What are Porcelain Veneers?
A veneer is a thin layer of tooth like material which is placed over the existing tooth surface, to improve the esthetics of a tooth with regards to color or position or to protect a damaged tooth surface. Multiple veneers can close spaces between teeth, lengthen teeth that have been shortened by wear or ageing, provide uniform color, shape and symmetry and make the teeth appear “straight”.
Who is a candidate for Dental Veneers?
Veneers, porcelain or plastic, are placed over the front teeth to change color shape of the teeth. Veneers are ideal for teeth that are too small, too big, or have uneven surfaces. It is very common for people to have imperfect teeth, either oddly shaped teeth, chipped teeth, crooked teeth, teeth with small holes in them, or an inappropriate sized tooth or teeth that have an odd appearance. Veneers solve such irregularities and create a durable and pleasing smile.
Veneers can be chosen for
• Smile makeovers.
• Discolored tooth.
• Diastemas/spaces between teeth.
• Malpositioned teeth.
• Fractured tooth.
• Microdontia (Small sized teeth)
What are Lumineers ?
Lumineer Porcelain Veneer Procedure : Lumineers are a new type of porcelain veneers. They are contact lens-thin, roughly .2 mm thick. Little to no tooth reduction in most cases is necessary with this type of veneer and anesthetics or numbing shots are not needed.
What are the advantages of Porcelain Veneers?
At one time, composite (plastic) fillings or crowns were the only available treatment for these conditions. While composite fillings were not long lasting and tended to discolour and wear away, crowns though colour stable, involved drilling and were not conservative options for cosmetic treatment. Porcelain Veneers offer a third alternative, which is not only conservative but also colour stable. Although some amount of drilling is done, it is minimal and hence the appointment painless with no anesthesia required.
Veneers can be chosen for
• Smile makeovers.
• Discolored tooth.
• Diastemas/spaces between teeth.
• Malpositioned teeth.
• Fractured tooth.
• Microdontia (Small sized teeth)
How are Porcelain Veneers done?
The making and placement of Porcelain Veneers require two separate appointments-The first for the preparation of the teeth and the second, for bonding the veneers to the teeth.
Veneers can be chosen for
• Smile makeovers.
• Discolored tooth.
• Diastemas/spaces between teeth.
• Malpositioned teeth.
• Fractured tooth.
• Microdontia (Small sized teeth)
1. Preparation of the teeth:
Here, the teeth are prepared to receive the veneers. This involves drilling 0.5 mm of the front surface of the teeth. The edges of the teeth are defined and margins made to ensure that the edges of the veneers would meet the tooth surface at these margins. This results in an optimal fit such that one cannot tell where the tooth and veneer meet. Then, to make an exact replica of the prepared teeth, an impression is taken and sent to the laboratory where the veneers are fabricated.
Veneers can be chosen for
• Smile makeovers.
• Discolored tooth.
• Diastemas/spaces between teeth.
• Malpositioned teeth.
• Fractured tooth.
• Microdontia (Small sized teeth)
2. Bonding of the Veneers:
The second appointment is critical as the veneers are cemented or bonded onto the teeth. The teeth and inner surface of the veneers are treated with a solution, which makes them porous. A tooth coloured, composite cement is used to stick the two surfaces together. After the veneers are glued in place, any extra cement from around the teeth and gums is thoroughly cleaned out. This enables you to keep the veneers and gums, clean and healthy, giving a vibrant, natural and healthy look.
Veneers can be chosen for
• Smile makeovers.
• Discolored tooth.
• Diastemas/spaces between teeth.
• Malpositioned teeth.
• Fractured tooth.
• Microdontia (Small sized teeth)
How long can I expect my porcelain veneers to last?
Depending on how well they are taken care of by the patient, veneers can last for years because they are stronger than simple bonding, and also more resistant to stains and chipping.
Will the veneers ever discolour?
The inherent colour of the veneers will never change, as porcelain is a colour stable material. However they may pick up external stains e.g. from smoking, excessive intake of colas, tea, coffee, red wine or use of certain mouthwashes. The dentist can easily polish of these stains.
What precautions would I need to take to look after my veneers?
You must maintain regular oral hygiene at home & visit us for a routine cleaning & check up. This will ensure your veneers look as good as new. To prevent the veneers from breaking or chipping, it is important to avoid anything which may place a direct pressure on the teeth with the veneers, such as nail biting, opening bobby pins & chewing on hard objects.
