Dental veneers are very thin, custom made shells of tooth-coloured material placed on the front surface of the teeth in order to improve the appearance of the teeth. With these, bonded to the front of the teeth, the teeth can change shape, colour, size or length. Dental veneers fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry since they create a bright, white smile, usually with flawlessly aligned regular teeth. Dental veneers are view by many as the “ultimate smile makeover”. Getting a dental veneer usually requires two-three visits at the dentist.

The advantages of dental veneers are that they look very natural and are stain resistant but they are more expensive than composite resin bonding and may be more sensitive to hot and cold food and beverages. There are two main types of materials used for veneers including composite and dental porcelains. Porcelain veneers usually lasts around 10 years, whereas composite veneers can last as little as 1-2 years.

The Dental Veneer procedure

Getting a dental veneer usually requires two-three visits at the dentist. The first for consultation, and the other two to make up and apply the veneers. Several veneers can be placed at the same visit. After the consultation and examination, the dentist will remove about half a millimetre of enamel from the front surface of the tooth. This amount is almost equal to the thickness of the veneer, which will be added later to the surface. Next, the dentist will make an impression of the tooth/teeth, which will be sent to a dental laboratory. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for the laboratory to construct the veneers and send them back to the dentistry.

At the second or third visit, the dentist will fit the veneer on the tooth and adjust the veneer to fit the tooth surface. After cleaning, polishing and etching the natural tooth, which roughens the tooth surface for ultimate bonding, a special cement used as bonding material is applied. When the veneer is placed on the tooth, a special light beam is applied to make the cement harden quickly. Once the excess cement is removed and the final adjustments are made, the procedure is completed. The procedure can be done with little or no local anaesthetic, in comparison to putting in a dental crown, which is a more extensive procedure.

Advantages of Dental Veneers

• The colour of veneers can be selected to make dark teeth appear whiter;
• Veneers provide a natural tooth appearance;
• Porcelain veneers are stain resistant

Disadvantages/Side Effects of Dental Veneers

• Veneers are more expensive than composite resin bonding;
• Since enamel has been removed from the tooth surface, the tooth may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages;
• The process of putting on veneers is not reversible;
• Veneers may not exactly match the colour of your other teeth;
• The veneer colour can not be altered once in place on the tooth. So if you plan to whiten your teeth, you should do so before adding veneers;
• Veneers are usually not repairable if they should crack or break off

How to Choose the Right Veneer Material

The different types of veneers all have advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is best that the patient discuss the choice of material with the dentist before making a decision. The dentist will then judge his recommendation upon the state of the patient’s natural teeth.

How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers usually lasts around 10 years, whereas composite veneers can last as little as 1-2 years. To make the veneers last longer, it is important to follow a good oral hygiene and visit the dentist for regular check-ups.

Types Of Materials Used for Veneers

There are two main types of material used for veneers; composite and dental porcelain. A composite veneer can either be directly built up on the tooth or fabricated in a dental laboratory. A porcelain veneer can only be indirectly fabricated.

Various Dental Veneers

• Composite Resin Veneers
• Porcelain Veneers
• Lumineers