Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment that offers a variety of aesthetic improvements to the teeth and smile. They can correct problems like stains, gapping, and minor chips and cracks. There are two basic types of materials used in dental veneers: composite resin and porcelain.
A veneer is a thin layer of material that is applied to the outer, front-facing surface of teeth to help correct superficial problems like size, shape and color.
Dental veneers may be recommended to help correct:
- Misalignment
- Discoloration
- Chips
- Gapping
Composite Veneers
Sometimes known as 'composite bonding', composite resin veneers employ a material similar to that used for restoring cavities. Most composite veneers are placed by your dentist on-the-fly during your dental appointment, although they can also be created in a dental laboratory.
Typically, composite veneers are skillfully sculpted right onto the tooth of the patient. This provides the advantage of being a faster treatment that typically can be performed in only one office visit. Also, since a dental lab may not be involved, costs are reduced.
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is simply a thin shell of porcelain fitting over the front surface of the teeth to correct cosmetic issues. All porcelain veneers are manufactured in a dental lab. So this type requires more than one dental appointment.
One advantage of porcelain veneers over composite is that porcelain is not as easily damaged. Composite can also mimic the color of natural teeth, but it can become stained again due to certain lifestyle choices like drinking dark-colored beverages like tea and coffee, as well as smoking tobacco.
Natural Appearance
The materials used in dental veneers are purposely selected to provide a close proximity to the appearance of natural teeth. Porcelain is particularly known for its properties that make it almost indistinguishable from natural teeth, right down to its translucence.
Of course, your preference may be for a whiter shade of teeth than is found naturally, So let us know during your consultation what your shade preference is, as well as any other cosmetic goals that you have for your procedure.
The Procedure
Composite dental veneers are normally placed in one office visit, while porcelain takes at least two.
Your teeth will first need to be prepared to receive the veneers. A small amount of tooth enamel may need to be removed. In the case of porcelain veneers, your dentist will form an impression or mold of your tooth for the creation of your porcelain veneer, which will be placed at a subsequent appointment.
Dental Veneers: Aftercare
No special dental care is needed after receiving dental veneers. However, you do need to stick to your normal oral hygiene routine. Brush at least twice daily and floss at least once a day.
Scheduling Your Appointment
Are you ready to find out if dental veneers would make a good solution for your teeth and smile? If so, we encourage you to reach out to our dental office and schedule an appointment or consultation today.