About Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are an element of cosmetic dentistry utilizing customized shells of porcelain or resin composite material. They cover existing teeth and are usually color-matched to the patient’s other teeth.

Dental Veneers can repair:

• Discolored teeth – from medications, medical treatments, injury or certain dental amalgams
• Worn, chipped or broken teeth
• Irregularly shaped teeth or misaligned teeth
• Gaps between teeth.

Application of dental veneers can improve your appearance and bite. A veneer is also a good intermediate solution between the cosmetic dentistry options of bondings or crowns. Dental veneers are considered a stronger, more natural looking alternative to bonding, while porcelain jackets or crowns require even more loss of the original tooth to leave room for the greater amount of crown material used.

Procedure for Dental Veneer Application

The procedure for dental veneer application typically requires three visits to your dentist. The first visit will involve a consultation and examination to determine your specific needs and possibly take some impressions of your mouth. The second visit involves the permanent removal of some enamel from the patient’s original tooth (about ½ millimeter) to accommodate the veneer. Next, a mold is taken and sent to a lab, where your veneers are custom manufactured to your mouth. After about 1-2 weeks, your dental veneers will be ready to be fitted by your dentist. After some placement and re-sizing, your dentist will cement the veneer in place, creating a permanent bond between your teeth and the veneer.

The cost of dental veneers can vary from $500 to $1300 per veneer. Dental veneers can be expected to last from five to ten years.

Veneers are not the best option for decayed teeth or diseased gum areas. They are a cosmetic dentistry option to improve the appearance of your smile. As with your original teeth, a veneer requires daily brushing and care to avoid the buildup of plaque and maintain a healthy smile.