Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers
or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of
tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve
your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing
their color, shape, size, or length.
Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from
resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin
veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.
Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface
before placement. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material
for you with your dentist.
What
Types of Problems Do Dental Veneers Fix?
Veneers are routinely used to fix:
Teeth that are discolored -- either because of root
canal treatment; stains from tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride or
other causes; or the presence of large resin fillings that have discolored the
tooth
· Teeth that are worn down
· Teeth that are chipped or broken
· Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly
shaped (for example, have craters or bulges in them)
· Teeth with gaps between them (to close the space
between these teeth)
What's
the Procedure for Getting a Dental Veneer?
Getting a dental veneer usually requires three
trips to the dentist – one for a consultation and two to make and apply the veneers.
One tooth or many teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process
described below.
Diagnosis and treatment planning. This first step involves active participation between you and your
dentist. Explain to your dentist the result that you are trying to achieve.
During this appointment your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure
dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve
and some of its limitations. He or she also may take X-rays and possibly make
impressions of your mouth and teeth.
Preparation.
To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will remove about 1/2 millimeter
of enamel from the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the
thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Before trimming off
the enamel, you and your dentist will decide the need for a local anesthetic to
numb the area. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your
tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs
your veneer. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for your dentist to receive the
veneers back from the laboratory. For very unsightly teeth, temporary dental
veneers can be placed for an additional cost.
Bonding . Before
the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will
temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color. He or she will
repeatedly remove and trim the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit; the
veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to
prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished,
and etched -- which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A
special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then placed on your
tooth. Once properly position on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special
light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement
causing it to harden or cure very quickly. The final steps involve removing any
excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the
veneer as necessary. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit
in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of
your veneer and to once again examine the veneer's placement.
What
Are the Advantages of Dental Veneers?
Veneers offer the following advantages:
· They provide a natural tooth appearance.
· Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well.
· Porcelain veneers are stain resistant.
· The color of a porcelain veneer can be selected
such that it makes dark teeth appear whiter.
· Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a
tooth's color and shape -- veneers generally don't require the extensive shaping
prior to the procedure that crowns do, yet offer a stronger, more aesthetic
alternative.
What Are the Disadvantages of Dental Veneers?
The downside to dental veneers include:
- The process is not reversible.
- Veneers are more costly than composite resin
bonding.
- Veneers are usually not repairable should they
chip or crack.
- Because enamel has been removed, your tooth
may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages.
- Veneers may not exactly match the color of
your other teeth. Also, the veneer's color cannot be altered once in
place. If you plan on whitening your teeth, you need to do so before
getting veneers.
- Though not likely, veneers can dislodge and
fall off. To minimize the chance of this occurring, do not bite your
nails; chew on pencils, ice, or other hard objects; or otherwise put
excessive pressure on your teeth.
- Teeth with veneers can still experience decay,
possibly necessitating full coverage of the tooth with a crown.
- Veneers are not a good choice for individuals
with unhealthy teeth (for example, those with decay or active gum
disease), weakened teeth (as a result of decay, fracture, large dental
fillings), or for those who have an inadequate amount of existing enamel
on the tooth surface.
- Individuals who clench and grind their teeth
are poor candidates for porcelain veneers, as these activities can cause
the veneers to crack or chip.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
Veneers generally last between 5 and 10 years. After this time, the veneers would need to be replaced.
Above article from: WebMd.com
Cosmetic Dentist Lake Ronkonkoma NY
Edward Filangeri - Excellence in Dentistry
516 Hawkins Avenue
Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Telephone: (631) 588-9041
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