What are veneers?
Veneers are thin layers of material that cover the front of the teeth. Veneers can be placed on one tooth or a few of your teeth. Your dentist or dental practitioner fixes veneers to your teeth. You can’t take veneers off.
Veneers can be made of:
- porcelain (ceramic)
- composite resin (of plastic and glass)
Why would I want veneers?
Veneers help to improve the appearance of your teeth. They’re not used to repair damage. Veneers don’t straighten your teeth or fix your bite.
Veneers can be useful if your teeth are:
- discolored or stained
- a bit crooked
- oddly shaped compared to your other teeth
- chipped or slightly broken
- widely spaced and leave a gap
Veneers may not be suitable if you grind or clench your teeth or if you have gum disease.
How are veneers fitted?
Porcelain
Porcelain (ceramic) veneers are custom made for you in a dental laboratory.
Composite
You can get a composite resin veneer in one visit to your dentist or dental practitioner. Composite resin is the same as the material used for white dental fillings. Composite resin veneers are applied directly to the front of your tooth in layers. The composite veneer is then shaped and polished by your dentist or dental practitioner. Your dentist or dental practitioner will match the color of the veneers with your surrounding teeth to make them look as natural as possible.
A small amount of your natural tooth may need to be trimmed so that the veneer fits well. Your dentist or dental practitioner might use a local anesthetic so that you don’t feel any pain during this step.
What are the benefits and risks of choosing veneers?
Veneers can significantly improve the look of your teeth. Porcelain veneers can look more realistic and last longer than resin veneers, but they are more expensive.
Veneers are thin, so not much of your natural tooth will need to be removed. At first your teeth will feel different as you get used to their new shape. Veneers don’t fix tooth decay or problems with your bite.
Possible risks of having veneers are:
- the veneer could crack or fall off
- if your gum shrinks the edges of the veneers may be seen
- the color of your veneers can’t be changed after they’ve been applied
- your other teeth may become discolored no longer matching your veneers
- Teeth with veneers need to be well cared for to help them last as long as possible. Veneers should last for years.
You’ll need to brush and floss your teeth with veneers the same as you do for natural teeth. Regular visits to your dentist or dental practitioner are also important.