What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers can transform your smile! If you have crooked, broken or chipped teeth, or there is a problem with the colour or shape or spacing of your teeth, dental veneers may be an option to change your smile.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are very thin, semi-translucent facings made of porcelain that are bonded securely to the front of the teeth. Dental veneers are durable and natural looking.

What is the process for dental veneers?

After a complete exam by the dentist to determine if you are a candidate for veneers, you will come in for an appointment to have your teeth prepared for them.

At this appointment, often only a very small amount of tooth structure is removed in order to prepare the teeth for veneers. Once this process is complete, an impression is taken and sent to the dental laboratory where the veneers are custom fabricated for your teeth out of porcelain. At the lab the dental veneers are custom-shaped and shaded.

Once the lab work is complete you will visit the dentist to bond them onto to your teeth. At this point the process is complete and you can now function normally with your new smile.

How do you care for dental veneers?

How long your dental veneers last for depend on how well you take care of them. The porcelain that dental veneers are made of is very strong but they are not 100% immune to damage. Any direct sharp impact or pressure on the veneers can cause them to fail. If you grind or clench your teeth, a nightguard is recommended. As well, always wear a custom sportsguard if playing any contact sports.

As for homecare, it is important to brush and floss daily to prevent cavity-causing bacteria from invading the area around and under the veneers. Avoid using any abrasive toothpaste as this can scratch the veneer itself. Regular dental hygiene care at the dental office is important to keep the margins free of plaque, tartar and stain.

If you choose dental veneers understand that the lifespan is not forever. Typically dental veneers can last anywhere from 7-10 years before needing to be changed. Other options for correcting your smile also exist such as:

• Professional Teeth Whitening
• Dental Crowns/Caps
• Orthodontics/Braces
• Dental Bonding