What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are used to cover teeth that are stained, discoloured, chipped, cracked or broken. They can also be used to close uneven gaps between teeth.

Made of a super-thin ceramic or composite resin, dental veneers can be individually applied and custom fitted to perfectly reshape damaged teeth and change their colour and shape for a brighter and whiter smile.

Like crowns, dental veneers can be used to improve the look of your smile by changing your teeth’s colour, shape or angle, as well as the spacing between your teeth.

What types of dental veneers are there?

Two materials used in the creation of dental veneers are ceramic and composite resin. Both types can be fabricated in a laboratory by a dental technician and applied to the teeth with the help of composite resin to create a permanent bond.

Your dentist can also fabricate dental veneers in the office when the veneers are made from composite resin or the office is equipped with state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology.

Depending on the material used, there is varying strength and durability. They must also be taken care of just like your natural teeth.

Why are dental veneers used in cosmetic dentistry?

Dental veneers are less invasive than crowns in strong, healthy teeth. Orthodontics (braces) can also be a good alternative to teeth whitening for certain patients. They can be used to correct a variety of problems such as alignment, position, rotation and spacing of teeth.

Dental veneers are a good cosmetic dentistry solution that can transform your teeth, and your smile, in as few as one or two dental visits.

Who is a good candidate for dental veneers?

If your teeth are extremely discoloured, crooked or damaged, other cosmetic dentistry options such as crowns or braces may need to be considered.

What is the procedure for dental veneers?

The procedure for creating and applying dental veneers usually takes at least two dental visits. If the dentist is creating the dental veneer directly in your mouth, in the office, it takes two visits. If the dental veneer is fabricated in a dental laboratory, it takes two to three appointments.

After the dentist removes a small amount off the surface of your natural tooth (which is why having enough enamel is necessary) to allow for the addition of the dental veneer, a mold/impression/scan will be taken of your tooth.

After the dental veneer is made to fit the tooth — either in the lab or by the dentist — it is permanently bonded to the tooth with resin cement.

Local anesthesia is required.

How should you clean your dental veneers?

You can take care of your dental veneers just as you do your other, natural teeth: by flossing and brushing them regularly after every meal and before bed. Your dentist and hygienist will inspect them at your routine dental re-care visits.

How long do dental veneers last?

Dental veneers don’t last forever and generally need to be changed at some point. If you take care of them and maintain a good oral hygiene routine, dental veneers usually last 10-15 years.