What are veneers?
Veneers are an aesthetic facing bonded to the tooth to improve the cosmetic appearance of the teeth. Veneers can be made from Composite Resin bonded to the tooth or Ceramic.
What is involved?
If Composite Resin Veneers are made, it is a process of chemically bonding the filling material onto the facings of the teeth. This requires little if any loss of tooth structure and can close gaps between teeth and improve the appearance of the teeth.
If Porcelain Veneers are used, the teeth require some preparation on the facings to allow the space for the veneer.
Once the preparations for the veneers are made, a detailed mould is taken of the teeth to allow the laboratory to fabricate ceramic veneers customised to your mouth
- Once the impression is taken, temporary veneers are made and cemented in place with a temporary cement
- At the second appointment, the ceramic veneers are cemented in place and adjusted as necessary
How do I maintain Veneers?
Veneers require meticulous care to keep them looking in excellent condition
- Flossing daily and brushing twice daily is essential to keep the gums and teeth healthy and free of decay and infection
- It is also very important to attend for regular dental check-ups every 6 months in order to prevent major problems from occurring
- Your dentist may suggest that you have a splint made to wear at night to protect your veneers while you are asleep.
What are the possible complications?
The main concern would be chips and fractures occur with the veneers
- If chips or breakages occur in Composite Resin veneers, they are easily repaired with Composite Resin
- If chips or breakages occur in Porcelain Veneers, it may be possible to repair smaller size breakages with composite bonded to the porcelain with guarded success. If larger chips or fractures occur in porcelain fractures, they may require replacement.
