Porcelian laminate veneers

What are Veneers?
Veneering a tooth means to cover its facial or front surface. It is actually very similar to placing acrylic fingernails on top of natural nails except they are permanently in place. Veneers are used to enhance shapes and colors of teeth as well as to close spaces between teeth and to cover up significant stains such as those caused by tetracycline.

What does Veneering a tooth involve?
First Step
During the first visit, a local anesthetic is used and the tooth or teeth are reduced by approximately 0.5mm - 1.0mm. An impression of the teeth in this state is then taken and sent to a dental laboratory for fabrication of the veneers. This usually takes one week to complete. A temporary restoration may or may not be placed depending on the amount of reducation necessary. There may or may not be slight sensitivity to hot and cold during this period.

Second Step
At the second visit, a local anesthetic may be used for the patient's comfort in seating the veneers. After thoroughly cleaning and preparing the teeth, the veneers are then placed with a resin material and cured or hardened with a special curing light.

How long will Veneers last?
There are many different variations of porcelains used today and this should be discussed with the dentist ahead of time. Typically, the porcelains should last about 15 years, however, with proper care and maintenance, they can last longer. Porcelain veneers resist staining, reflect light and are among the strongest and most natural looking restorations available.