Teeth are exposed to our day-to-day chewing and habits like clenching or grinding which cause them to wear down. They are also the result of genetics and our own care and maintenance. Because of these many factors, our teeth can suffer damage, decay and wear, requiring professional attention. What can be done to address uneven or disfigured teeth, damaged enamel or chips and cracks? Most patients are advised by their dentists to go for dental veneers.

Dental veneers are made from a very sturdy material which looks just like a natural tooth and is applied over an injured, stained or deformed tooth.

While porcelain is the usual material from which veneers are made, composite resins can also be used. Both varieties are made in a laboratory environment or in a dental office, and all are custom made for each patient’s mouth. Patients generally choose the porcelain veneers in spite of their higher cost, because they are as long-lasting as they are aesthetically pleasing. How are dental veneers attached to the teeth? To achieve a perfect fit, the dentist will first reshape the original teeth of the patient. For this reason, veneers would only be recommended to restore injured or crooked teeth, as it would make little sense for a person with working and good looking natural teeth. If a patient’s issue is discoloration, teeth whitening or bleaching procedures might be the best treatment option.

After a detailed preliminary examination, a patient will need to plan for two office visits over the span of a month and a half to put on the veneer. These appointments may take an hour or so as the dentist or dental technician scrutinizes each tooth and prepares them for the procedure. The application process requires the patient to have a local anaesthetic during the preparation of the tooth and the application of the veneer. First, the teeth are reshaped to get a perfect fit, then a mold is made for making the permanent veneers and temporary veneers are applied. The permanent veneers are attached to the appropriate teeth with dental bonding material during the second visit. Adjustments happen as necessary as the adhesive sets. Though the adhesive is strong and durable, there are occasions when a veneer may need to be re-attached or replaced. At the end the patient receives advice on the maintenance of their veneers to extend the longevity of their dazzling new smile.