Veneers

Veneers cover the front-facing portions of the tooth surface and usually wrap slightly around the sides and biting edge of the tooth. In most cases, this requires the removal of some tooth structure, although it is generally a small amount (often 1mm or less). The veneer restoration must fit as seamlessly as possible with the contours of the natural tooth in order to facilitate good periodontal health and cleansibility. Veneers are attached to the underlying tooth using a strong adhesive bonding agent, similar to fillings and crowns.

Veneer treatment can be considered to correct any of the following common concerns:

• Correct gaps or “black triangles” between the teeth
• Correct uneven lengths
• Correct slightly misaligned teeth or crooked teeth
• Correct discoloration
• Restore chipped or worn teeth
• Change the size or shape

When considering veneers, it’s very important to ensure that all other dental problems are under control first. Periodontal disease and cavities can contribute to many of the esthetic concerns that cause patients to be interested in veneers. If these areas of concern are not well controlled, the veneers will not provide a good long-term solution for the patient’s concerns.

Porcelain veneers are generally regarded as the best in esthetics and longevity in veneer treatments. This is generally due to their optical properties being similar to natural tooth structures. In most cases, they are fabricated in two visits so that a skilled ceramist can get all the details just right. With CEREC technology, veneers can sometimes be fabricated in a single visit. There are several practical limitations to this, including how long it takes to design and manufacture restorations, and generally, chairside restorations are less detailed than lab-designed ones. These are details that we discuss with you before initiating treatment.

Generally, composite veneers are slightly less expensive than porcelain and can offer highly esthetic results. Created in the dental office or by a lab, they may wear more quickly and may be more susceptible to staining when compared with porcelain.

There are two types of composite veneers: direct and indirect. Direct composite veneers are sculpted in the patient’s mouth. Indirect composite veneers are created outside the mouth, by a lab or in the dental office.

Direct composite veneers can often be confused with bonding, because the process to complete them is similar. Ultimately, whether a tooth treated with composite is “bonded” or “veneered” really depends on how much of the tooth is being altered.