What are Veneers?
According to Corne Smith Dentistry, a veneer is a “thin piece of porcelain used to re-create the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel.” They are custom made to the contour of your teeth and are bonded to the tooth’s original enamel during a series of in-office procedures.
Why are Veneers Used in Dentistry?
Veneers are a less intrusive option than crowns or braces. Veneers can be used to close gaps or correct small misalignments. Patients also choose veneers as a cosmetic solution to enhance the brightness of their teeth and to straighten their smile, correcting issues like discoloration, fractures, or chips.
Porcelain Veneers
The most commonly used material for veneers are the conventional porcelain veneer and Lumineers and composite resin veneers. Porcelain veneers are preferable for correcting issues of shape or colour and can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
Placing Veneers
The typical process takes two to three appointments. We will focus on highlighting placement of the porcelain veneer created by the laboratory:
- Local anesthetia is not usually required when placing veneers. However, depending on the patient’s sensitivity, it can be used if needed. The dentist will clean the tooth and determine the correct shade for the veneer. The dentist will remove a very small amount of the enamel of the tooth to provide room to place the veneer on the tooth.
- An impression of the tooth will be made for the laboratory and a temporary veneer will be placed on the tooth with spot etching in the centre of the tooth away from the margins.
- After the laboratory has delivered the porcelain veneer to your dentist, the temporary veneer is removed, the tooth is cleaned with pumice and water. The veneer is then etched, rinsed with water and air-dried. The adhesive is placed on the preparation and then the cement and the veneer is placed for exact fit and contour.
- The veneer is then light cured for 60 seconds on all surfaces of it to attach it to the tooth structure.
Your dentist will remove any excess material and polish the margins of the veneer.
Care for Veneers
Dr. Corne Smith suggests brushing and flossing just as you would your regular teeth. Proper daily brushing, and use of non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Consider limiting coffee and other stain-inducing foods.
If you’re deciding on veneers, consult with your dentist in Cape Town Claremont, at Corne Smith Dentistry and be sure you understand every part of the process and cost.
A beautiful smile feels great and can increase both your confidence and well-being.
