Veneers
Veneers are nearly transparent, extremely thin porcelain or composite shields which are usually placed to literally decorate the front teeth. This way the shape, color and position of the teeth can be restored to look as natural as possible again. Also gaps, worn and discolored teeth and irregular positioned teeth can be restored (masked) by placing veneers. Even the color and the shape of a tooth can be changed this way.
Treatment Procedure
Before we proceed with the placement of veneers, we start with an aesthetic analysis of your teeth and continue with an extensive dental examination to determine whether your teeth are healthy enough. This outcome will determine the choice for porcelain or composite veneers. The placement of composite veneers takes less time.
In the case of porcelain veneers, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the tooth, or an additional veneer is placed which makes grinding unnecessary.
Then a mold of the teeth is made, which will be used to custom-make a porcelain veneer in a dental laboratory. This veneer will closely match the shape and size of the other teeth. In the meantime, a temporary veneer is placed to replace the portion that was removed. These will be worn until the porcelain veneer is ready. On the next visit, the temporary veneer will be removed and the new porcelain veneer will be glued to the teeth.
Composite veneers are less costly than porcelain. One of the biggest advantages of using composite veneers is that it is easily reversible. They can be removed and replaced as needed. The material is a mixture of plastic and fiberglass particles similar to that which white fillings are made of. However, the composite that is used for veneers is, from an aesthetic point of view, more advanced material.
In most cases teeth don’t need grinding or shaving to come to a natural and beautiful result. We find the less that’s shaved off, the better the veneer will attach to the enamel.
Improving the color, shape and overall appearance of your teeth
Generally speaking, if the teeth are properly taken care of, veneers can last up to 25 years. Whether it's a porcelain or composite veneer, the color, shape and overall appearance of your teeth will improve enormously.
