If you’re looking to improve your smile, there are many dental choices available to you.
Dental Veneers
A veneer is a thin covering that is placed over the front (visible) part of the tooth. Veneers can correct a wide range of dental issues, such as:
- To lighten front teeth that can’t be whitened by bleaching.
- To correct some cases of chipped or worn teeth
- To fill in uneven spaces or a large gap between the upper front teeth, called a diastema.
Veneers are made of either ceramic or composite resin material. Our doctors will help you choose the best material for you based on strength, stain resistance, color and appearance. Each type of veneer has its own benefits.
- Ceramic Veneers – A ceramic veneer is a thin shell custom-made to fit on the tooth. The benefits of ceramic veneers are:
- Strong and long lasting
- Smooth, translucent surface provides a natural appearance
- Doesn’t stain easily
- Composite Resin Veneers – A composite resin veneer is made from a tooth-colored filling material bonded onto the tooth. The benefits of composite resin veneers are:
- May require removal of less tooth enamel than is necessary for ceramic veneers.
- May mean fewer visits to the dentist – sometimes these veneers take just one visit.
- May cost less than ceramic veneers.
- Are easy to replace if damaged; although composite veneers are generally not as strong or wear-resistant as ceramic veneers, composite veneers are easily and quickly repaired.
Benefits of both types of veneers:
- No special maintenance is needed other than good oral hygiene each day.
- Veneers typically require less removal of tooth enamel than crowns.
Other considerations in choosing a veneer:
- Before a veneer is made, your teeth and gums must be healthy. Our doctors can treat any problems before your veneers are made.
- There may be a period of adjustment, a few days to a week, to get used to the feel of your restored teeth.
- Although veneers generally require little removal of tooth enamel, the process cannot be undone once the enamel is removed.
- Patients who clench or grind their teeth are not good candidates for veneers because the thin veneers may chip or break. If you clench or grind, Our doctors may suggest a plastic dental night guard to be worn while sleeping, which can help reduce stress on the teeth.
- Veneers look like tooth enamel, and they can chip like real teeth. Avoid biting your fingernails, and chewing on hard objects such as ice.
- Like any dental restoration, it is possible over time and with wear for veneers to come loose. In that case, new ones might be needed.
Source: American Dental Association, Dental Veneers
