Veneers are most often applied over the front-most teeth to correct stained, cracked, chipped, or crooked teeth. Veneers normally cover the entire face of a tooth. Smaller, more localized problems may be treatable using dental composite bonding procedures.

Veneers can be made of either porcelain or composite resins. Composite resin veneers are applied directly to the teeth, while in the office, and then shaped appropriately. Porcelain veneers are thin hard shells that must be constructed in a lab before being bonded over the teeth.

Composite veneers are typically less expensive than their porcelain counter-parts, however they may have a  shorter life span and can be prone to staining, depending on lifestyle. On average, composite veneers can last between five and seven years, whereas porcelain veneers typically last well over 15 years and are more stain resistant and color stable over time.

Veneer Procedures

• Porcelain Veneers

To begin fitting you with veneers, the enamel of the teeth may need to be slightly reduced. The teeth are very minimally prepared, usually between 0.5mm and 1.0mm. An impression of the area is taken, which will be sent to a dental laboratory to construct the veneers. You may be fitted with temporary veneers until your final restoration is completed. Often, no anesthetic is needed for this procedure.

Next, we will carefully check the completed veneers for proper color matching and fit.

During the final placement of the veneers, the teeth to be bonded will be cleaned and polished. A special bonding agent is applied and light cured. Then a final contouring and polishing of the veneer to the tooth completes the procedure.

• Composite Veneers

Composite veneers can be applied during a single office visit. After careful discussion of desired results and options for treatment, we will help you choose the correct color for your veneer.

Next, the resin will be directly applied to your teeth and carefully sculpted into the desired shape. The area is then treated to solidify the bond between the tooth and the veneer.