Is the Process of Getting Veneers?
The veneer process typically involves three steps:
- Consultation: A discussion with your dentist to understand the treatment, possibly including a full-mouth X-ray and teeth impressions.
- Tooth Preparation: During the second appointment, about ½ mm of enamel is removed to prepare the tooth for veneers, which is equal to the thickness of the veneer. Local anesthesia may be administered for comfort, and temporary veneers are placed.
- Final Veneer Placement: Temporary veneers are removed, and the permanent veneers are checked for fit and color. Adjustments may be made to ensure a perfect fit, and the veneers are bonded using light-cured bonding cement.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Veneers are an excellent cosmetic option but may not be suitable for everyone. You may not qualify for veneers if:
- You have poor oral hygiene.
- There is insufficient enamel on your teeth.
- You have severe tooth decay.
- You grind your teeth habitually.
- You have gum disease.
- Your teeth are significantly misaligned.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Veneers?
Advantages:
- They provide a natural appearance.
- Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant.
- They require minimal tooth shaping.
- Gum tissues remain healthy around veneers.
- They can improve the color of dark or discolored teeth.
Disadvantages:
- Veneers are more expensive than composite bonding.
- Some teeth may experience temporary sensitivity due to enamel removal.
- Veneers are not repairable; if damaged, they need to be replaced.