Veneers Specialist

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are very thin protective coverings that are placed on the front surfaces of teeth to correct an array of aesthetic issues like:

• deep stains that can’t be corrected with teeth whitening treatments

• chipped or cracked teeth

• uneven tooth surfaces

• crooked teeth

• gaps between teeth

• teeth that appear too small

• “gummy” smiles

Veneers are made of very durable material that can be tinted to blend with the neighboring teeth so they look completely natural, and because they’re custom-made for each patient, they feel completely comfortable.

How are veneers applied?

It usually takes two office visits to apply veneers. At the first visit, the tooth is prepared for the veneer. During this process, a small amount of material is removed from the surface of the tooth to make room for the veneer and to prevent it from “sticking out” above the surfaces of the neighboring teeth. An impression is also made during the first appointment and sent to the lab where it serves as the model for the veneer. Then, a temporary veneer is placed over the tooth to protect it until the permanent veneer is applied. At the second visit, the temporary veneer is removed and the tooth surface is carefully cleaned, then the veneer is applied using a strong adhesive and buffed so it fits comfortably.

Are veneers difficult to care for?

No, veneers can be cared for with brushing and flossing and routine trips to the dentist to make sure it stays in good shape. To keep it looking its best, avoid chewing or biting on hard objects that can cause veneers (and natural teeth) to chip, and never use your teeth as tools or to pry things. Veneers are resistant to whitening products, so it’s also a good idea to have teeth whitened before having a veneer applied so the veneer matches the neighboring teeth when they look their best.

How long will my veneers last?

With proper care, a veneer can last 10 or more years.