A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit perfectly over the front surface of a tooth. Sometimes a veneer is made of composite instead of porcelain.
Veneers can improve the colour and shape of teeth, or the position of rotated teeth. Porcelain in a precisely matched shade can be used to cover the visible surface of a single discoloured tooth or of all the front teeth. A veneer can also restore a chipped tooth. The porcelain covers the whole visible part of the tooth in a thin layer and is thicker where the tooth has chipped. This approach can also be used to close small gaps between the teeth when orthodontic treatment (braces) is not preferred, and to make slight changes to the position of the teeth.
The advantages of veneers are excellent aesthetic results that imitate the colour and shape of natural teeth. Because veneers are made of very thin porcelain, only a small amount of the tooth is removed, and some types of veneers need no tooth preparation at all. They bond firmly enough to the enamel surface.
How are teeth prepared for veneers?
A small amount of the outer (enamel) surface of the tooth may be removed to make room for the necessary thickness of porcelain. A local anaesthetic can be given for this reshaping to avoid discomfort, but in most cases it is not needed. Once the tooth has been prepared, an impression is taken, which the dental technician uses to make the veneer. The shade is chosen with a shade guide, taking into account the colour of the surrounding teeth.
How long does it take?
Making a veneer takes at least two visits. The first is to prepare the tooth and choose the shade, and the second is to fit the veneer. Before bonding it, your dentist will show you how the veneer looks in your mouth, and you can approve it or ask for changes. The veneer is bonded with a special adhesive that ensures a strong bond.
Will I need a temporary veneer before the final one?
Tooth preparation is minimal, so you will most likely not need a temporary restoration. The tooth will look almost the same after reshaping, but it may feel slightly less smooth.
What happens after the veneer is fitted?
Once the veneer has been finally bonded, only small adjustments can be made. You are given some time to get used to the new shape before any changes are made. Your dentist will probably ask you to come back for a follow-up check-up and polishing 2 weeks after fitting.
How much does treatment cost?
The price can vary between specialists and depends on the dental laboratory work. Before starting treatment, you should discuss the costs with your dentist.
How long do veneers last?
A veneer can do its job for many years, but small pieces of it could chip off. Some adjustments or replacement of the veneer may be needed.
What are the alternatives?
Aesthetic composite materials can be used for small corrections to the front teeth. They are not very suitable for chipped tooth corners, because the border between the build-up and the tooth often remains visible.
Another alternative is crowns – for teeth that have had root canal treatment or are badly damaged and need a crown because they are at risk of breaking.
This article is for information only and does not replace an examination by a dentist.
