Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain or resin that cover the front surface of the teeth. After removing about a half-millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, these thin shells are bonded (cemented) to the front of the teeth, changing their color, shape, size or length. Veneers are often called “Hollywood teeth." Living up to that name.

What is a veneer?

A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain made to fit over the front surface of a tooth, like a false fingernail fits over a nail. Sometimes a natural-colour ‘composite' material is used instead of porcelain. Veneers can be used to treat a number of different cosmetic concerns, including chipped, broken, discolored, or smaller-than-average teeth.

Types of veneers:

A dentist may offer you a choice between 3 types of veneers: direct composite veneers, indirect composite veneers, and porcelain veneers.

Direct composite veneers; Direct composite veneers are veneers made of a composite resin material applied directly to your teeth.
Indirect composite veneers; The main difference between direct and indirect composite veneers is the application process — not the actual material used.
Porcelain veneers; Porcelain veneers are custom made for your teeth out of porcelain.

How are teeth prepared for a veneer?

Some of the shiny, outer enamel surface of the tooth may be removed, to make sure that the veneer can be bonded permanently in place later. The amount of enamel removed is tiny and will be the same as the thickness of the veneer to be fitted, so that the tooth stays the same size.

A local anaesthetic (injection) may be used to make sure that there is no discomfort, but often this is not needed. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dental team will take an ‘impression' (mould). This will be given to the dental technician, along with any other information needed to make the veneer. The colour of the surrounding teeth is matched on a shade guide to make sure that the veneer will look entirely natural.

Quite often, around 8 veneers will be enough to change and perfect the overall look of your smile and the treatment includes:

• Initial Consultation
• Provisional Smile mould
• Teeth preparation
• Fitting of temporary veneers
• Fitting the veneers
• Follow-up appointment