Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are paper-thin molds of porcelain that are attached to the front surface of teeth in order to redress cosmetic imperfections. Each veneer is forged and then bonded to a tooth's exterior through a process that is completed in stages and over several appointments with a licensed dental professional. The act of implementing veneers into one's oral structure differs from traditional corrective procedures in that the approach is designed to improve only that part of the tooth visible to the eye.
First Visit
Each tooth intended for reformation must first be made ready to take on the overlaying cast. Ordinarily, this is done by filing down a small amount of the existent enamel so the new veneers will remain flush with the original pattern. An indent is then made of the reshaped tooth, which is used to construct the forthcoming porcelain enclosure.
Second Appointment
On the second visit, newly formed veneers are tried on for fit and to make sure that their appearance matches the recipient's standards. It is important to request any desired adjustments during this stage of the procedure as corrections pose little difficulty. Once the veneers are bonded to the teeth, modifications will require more invasive measures. Multiple appointments may become necessary to complete this part of the process. The veneers can be changed and refit until the resultant "look" sufficiently matches the expectations of the client.
Third Stage
The veneer is shaded to match the surrounding teeth. It is then adhered to the tooth with a dental cement. A special light is set on the tooth which hardens the glue, bonding the porcelain cast to its original structure. The result is an even smile, free from major faults or flaws.
Alternative Methods
Some dentist will perform a "no-preparation" technique, where no filing is done to the teeth prior to molding for veneers. While this method seems ideal to those who experience a high degree of dental anxiety, it is widely thought that the integrity of the resulting bond is inferior to that accomplished with tooth reduction. Interim veneers may be available, glued on with a temporary adhesive that can be worn while the final set is still in assembly. However, the normal process typically requires no more than a 0.5-millimeter reduction, an amount not visible during normal conversation.
