Veneers

Teeth that are stained, misshapen, or crooked may be improved by a veneer placed on the surface of the affected teeth.

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic cemented over the front of your teeth to change their color or shape. Veneers are used on teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding (cosmetic/white fillings), and highly resist permanent staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking.

Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure, and are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers.

Typically, veneers entail two to three appointments: diagnosis and treatment planning, preparation, and bonding.

During the tooth preparation visit, the teeth are shaped to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which requires a local anesthetic. During the same visit, a impression is taken of the teeth, and sent to the laboratory to make veneers.

During the final visit, the veneers are placed on the tooth surface with water or glycerine on the teeth to check their fit and get a sense of the shade or color.  This is an opportunity for you, the patient, to approve the look of your new veneers.  While the veneers are resting on your teeth, they can be adjusted with various shades of cement to match the color of your teeth. To apply the veneer, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Once a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a visible light beam, or laser, causes a catalyst to be released, hardening the cement.

After you have veneers placed, it is important to brush and floss daily.  It ensures the longevity of your new teeth and keeps your mouth healthy!  Any furthur questions, call our friendly staff at (203) 272-9694.