Veneers
In dentistry, a veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface.
There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer, composite and dental porcelain.
Indications
1. Closing diastema (spaces or gaps between the teeth);
2. Restoring broken or chipped teeth;
3. Covering unsightly stained or washed out fillings;
4. Whitening permanently stained or discolored teeth such as stains from tetracycline; and
5. Correcting uneven or crooked teeth.
Benefits and advantages of veneers:
1. Porcelain veneers provide a natural white and beautiful teeth appearance. They can repair chipped or broken teeth, lengthen worn down teeth and reshape crooked teeth;
2. Porcelain veneers correct the alignment of teeth in 1-2 visits, sometimes called “instant braces”;
3. Porcelain veneers are stain resistant;
5. Porcelain veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color and shape;
6. Porcelain veneers generally do not require the extensive shaping as much as crowns do; and
7. Porcelain veneers cover tetracycline stains and other discolorations such as fluorosis, presence of large resin fillings.
Non-permanent dental veneers are available. These dental veneers are molded to existing teeth and are removable and reusable and are made from a flexible resin material. Do it yourself at home kits are also available for the impression-taking process. Actual veneers are made in the lab and sent to the wearer through the mail.
