Veneers are a dental treatment where a very light layer of either composite material or porcelain is applied to the outside of the teeth, usually for cosmetic reasons. Veneers can help with damaged teeth as well as improving aesthetics.
Types of veneers
There are 2 techniques for applying veneers, direct and indirect. The direct application is when a composite resin is put on the outside of the tooth with bonding. Sometimes the direct technique is called ‘bonding’ because of this. The indirect technique generally takes at least 2 visits as the veneers are manufactured off site in a laboratory. During your first visit, impressions of your teeth are taken, the teeth are prepared and a short term cover is put on the teeth. Your veneers will be ready for installation after 2 to 3 weeks. The short term cover is removed at the beginning of your next visit and the permanent veneers are then bonded to your teeth. These laboratory made veneers look great and are usually made with either pressed ceramic or porcelain.
Why choose veneers?
The process of applying veneers is generally much more comfortable than other options such as crown and much less material is required to be removed. Veneers are usually recommended when front teeth need to be restored, however, they are not advised for patients who do not have very much natural tooth structure remaining or have large fillings.
