Dental Veneers
What are Dental Veneers?
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.
Types of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers. They also better mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth. 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 because of:
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- root canal treatment
- stains from tetracycline or other drugs
- excessive fluoride
- large resin fillings
- other causes
- Teeth that are worn down
- Porcelain veneers are stain resistant.
- 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)
Dental Veneer Benefits
- They provide a natural tooth appearance.
- Gums tolerates porcelain well.
- Porcelain veneers are stain resistant.
- A color can be selected to make dark teeth appear whiter.
- They generally don't require as much shaping as crowns do, yet they are stronger and look better
More information
Lifespan
Veneers generally last between 7 and 15 years. After this time, the veneers would need to be replaced.
Dental Veneer Aftercare
Dental veneers do not require any special care. Continue to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash as you normally would. Even though porcelain veneers resist stains, your dentist may recommend that you avoid stain-causing foods and beverages (for example, coffee, tea,etc.)
Dental Veneer Alternatives
Alternatives to veneers include direct composite veneers and crowns.