What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of a tooth to correct its shape, color, or minor structural issues. Unlike a direct filling, porcelain veneers are custom-fabricated in a dental lab, giving them greater strength and a more lifelike appearance than tooth-colored fillings alone.
Who Benefits from Veneers?
Veneers are a strong option for:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Permanently stained or discolored teeth that don’t respond to whitening
- Small gaps or mild spacing issues
- Misshapen or slightly crooked teeth
- A complete cosmetic smile makeover
They’re a cosmetic and minor-structural solution — teeth with significant decay or damage typically need a crown, root canal, or other restorative treatment first.
The Veneer Process
1. Clinical Examination — A thorough exam, including x-rays and study models, determines candidacy and shapes a treatment plan tailored to your goals.
2. Tooth Preparation — A thin layer of enamel is removed to make room for the veneer — minimal enough that it won’t weaken the tooth or cause lasting sensitivity. An impression is then sent to the lab, along with the exact shade needed to blend with your surrounding teeth.
3. Bonding — At your final appointment, the veneers are checked for fit and appearance, adjusted if needed, and permanently bonded with dental cement.
Benefits of Veneers
- Durable — lab-fabricated porcelain is significantly stronger than direct fillings
- Natural-looking — porcelain closely mimics the light-reflecting quality of enamel and resists staining well
- Conservative — requires less enamel removal than a crown
- Faster than orthodontics — for minor spacing or misalignment, veneers deliver results in a couple of visits rather than months of treatment
Caring for Your Veneers
- Maintain consistent brushing and flossing, especially around the veneer margins, to prevent decay at the edges
- Avoid biting hard or sticky foods directly with veneered teeth, and don’t use your teeth to open packaging
- Keep up with regular checkups, so any issues are caught and addressed early
If a Veneer Comes Loose
Save the piece and call us right away. In most cases, we can rebond it. If the underlying tooth has sustained damage, a replacement veneer may be needed.
Ready to talk about whether veneers are right for you? Call Densley Dental at (702) 212-6641 to schedule a consultation.