Veneers

What are veneers?

In just two or three dental visits, a porcelain veneer can reverse years of stains caused by foods, caffeine and tobacco use. Special thin laminates, called veneers, can often be used to correct discolored, worn down, cracked and chipped, and sometimes misaligned teeth. Veneers may also be used to close unsightly gaps between teeth.

Although veneers are made of porcelain and are very thin, they are very strong and can last many years because they are bonded to the tooth. An impression of the tooth must be made and a veneer molded by a lab technician. Because veneers require a small amount of enamel to be removed, they are permanent and non-reversible. The process involves buffing the tooth, removing a thin layer of the tooth to allow for the thickness of the veneer, an impression of the tooth, and final bonding of the veneer to the tooth with special cement. A special light is used to complete the process.

There are some veneers that are considered to be “no-prep”. The amount of tooth removal for these veneers is so small, that temporary veneers may not be fabricated between your visits to the dentist. This type of veneer is often used after braces or tooth straightening, such as Invisalign®. Not all persons are good candidates for these veneers. In fact, most patients are not. Your dentist will help you determine your treatment options.