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. Our clinics use IPS Empress II system and IPS Esthetics from Ivoclar Vivadent for porcelain venners.
Veneers are routinely used to fix:
Teeth that are discolored,
Teeth that are worn down,
Teeth that are chipped or broken,
Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped,
Teeth with gaps between them.
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The procedure 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.
First step: Involves active participation between you and our dentist. During this appointment our 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.
Second step: To prepare a tooth for a veneer, our dentist will remove about ½ 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. Our dentist will then make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to our dental laboratory,
which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks to receive the veneers
from the laboratory. For very unsightly teeth, temporary dental veneers can be placed for an additional cost.
Third step: 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 Then your tooth will be cleaned, polished and etched – which roughens the tooth to allow for
a strong bonding process. The veneer is then placed on your tooth, after proper placement, our dentist will apply
a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement causing it to harden. The final
steps involve removing any excess cement and making any final adjustments if necessary.
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 to bonding.
Post care Instructions for Dental Veneers
- Avoid chewing on or eating hard foods on the restorations for 24 hours from the time they were cemented
- To help with discomfort or swelling rinse your mouth 3xd with warm salt water. (1tsp. of salt in 8oz of water)
- Keep crown area clean to maintain tissue compatibility (the contour of the prosthesis must allow the surrounding tissue to conform to a natural, healthy position)
- Some sensitivity in teeth may be experienced by certain patients. This sensitivity will disappear gradually over a few days to weeks. If teeth are sensitive
- Avoid hot, cold or acidic food and beverages
- Pain medication be taken as directed as long as there is no medical contradiction based upon your medical history
- Use fluoride rinse and toothpaste for sensivity teeth
- Clean teeth properly
Care for Dental Veneers
Dental veneers require the same regular and consistent home and professional dental care as your natural teeth.
* Brush after eating and before bedtime around the crown with a soft toothbrush, especially where the veneer meets the gum line.
* Floss at least once to twice a day. Use the proxy brush or floss threader to remove plaque under and around these areas to maintain good oral hygiene.
* Rinse with fluoride rinse before bed. Swish the fluoride rinse vigorously in your mouth for at least one minute. Do not swallow any of the rinse and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes
* Be careful about chewing toffees, gum, grainy rolls and tough food in this area
* See your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings
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