Veneers

What are Veneers?

When our front teeth are chipped or discoloured, it may be necessary to place a thin restoration over the front surface to hide these discrepancies.

These thin sheets are called veneers and can be made of composite or porcelain. They only require minimal tooth preparation and therefore conserve as much natural tooth structure as possible.

Veneers are relatively new dental restorations and their success can be attributed to advances in dental adhesives which allow them to be fixed with great strength and security to teeth.

If the discrepancy is too great or the biting force too large, a crown may have to be made instead.

What to expect during your appointment

- During consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and determine if a veneer is required.

- In some instances the dentist may need to shave of a little of the front of the tooth's surface before placing the veneer on the tooth. An impression or mould of the tooth is then made.

- While the veneer is being made by the dental laboratory, you will be given a temporary veneer.

- Once the veneer is ready in about a week, the dentist will check if the colour and fit of the teeth is alright. If it is satisfactory, the veneer will then be cemented on to the tooth.

When can I resume my normal activities?

Most patients can go back to their normal daily activities within 2 hours.

Is it painful?

It is a totally painless procedure.

Taking care of your veneer?

- Do maintain your veneer by brushing daily to keep it clean.

- Veneers may crack or chip over time like natural teeth so visit your dentist regularly for a check up.

- You must be careful not to bite on hard foods like ice, hard chocolate or bones. If there are any cracks or chips on the veneer you may need to replace it.