A veneer is a custom made porcelain shell or facing which is bonded onto the front surface a tooth. Veneers can be an alternative to traditional crowns and can be used to change the appearance of unsightly or discolored teeth, or alter the appearance of misshaped or crooked teeth. They may also be used to close gaps between teeth.
Technique: For a more complex case, the dentist may start with a diagnostic wax-up to evaluate the appearance of the finished case.
Simple veneers generally involve 2 appointments: At the first appointment, the dentist trims the front and top surfaces of the tooth to allow for the thickness of the veneer to cover the tooth. The dentist will take an accurate impression mold of these prepared teeth which is sent to the dental laboratory. The dentist in most cases will then create temporary acrylic veneers which will be temporarily and spot cemented on the teeth prepared.
When the patient returns for the second appointment one to two weeks later, the dentist will remove the temporary veneers, and permanently cement the laboratory fabricated porcelain veneers on the teeth.
Veneers can last for many years and will not change color over time. For this reason, cosmetic whitening of the other teeth should be considered prior to veneers.
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| Veneer preparations on the twolower central incisors that werechipped and overlapped. |
Finished veneers, mouth slightly open |
Finished veneers closed mouth |
