Dental Veneers
Dental Veneers - also referred to as porcelain veneers or porcelain laminates, are thin tooth colour shells that are custom made for individual patients and placed on the frontal surface of the teeth to improve its appearance. They are made from porcelain or resin composites with porcelain having superior stain resisting properties.
Why are Dental Veneers used?
Dental Veneers (or Porcelain Veneers) are used in a variety of cases such as individual discoloured teeth, worn, chipped or fractured teeth, uneven and irregularly shaped teeth, and widely spaced teeth.
Dental Veneers Procedure
Placement of a dental veneer can only be performed by a qualified dentist which involves basic 4 steps:
1. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Your first appointment involves the dentist determining whether dental veneers are appropriate for you and to discuss their limitations with you. He/she will take an impression of your oral cavity.
2. Preparation: Involves scraping the outer layer of the tooth for which the dentist may use a local anaesthetic if required. A model of each tooth is made and sent to the laboratory. Repeated color adjustments may be required to achieve optimum color.
3. Etching: Takes place for the actual veneer placement. The dentist first places the porcelain veneer against the tooth and checks for its correct position. The dentist cleans and polishes the tooth surface on which the veneer is to be placed, and then uses an acid to etch your teeth. The etching creates a roughened tooth surface which improves bonding to the veneer.
4. Placement: The veneer will be placed on the tooth surface with a special tooth colour material called composite which is used for attachment. After the position has been determined, a special light is used which improves and quickens the bonding/hardening process. A few final adjustments may be necessary to ensure a normal response of the gums towards the veneer.
