Porcelain Veneers

What Are Veneers?
Veneers are a thin, translucent facing made out of porcelain or resin (plastic). They are applied to the front teeth to improve their colour, size, or shape. Veneers can help you achieve the smile you want.

Are Veneers Right for You?
Veneers can correct many dental problems. These include:

• Teeth discoloured from medication or age
• Front teeth that are worn or chipped
• Gaps and other spaces between teeth
• Crooked teeth.

Discoloured Teeth		Chipped Teeth		Spaces Between Teeth
BEFORE		BEFORE		BEFORE
AFTER		AFTER		AFTER

Let your dentist know why you want veneers. If they are not right for you, another type of treatment may be an option.

The Procedure
Veneers may require 2 or 3 office visits from start to finish. Your dentist first examines your teeth. He or she will then discuss what kind of veneers will be used. You and you dentist will choose the right veneer colour for your new smile. Your teeth are then prepared for veneers. And the veneers are bonded to your teeth.

The enamel is reduced.

The veneer is bonded.

The cement is hardened.

Preparing Your Teeth
Your teeth may be lightly filed. A mold of your teeth is then taken and sent to a lab to make your veneers. Before you leave the office, your dentist may apply temporary veneers. If you don't get temporary veneers, avoid cold foods and drinks. Your teeth may be more sensitive than usual.

Between Visits
Until your next visit, the dentist may tell you to:

• Brush your teeth gently and avoid foods that are too cold.
• Avoid eating hard foods. They may loosen your temporary veneers.

Bonding of Veneers
Before bonding, your dentist will fit the veneers on your teeth and check the colour. Slight changes in veneer colour can be made by varying the colour of the cement. The surfaces of your teeth are then cleansed. The veneers are bonded to your teeth with a special cement that is hardened with a high-intensity light. Any excess cement is removed. Finished veneers should feel comfortable.

Call Your Dentist If Your Veneers: Become uncomfortable Discolour or chip Loosen

Caring For Your Veneers
If you care for your veneers well, they may last for years. The tips below may help.

When Brushing Use a soft toothbrush and don't brush hard. Avoid harsh toothpastes, which can harm your veneers. Clean around your gumline carefully.
When Flossing Floss between all teeth at least once a day to remove plaque. Start flossing in one place, and work carefully around your mouth.
When Eating Avoid foods and liquids that could stain your veneers, such as red wine, tea, coffee, and berries. Certain veneers are more prone to staining. Be careful when eating hard foods. They can damage veneers.
Avoid Using Tobacco If you smoke, quit. Avoid chewing tobacco. Using tobacco in any form can stain certain veneers.

Follow-up Visits
Veneers can help you have a better-looking smile. But be sure to practice good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups. This will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Common Questions about Veneers

For anyone who wants to consider improving their images with porcelain veneers, we have provided frequently asked questions and answers to offer more information about these restorations. If you want to discuss your options, call your dentist and schedule a consultation appointment.

How do veneers work?
Crafted from solid dental porcelain, veneers cover your front teeth to remove flaws that hinder your beautiful smile. Traditional porcelain veneers are customized to fit the size, shape, and color of your teeth so that you achieve a gorgeous appearance and natural-looking restorations.

What do porcelain veneers cost?
We can't give you an estimate on the price because each set of veneers is specifically designed for that individual patient. During your consultation appointment, the dentist will discuss your visions, evaluate your mouth, and create a complete plan for updating your smile. At that time, we will review costs and payment options.

Can I remove the veneers at a later date?
If you choose custom veneers, the restorations are permanent because your doctor will remove a thin layer of enamel to prepare your teeth for the porcelain veneers. Little or no-prep options like Lumineers do allow patients the flexibility of returning to their original smiles. However, Lumineers don't work in all cases, so you will need a consultation and exam to determine the best option for your smile.

Why can't I just whiten my teeth instead?
In some cases, professional teeth whitening can brighten your smile and revive your appearance. When you have gaps, permanent stains, or chips, bleaching your teeth won't address the issues. Porcelain veneers literally cover the teeth and create a straight, attractive smile.

Does it take a long time to get veneers?
Most of the time, patients complete the whole process in four to six weeks. During this time, you will have an initial exam, take impressions for the veneers, and return for final placement.