Dental Veneers

Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size or length. Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with your dentist. Before After

Before After

Benefits of Veneers

• Typically veneers are difficult to stain and durable
• Corrects the alignment of teeth "instant braces"
• Brightens your smile and improve self-esteem
• Has translucence and texture similar natural enamel
• Closes gaps between teeth
• Lengthens and reshape teeth
• Repairs chipped, broken, worn down or misshapen teeth
• Covers tetracycline stains and other discolorations such as fluorosis, prescence of large resin fillings
• Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well
• Color of a porcelain veneer can be selected such that it makes dark teeth appear whiter
• Does not require extensive shaping that crowns do and is a stronger, more aesthetic alternative to bonding

Types of Veneers

The porcelain veneers used at Dental4U Aesthetic clinic is IPS Empress Esthetics from Ivoclar Vivadent for veneers. The opalescent IPS Empress Esthetic veneer layering materials imitates natural teeth.

Procedure for Dental Veneers Treatment

The procedure usually requires three trips to the dentist – one for a consultation and two to make and apply the veneers. One tooth or many teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process described below.

• Diagnosis and treatment planning. This first step involves active participation between you and your dentist. Explain to your dentist the result that you are trying to achieve. During this appointment your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations. He or she also may take X-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth.
• Preparation. To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will remove about ½ millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Before trimming off the enamel, you and your dentist will decide the need for a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. For very unsightly teeth, temporary dental veneers can be placed for an additional cost.
• Bonding. Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color. He or she will repeatedly remove and trim the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit; the veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished and etched – which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A  special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then placed on your tooth. Once properly position on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement causing it to harden or cure very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer's placement.

Recovery Expectations

The gums may have some minor tenderness for a couple days after the procedure. Some individuals may experience sensitivity in teeth. This sensitivity will disappear gradually over a few days to weeks.

Care for Dental Veneers

• Be careful about chewing toffees, gum, grainy rolls and tough food in this area
• See your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings
• Avoid chewing on or eating hard foods on the restorations for 24 hours from the time they were cemented
• To help with discomfort or swelling rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Avoid hot, cold or acidic food and beverages
• Pain medication be taken as directed as long as there is no medical contradiction based upon your medical history
• Clean teeth properly
• Floss at least once to twice a day. Use the proxy brush or floss threader to remove plaque under and around these areas to maintain good oral hygiene. Buildup of food debris and plaque on your teeth and gums can become infected.
• Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes