Veneers

Veneers are a thin, semi-transparent tooth shaped "shell" that are custom made of porcelain. They are permanently bonded to your natural teeth which are located in your "smile zone" to enhance their shape, colour, length or size.

They fit your teeth precisely to look completely natural.

They are used to: 
Conceal damaged, stained or misshaped surfaces of your teeth.

They are a good choice to improve the appearance of your front teeth:

• Colour
• Size
• Shape
• Appearance

The great thing about veneers is they allow a conservative approach to long-lasting, major cosmentic changes.

They can be used to cover a variety of dental conditions that affect the front teeth including:

• Spaces between the teeth, diastemas.
• Misshapen or crooked teeth.
• Broken or chipped teeth.
• Permanently stained or discoloured teeth.
• Unsightly or stained fillings.
• Lighten teeth.
• Teeth discoloured from medication or age.
• Virtually instant orthodontics to straighten crooked teeth.
• Can be used to change the shape and colour of one tooth or revamp a whole smile.
• Used to correct teeth that are worn from grinding.

The Benefits of veneers as an alternative to a white fillings or crowns is:

1. Only a small amount of the tooth structure (enamel) is removed (if any) during the procedure
2. They provide a more conservative approach to changing a tooth's colour size or shape.
3. They can mask undesirable defects such as tetracyline stains an injury or discoloured fillings.
4. Often no anesthesia is needed.
5. It gives a natural appearance with little to no discomfort.
6. They are often a less costly alternative procedure to having crowns
7. Porcelain veneers are durable, strong, stain resistant and beautiful.
8. Veneers are about 0.3mm to 0.5mm in thickness but are very strong once bonded to your teeth. They have strength, beauty and durability.
9. They last up to 10-15 years.
10. They won't stain.

Porcelain veneers are ready on a model with facial view


Porcelain veneers with back lingual view, the lingual surface is not covered

Even the most subtle change in your smile can make a dramatic difference in the way you look and feel!

Considerations about the procedure:

• Veneers are an alternative to crowns for front teeth that need a "face lift". As an alternative to a crown it is an excellent choice because a smaller amount of the tooth surface needs to be ground away for the placement of the veneer. However, it is not indicated when the tooth has had a root canal or a substantial amount of the tooth structure is lost.
• Veneers are also a good alternative to a composite resin filling which is used only when a small amount of tooth surface needs to be replaced.
• Veneers are not a reversible form of treatment.
• You need to have a good occlusion (bite) and healthy teeth before receiving veneers.
• They are best for individuals who want to change the shape of their teeth more than a little bit, as with bonding, but not enough to require a crown.
• Expect some sensitivity to hot and cold because a small amount of protective enamel covering your teeth has been removed. This will disappear four to six weeks after the veneers have been placed.
• They will need to be replaced between four to ten years from placement depending on your care of them.
• They will see slight variations in the colour of porcelain veneers because this occurs in natural teeth.

The procedure is as follows:

Ist visit: This appointment can take between 1 to 2 hours:

• Your teeth are examined to check the soundness and health of your existing teeth. Your desires, expectations and coulour shades are taken . Veneers will be colour-matched to your teeth. It is critical that you take an active role in your smile design. The size and shape of your teeth will be discussed. It is important that you understand the corrective limitations of this procedure.
• Your teeth will be prepared by lightly buffing them to reduce the enamel of your teeth to accommodate the added thickness of the veneer so they can fit over your teeth without sticking out. This inculdes shortening the incisal (biting)edge and sanding a tiny bit of material off the face of the tooth, usually 1 to 2 millimeters is removed.
•  An impression will then be taken to make an exact replica of your teeth. This model is sent to a lab where your veneers are hand crafted from strong, natural looking procelain to custom fit your teeth. They are also fabricated to meet the colour and shape expectations of your teeth.
• Temporary veneers may or may not be placed.
• Expect to have some tooth sensitivity, this is normal, it will disappear once the veneer is placed. 

2nd visit: This appointment will take one hour or less.

• You may receive local anesthetic depending on the sensitivity of your teeth.
• The temporary veneers will be removed.
• The wafer thin veneer will cover only the face of the tooth.
• The fit of your new veneers will be checked by placing the veneers in water and then on your teeth to check fit and colour. This is a time for you to check the shape and colour and see if they meet your expectations. You must tell the dentist at this point if you want them changed because the colour can NOT be changed once they are cemented to your teeth.
• Your teeth will be cleaned with a mild acid solution.
• A tooth-coloured, light sensitive liquid bonding adhesive is applied.
• The light dries and hardens this adhesive.
• Your veneers will be polished to blend with your other teeth. Contact points will be checked so you can keep this area flossed because good home care is important to maintain.
• Once placed, call us if your veneers become uncomfortable, discoloured, chipped or loose.

Durability

Veneers can last for years depending on how well you take care of them. Their durabilitiy will be shortened if you use them to bite your nails, open objects with them, or chew on hard things like ice.

Veneers can also chip or peel if not cared for properly. To ensure they will last for years you need to maintain good oral health hygiene and regular dental cleanings and exams twice a year or as instructed by Dr Hill.

Adjustment Period

You will go through an adjustment period for about two weeks where you will need to get used to your "new teeth" that have changed in size and shape.

See home care instructions for your new veneers.