Veneers 
What are veneers?
Veneers are used to correct the shape, color and size of teeth. The great “Hollywood Smile” is thanks to a series of veneers. A veneer is a thin layer of material that is cemented on the front surface of teeth in order to change the esthetic appearance. In order to achieve the optimal effect i.e. “Hollywood Smile”, usually veneers are made from porcelain but there is a possibility to make them from composite. Usually 6 to 8 veneers are made in the front teeth.
What are indications for veneers?
Patients choose veneer treatment in these common cases:
Stained teeth caused by endodontic (root canal) treatment, medications or an excessive amount of fluoride. If these types of stains cannot be improved with teeth whitening treatments, then veneers are a great alternative that covers the exsisting stains on your teeth.
Damaged teeth – teeth that have become badly worn through excessive grinding or by carbonated drinks, as well as those that have been chipped or broken, can benefit from veneers. A small chip on a tooth can quickly be repaired with composite bonding, also known as "composite veneers".
Gaps – spaces or gaps (diastimas) between your teeth can easily be closed using dental veneers, giving you a more uniform-looking smile.
Crooked teeth – veneers provide an alternative treatment option for patients with minor crooked teeth who do not wish to undergo lengthy orthodontic treatment which may take a few years.
What are the steps in getting dental veneers?
Making all-ceramic veneers usually involves three visits at the dental office. One as a consultation and discussion about the treatment with the patient, and the two following visits are necessary to make and apply the veneers. To attain the best cosmetic effect, all the veneers should be made simultaneously.
First visit: Thorough examination and treatment planning
At the time of consultation the patient will inform the dentist of their expectations, and the dentist will examine the teeth (x-rays may be taken) to see if veneers are an appropriate solution and if there are no contraindications to the procedure.
Prior to veneer treatment
Second visit: Preparation and impression taking
To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will remove about ½ millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Our dentists know exactly how much tissue must be filled down in preparation for the veneer. Before trimming off the enamel, you and the dentist will decide the need for a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, our dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes approximately 2 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory.
Tooth preparation
Prepared tooth
Third visit: Cementing the new veneer
Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, our dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine the fit and color. If everything is alright and the patient accepts the color and shape then the veneer is permanently cemented in place. Finally the dentist will remove excessive cement and check your bite.
Application of veneer and hardening of cement / curing with blue light
After veneer treatment
Treatment with composite veneers is termed as bonding.
Are their alternatives to veneers?
Yes, alternatives include composite veneers known as bonding and dental crowns. All-ceramic veneers offer an intermediate solution for patients who wish to change the shape and color of their teeth. Composite veneers are effective in minor changes and crowns are of great benefit in severely damaged teeth.
What is better: Composite veneers or porcelain?
The most popular type of veneers are all-ceramic porcelain veneers which are much more durable and long lasting then composite veneers, and they have the best esthetic effect. Composite veneers are prone to stains and are not that long lasting but they are however much cheaper and ideal in minor changes preserving the natural tooth structure. Unfortunately, because they are not so long lasting they have to be changed more often.
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