Veneers

A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that is cemented on the front of a natural tooth. The veneers are placed on the front of teeth that are unsightly because of staining, misshapen, chipped or maligned. If the tooth is heavily filled or weak then a crown may be a better option.  If the tooth is basically sound and fairly strong then a veneer is probable the best option.

 

What is involved?

· Normally either a thin veneer of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth. Sometimes it is not necessary to remove any enamel.

· An impression is taken of the tooth.

· A temporary covering is normally placed over the tooth while the impression is sent to the lab.   

· At the next visit the veneers are tried for shape, colour and fit.

· The teeth are then cleaned and prepared and the veneers are then bonded onto the teeth.  

· The veneers and the bite are then rechecked.

 

Teeth with veneers must be cleaned and maintained like any other tooth. Initially the teeth may feel a bit bigger or bulkier than the old teeth but there will be rapid adjustment. They should last a long time but they can chip, break and come off.  The underlying tooth can also decay or die.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six veneers on six front teeth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The back of a veneer and a crown.