Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a thin layer of porcelain placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth or to protect a damaged tooth surface. They are custom-made shells fabricated to correct unwanted spaces and teeth that are permanently stained, poorly shaped, or slightly crooked.
Veneers are made by a certified dental technician in a professional dental laboratory. The veneers are made from a model of the patient’s teeth after they are prepared for the veneers. The placement of veneers is usually an irreversible procedure because a small amount of tooth structure is removed to allow for the thickness of the veneer. The procedure requires at least two appointments, one to prepare the teeth and take an impression and one to bond the veneers on the teeth.
Like any restoration, after a certain length of time it is usually necessary for the veneer to be replaced. Porcelain veneers are very durable and can give you a beautiful long lasting smile.
Post Treatment
We have placed porcelain veneers on your teeth. These restorations were placed with the finest materials and techniques available today. However, you should be aware of the following:
Chewing: As with natural teeth, avoid chewing excessively hard foods on the veneered teeth (hard candy, ice, raw carrots, etc.). Porcelain as well as natural teeth can break under extreme forces.
Recalls: Visit us for examinations and checkups at the frequency we recommend for you, usuallt every six months. Any problem that develops can be found at an early stage and easily repaired. Waiting for a longer time may require redoing the entire veneer.
Preventative Procedures: To provide optimum longevity for your restorations and to prevent future dental decay and supporting tissue breakdown, please us the following procedures that are checked:
- Brush with a fluoride-containing toothpaste and floss after eating and before bedtime.
- Swish for at least 30 seconds daily with a fluoride containing rinse.
- Use a Sonicare toothbrush.
The Future: We expect you will receive several years of service from these veneers. However, we have seen the following situations occur occasionally. They are unavoidable and may require restoration replacement:
- Extreme force or trauma can break porcelain veneers, just as force can break natural teeth. Use care in sports or other potentially traumatic situations. We recommend an athletic mouthguard in these instances. Do not bite extremely hard objects with one tooth. Do not use your teeth as a “tool” to open bags, bite off thread, chew on fingernails etc. Breakage usually requires remaking the restoration, but occasionally it can be repaired.
- After a few years, some veneers may demonstrate slight stains at some locations around the edges. Please tell us if this situation occurs. Repairs can usually be accomplished.
- The gums (gingiva) may recede from the veneers, displaying discolored tooth structure underneath. This situation usually takes place over several years and requires replacement of the veneer.