What is it? | Consultation | Procedure | Recovery | Safety & Risks

What is a Veneer?

A veneer is a thin layer of restorative tooth-coloured material (which can be either porcelain, ceramic or composite bonding material) “cemented” over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth or to protect a damaged tooth surface. When applied, the veener covers worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment, spacing and chips or cracks.

Porcelain Dental Veneers and Composite Dental Veneers?

The two most common material used to manufacture dental veneers are composite resin and porcelain resin. Composite dental veneers can be directly built-up in the mouth, or indirectly fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory. Afterward it is bonded to the teeth with various type of resin cement. Porcelain dental veneers may only be indirectly fabricated and later bonded to the tooth. Porcelain veneers are the most popular, offering a more natural looking, translucent appearance and a stronger and more durable alternative to its composite counterpart. Composite dental veneers are much cheaper than porcelain dental veneers in general, but considering that they do not last as long and need replacing more often, they could end up costing more in the long run. Composite work is ideal for small chips, as this treatment preserves more of your natural tooth structure.
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Consultation

During your first consultation the cosmetic dentist of your choice will ask you a number of questions and discuss the following health related topics, desires and lifestyle to evaluate your medical record:

1.Your medical condition, drug allergies and previous medical treatments.
2. If and what kind of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco & drugs you use.
3. If and which previous surgeries you have already realized.
4. Your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors.
6. Define if you´re a candidate for the specific procedure.

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Procedure

During the second visit, the cosmetic dentist will numb your mouth and wear down the enamel on the affected tooth before making an impression of the area. This step is necessary since veneers adhere to the front of teeth, and a portion of the tooth structure must be removed to make room for the veneer.

Your teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of the front surface of the tooth (about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeter – the thickness of a fingernail) to allow space for the porcelain. Then the dentist takes an impression of your teeth.

This mold provides an exact impression of your bite, mouth size, and teeth shape. The mold is then sent to a dental laboratory, where lab technicians will custom craft your porcelain veneers to match your teeth.

After the mold is made, your dentist will place attractive temporary veneers to cover and protect the teeth while your permanent veneers are crafted. When your permanent veneers are ready (usually in about a week), you will return for your third and final visit to have your porcelain veneers bonded.

Your Dentist will also inform you where your procedure will be performed. This facility, like an office-based surgical center, outpatient or ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital, is accredited and regularly audited by FlyClinic®.
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Recovery from Surgery

Veneers are durable and have been shown to last for many years before requiring replacement.

Seeing your dentist and hygienist for regular examinations and dental cleanings is important for maintaining the health of your mouth and longevity of your veneers. However, like other porcelain restorations, chipping and fractures may occur.

Chipped or fractured veneers cannot be repaired, so your dentist will advise you of the costs and added time associated with replacing a damaged restoration.

To reduce the risk of damage to your veneers, do not bite or chew on hard objects such as nut shells or bones, and do not use your teeth to open or tear packages. Your dentist also may advise you to avoid certain foods that could damage the porcelain or composite used. Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would, and be sure to use non-abrasive toothpaste.

Because veneers are highly-polishable, the risk of staining the veneers with food or drink after the procedure is complete is greatly reduced. However, brushing after drinking red wine, coffee, tea or soda is advisable.

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Safety & Risks

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