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Smile Makeover by Porcelain Veneers

Dr Ng Shiau Way
Nov 5, 2015
3 min read

Bothered by irregular, discolored and yellowish teeth? You may be suitalble for a smile makeover by having your teeth treated with Porcelain Veneers.

Porcelain veneers (sometimes called dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.

Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. It is also stronger and better resistant against chip.

What's the Procedure for Getting a Dental Veneer?

Getting a dental veneer usually requires three trips – one for a consultation and two to make and apply the veneers. One tooth or many teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process described below:

Diagnosis and treatment planning:

This first step involves your active participation: active discussion with us the result that you are trying to achieve. During this appointment, we will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations. We may also take X-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth.

Preparation:

To prepare a tooth for a veneer, we will remove about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Next, we will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for our clinic to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. In the meantime, a temporary dental veneer is placed.

Bonding:

In this appointment, we will bond the final veneer permanently. Before the dental veneer is cemented to your tooth, we will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color. We will also repeatedly remove and trim the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit; the veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched -- which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then placed on your tooth. Once properly position on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden or cure very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary. We may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer's placement.

What Are the Advantages of Dental Veneers?

- They provide a natural tooth appearance.

- Gum tissue tolerates porcelain well. - Porcelain veneers are stain resistant. - The color of a porcelain veneer can be selected such that it makes dark teeth appear whiter. - Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth's color and shape; veneers generally don't require the extensive shaping prior to the procedure that crowns do, yet offer a stronger, more aesthetic alternative.

What Are the Disadvantages of Dental Veneers?

- The process is not reversible.

- Veneers are more costly than composite resin bonding. - Veneers are usually not repairable should they chip or crack. - Because enamel has been removed, your tooth may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages. - Veneers may not exactly match the color of your other teeth. Also, the veneer's color cannot be altered once in place. If you plan on whitening your teeth, you need to do so before getting veneers. Though not likely, veneers can dislodge and fall off. To minimize the chance of this occurring, do not bite your nails; chew on pencils, ice, or other hard objects; or otherwise put excessive pressure on your teeth. - Teeth with veneers can still experience decay, possibly necessitating full coverage of the tooth with a crown. - Veneers are not a good choice for individuals with unhealthy teeth (for example, those with decay or active gum disease), weakened teeth (as a result of decay, fracture, large dental fillings), or for those who have an inadequate amount of existing enamel on the tooth surface. Individuals who clench and grind their teeth are poor candidates for porcelain veneers, as these activities can cause the veneers to crack or chip.