Dental Veneers

Cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is an area, which aims to improve smiles and the looks of teeth. A perfect smile can be provided by different tooth whitening treatments and tooth veneer treatments.


Dental Veneers

In the past dentist used only crowns or bridges for particular treatments. In our days in certain cases we can use dental venners.
Veneers are wafer thin laminates or shells of tooth coloured material (which can be either porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material) that are “cemented” to the front surface of teeth to improve their cosmetic appearance. In a similar manner to how false fingernails are placed or glued to your existing fingernails, veneers are bonded to the front of your existing teeth.

What is the process of the treatment?

Trimming: the enamel on the front side of the tooth is trimmed back. Usually the dentist's goal is to trim the tooth about the same amount as the thickness of the veneer that will ultimately be bonded into place. This way the net size of the tooth will not be dramatically changed.
Impression: Once the proper amount of enamel has been trimmed, your dentist will need to make a copy of your tooth. It will be from this copy that your porcelain veneer will be fabricated.

Temporary Veneers: your dentist can create a temporary veneer for you to wear during the time period while the dental laboratory is creating your porcelain veneer.

Bonding: Once you and your dentist have determined that the shape and shade of your veneer is appropriate it can be bonded into place.
First the porcelain veneer will be cleaned and prepared for cementation. Your tooth will also be cleaned, usually by polishing it. The enamel surface of your tooth will be etched with a mild etching gel. This etching, on a microscopic level, roughens the surface of the tooth, just like glass that has been etched has a "frosted" texture. This enamel roughness aids in the cement's ability to form a tenacious bond with the tooth, and it is a hallmark of dental bonding technique. Cement will now be placed into the veneer and the veneer will then in turn be placed on your tooth. Your dentist will ensure that the veneer is in its proper place and then cure the cement, usually by shining a special light. This light (which is often blue) passes through the translucent veneer to the cement which lies underneath. The light activates a catalyst in the cement, causing it to cure in just a few moments.

At this point, the porcelain veneer is securely bonded into place. There will probably be at least some excess cement present at the edges of the veneer that your dentist will need to trim off and polish down. You and your dentist will also need to evaluate the veneer's precise contours and trim or reshape them as you feel is best. Your dentist will also spend time evaluating your bite and making sure that the veneer is adjusted appropriately for it.


How to look after your veneers?

• Practice oral care, brush and floss your teeth 3 times a day.
• Avoid exposing your veneers to excessive forces.
• Avoid clenching and grinding your teeth.
• Minimize staining influences (tea, coffee, red wine)

How long do dental veneers last?
Porcelain veneers will typically last between 5-10 years and composite veneers maybe a year or two at the most. The bottom line is that eventually your veneers will need to be replaced. Although veneers are strongly cemented into place they have been cases where they come loose and fall off, in such situations it is important that you keep hold of your veneer and contact your dentist immediately. To make your veneers last longer it is important to follow a good oral hygiene program and also visit your dentist for check ups on a regular basis.
Is it possible to have veneers fitted on the same day?
Usually porcelain veneers are placed over a minimum of two visits as described above.