veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance, fixing issues like stains, chips, gaps, and minor misalignment for a brighter, more uniform smile, acting like a cover for imperfections similar to artificial fingernails. They are a cosmetic dental treatment that involves bonding the veneer to the natural tooth, offering a permanent way to achieve a "Hollywood smile," but require good oral hygiene and proper care to last.

What They Fix:

• Discoloration: Yellow or stained teeth that don't whiten well.

• Chips & Cracks: Conceals damage to tooth surfaces.

• Gaps: Closes spaces between teeth.

• Shape & Size Issues: Corrects worn-down edges or uneven teeth.

• Minor Misalignment: Makes teeth appear straighter.

Types of Veneers:

• Porcelain:

  Highly durable, stain-resistant, and closely mimic natural teeth; often require minimal tooth preparation.

• Composite Resin:

  Made from a mixture of plastic and glass, less expensive, applied in one visit but may not last as long as porcelain.

• No-Prep Veneers (e.g., Lumineers):

  Thinner, requiring little to no removal of tooth enamel, though not suitable for everyone.

The Process:

1. Consultation: Discuss goals, choose veneer type.

2. Tooth Prep: Dentist removes a thin layer of enamel (for most types).

3. Impressions: Taken for custom veneer creation.

4. Temporary Veneers: Placed while permanent ones are made.

5. Bonding: Permanent veneers are cemented onto teeth.

Care & Longevity:

• Brush and floss daily.

• Avoid chewing hard objects (ice, nails) to prevent chipping.

• Veneers don't whiten with natural teeth, so avoid staining foods/drinks or discuss whitening options with your dentist.

• With care, veneers can last 15 years or more.