Veneers are very thin pieces of specially-shaped porcelain or plastic that are glued over the front of your teeth with little or no anesthesia needed. Veneers can perfectly match the shape, size, color, and translucency of your teeth. They can also be selected to be a lighter shade so that your teeth are whiter than before. In many cases veneers may be a quick way to improve the appearance of crooked teeth without the need to use orthodontics.
Veneers are the perfect option if you are suffering from, teeth that are:
- Stained or discolored
- worn, chipped, cracked or broken
- pitted or have small holes
- misshapen, malformed or crooked
- uneven and have unwanted gaps or spaces
Unlike crowns, in most cases veneers won't require the dentist to remove much of the tooth itself. Veneers are created from an impression taken in your cosmetic dentist's office. Your custom veneer is then glued directly onto your tooth. Typically costing less than crowns, veneers won't stain, making veneers a very popular solution for many people seeking that perfect smile. Veneers are strong, stain resistant and very durable.
Types of Tooth Veneer Procedures
There are two types of tooth veneers procedures available. While each work effectively, there are advantages and disadvantages to each procedure dependent upon your objectives and commitment to the processes. The type of procedures available should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist, and they will recommend the most appropriate tooth veneers procedure for you.
Composite Veneer Procedure
Composite (direct) veneers are usually performed in a single visit to your cosmetic dentist. The procedure is an application of a composite that is bonded directly to the tooth's surface. Addition of composite to tooth structure increases tooth size and therefore, there is often some tooth reduction needed to make room for composite placement.
Porcelain Veneer Procedure
Porcelain (indirect) veneers are a very thin porcelain material. Usually porcelain veneers require two visits and also require a dental laboratory to create the final tooth restoration piece. Addition of a porcelain veneer to tooth structure increases tooth size and therefore, there is often some tooth reduction needed to make room for placement.