A veneer is a thin layer of porcelin that is placed over a tooth surface much like a shell or casing. It is used to lengthen teeth, to make teeth more uniform, to correct discoloration, to close irregular spaces between teeth, and to restore chipped teeth. Veneers are also often used to protect worn enamel and damaged tooth surfaces.
Procedure: A thin layer of enamel is removed from the tooth surface to make room for the veneer. The dentist will then make an impression or model of your teeth and send it to a laboratory that will create the veneers. Because it may tak
e the laboratory several weeks to complete the veneers, the dentist may place temporary veneers over the teeth to protect them or to cover very unsightly teeth. Temporary veneers are optional and placed at an additional expense. Once the veneers are received, the dentist will temporarily place it on the tooth to insure a proper fit and color. Next, the tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched in preparation for bonding the veneer. A special cement glues the veneer to the toot
h and a laser will then harden the cement, bonding the veneer to the surface. Finally, the dentist will remove any excess cement and make final adjustments to the veneers as necessary. Veneers require 3 dental visits.