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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.
There are two types of veneers: direct and indirect. Direct
veneers are done in a single visit and with a composite or plastic
material. Indirect veneers are usually done in two visits and
require a dental laboratory to fabricate the final restoration.
The indirect veneer can be either a composite material or more
commonly, a porcelain material. Due to the advancements in the
porcelain substrates and the bonding materials used to place
them, they are often used in place of crowns for a more conservative
and natural looking smile.
First Step
During the first visit, a local anesthetic is used and the tooth
or teeth are reduced by approximately 0.5mm - 2.0mm. 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 to two weeks 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.
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. |
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