A veneer is a thin "false fingernail" of porcelain, ceramic or acrylic which is permanently bonded to the surface of the tooth. Veneers are used to change the colour and shape of teeth. Often multiple veneers are used to completely change a smile, sometimes with the dentist having to prepare only minimal tooth substance. In some cases local anaesthetic is needed.
Veneers are used for a number of reasons, these include:
Effectively veneers are similar to false fingernails and an illusion is created without destroying tooth substance underneath. Veneers can change a person's attitude to their appearance. It is common that patients previously unwilling to smile without showing teeth will smile happily after veneers.
Depending on the circumstances sometimes no drilling is required at all. In some cases a small amount of preparation work is needed. An impression is taken of the mouth using soft putty. This sets to an elastic consistency and is gently removed. An impression is then taken of the opposite jaw so that the teeth can be accurately matched.
Colour match and specific instructions relating to shape and the surface finish are prescribed to the dental technician. The technician then constructs the veneer.
While the veneer is being constructed it is often not necessary to have any temporary veneers fitted. The definitive veneer is then attached to the tooth using extremely strong bonding agents, and then set with a plasmagenic light.
Veneers are very strong once fitted and teeth that are veneered are cleaned in the same way as natural teeth.
