Definition of a Dental Veneer

The idea of cosmetic dentistry dates back as early as 700 BC, when the first dentures where fashioned from ivory. It was not until the late 1700s that porcelain dentures where made, which inspired the invention of a temporary dental veneer. The veneer soared in popularity in the 1980s when it was discovered that it could become permanent, and has remained popular since. Nowadays, dental veneers are custom made and used to fix a number of dental concerns which affect the appearance of the teeth.

Description

• The dental veneer is a thin, tooth-colored shell of material designed to fit perfectly over the front surface of the tooth. The aim of the veneer is to enhance the tooth's outward appearance and improve your smile. It can be made from a variety of diverse materials, most commonly porcelain or resin composite materials, which each give contrasting results and require different procedures. Your dentist can advise which material is best for you.

Uses

• Dental veneers can help to improve your smile.

  Dental veneers are used to treat a selection of dental issues which affect the appearance of the teeth. Dental veneers can cover major discoloration, caused by medication, root canal treatment or excessive fluoride, to look more aesthetically pleasing. Damaged teeth can be fixed with a composite veneer to repair chips and cracks. Veneers can be used to close the space between two teeth where a gap is present. They can also be used to provide a quick fix for teeth that are slightly crooked, as an alternative to braces, which can cause great discomfort and take many months for results to show.

Procedure

• Before the procedure of having veneers put in, you will discuss with your dentist whether veneers are the best option to achieve the results you want. When both you and your dentist are clear about what you want, and you fully understand the procedure and its limitations, the procedure begins. Your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing about ½ mm of enamel from the surface, which is roughly the same thickness of the dental veneer that will be put on your tooth. Your dentist then takes impressions of your tooth and sends it to a dental laboratory where your veneer is made and sent back, which can take between one to three weeks. The veneer will then be temporarily placed on your tooth to check its fit and color, and when your dentist is satisfied that it fits perfectly, he will clean, polish and etch your tooth, then place the veneer on your tooth with a special cement. He will shine a special light onto your tooth, which activates the cement and permanently bonds the tooth and veneer together.

Other Information

• Dental veneers usually last between five and 10 years before replacement. They do not require any special care and should be treated as your own teeth by brushing and flossing regularly. Because veneers are a cosmetic treatment, the cost of them is usually not covered by insurance. Depending on where you live and the extent of your dental veneer procedure, the cost will vary, but the average cost of a single veneer is around $500 to $1,300.