Dental Topics

Bad Breath

Bonding/Veneers

Crowns/Inlays/Onlays

Invisible Fillings

Teeth Whitening

Bonding/Veneers

If your teeth are permanently stained or discolored, have gaps or are misshapen or slightly out of alignment, esthetic dentistry could be for you.

One possibility to make your smile dazzling is veneering, a popular procedure among both dentists and patients. Veneers are custom-made shells specially prepared to make teeth look completely natural. Affixed directly to the tooth with composite resins used in bonding, veneers can sometimes be applied without the need for an anesthetic. Materials used to make veneers include acrylic, composite resins and porcelain, the latter growing in use by leaps and bounds. No matter the material, the ultimate goal in selecting materials is durability, stain resistance and a natural look. New materials are being developed continuously, so let your dentist help you choose the material that’s best for you.

Having a tooth veneered is a simple process that generally requires a few appointments. To provide room and help strengthen the veneer, a small layer of enamel usually is removed from the front of a tooth. Based on an impression taken by your dentist of the tooth to be treated, the veneer is fabricated to meet the color and shape expectations of your teeth. When the veneer is ready to be placed, the tooth is prepared with a mild etching solution that roughens the surface and aids adhesion. Then, with composite resin cements, the veneer is set in place.