What is a Dental Veneer?
New techniques in dentistry have made it easy to spruce up your smile. Porcelain veneers – ultra-thin, translucent shells that are bonded to the front of teeth – have become the technique of choice for many when treating discoloured, chipped, or stained front teeth.
In some cases, veneers can even be used to close gaps or improve the appearance of crooked teeth.
Today, a bright, confident smile is often seen as key to making a great first impression. In fact, your smile is often the first thing people notice – sometimes even before your eyes!
In most cases, your new smile can be created with veneers in two dental visits.
What to Expect When Getting Veneers
If you choose to get veneers, the process begins with your dentist gently reshaping your teeth. A small amount of enamel is removed to make room for the veneers so they fit comfortably and look natural.
Next, impressions of your teeth are taken to create your custom veneers. You’ll be given temporary veneers to wear while your final ones are being made.
Once your veneers are ready, they are placed on your teeth so we can check the fit and colour. You’ll be able to see how they look and approve them before they are permanently placed.
When everything looks right, the veneers are bonded to your teeth using dental cement and secured with a special light. At this point, your new smile is complete.
Features of Veneers
If you’re looking to improve the shape of individual teeth or enhance the overall balance of your smile, dental veneers may be a minimally invasive option. They are often used to create a more even, natural-looking appearance.
Veneers can address concerns such as worn, slightly crooked, or discoloured teeth. They can also help minimize small gaps and adjust the size or shape of teeth for a more uniform look.
Each veneer is custom-made to match your surrounding teeth. The porcelain material is designed to imitate the natural translucency of tooth enamel, giving it a realistic look and feel.
With proper care, veneers can last many years, often up to 20 years before needing to be replaced.