Serenity Dental: Veneers

Dental Veneers
This section of our cosmetic dentistry information site provides you with some background into dental veneers, both
composite veneers and porcelain veneers. Dental veneers, sometimes called tooth veneers, can be used to correct both
color and shape problems. To begin reading about them, click the blue arrow below or use one of the subtopic links below the
arrow.

What causes discoloration of the teeth?
Teeth enamel discoloration can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Some of the more common
causes of teeth discoloration are medications, coffee, tea or cigarettes. People who drink significant amounts of cola soft
drinks can experience similar staining. Aside from staining, there are other factors that can affect the color of an individual's
teeth. Genetics can play a role. Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others. Disease can also be a factor and
certain medications can cause a discoloration of the teeth. If you suspect that there is an underlying medical cause for your
teeth discoloration, be sure to inform your dentist.

Who is a Candidate for Tooth Veneers Who is a candidate for Dental Veneers?
Veneers, porcelain or plastic, are placed over the front teeth to change color shape of the teeth. Veneers are ideal for teeth
that are too small, too big, or have uneven surfaces. It is very common for people to have imperfect teeth, either oddly
shaped teeth, chipped teeth, crooked teeth, teeth with small holes in them, or an inappropriate sized tooth or teeth that have
an odd appearance. Veneers solve such irregularities and create a durable and pleasing smile.

Overview of Tooth Veneers
Often an alternative to crowns, veneers are very thin pieces of specially-shaped porcelain or plastic that are glued over the
front of your teeth with little or no anesthesia needed. They are the cure for teeth that are severely discolored, chipped, have
small holes or pits, misshapen or crooked, or for the correction of unwanted or uneven spaces. Unlike crowns, veneers won't
require the dentist to remove much of the tooth itself. In some cases more tooth will need to be removed, which may increase
the risk of trauma to the tooth. Veneers are created from an impression taken in your dentist's office. Your custom veneer is
then glued directly onto your tooth. Veneers won't stain, making veneers a very popular solution for many people seeking that
perfect smile. Strong and very durable, veneers last many years, and come in colors that will brighten dark teeth without the
worry of them changing color.

How are Tooth Veneers Attached to your Tooth?
In your first appointment, teeth are prepared for veneers by lightly buffing to allow for the small added thickness of the
veneer. Veneers are thin like contact lenses, and will usually only need tooth reduction of 0.5mm to 1.0mm. If a drastic
change is being made for the result you want, reduction may be 1.0mm to 2.0mm. A mold is taken of the teeth, from which the
veneers are modeled after. Temporary veneers will be placed and worn until your permanent veneers are ready. While
wearing the temporary veneers, advise Dr. Bhatt of any adjustments or changes you would like made, such as in shape or
size. These changes will be translated into your permanent veneers, so good communication between you and the dentist is
important in achieving your new smile. Dr. Bhatt places the veneers with water or glycerin on the teeth to verify their perfect
fit and the shade or color. The color cannot be changed after the veneers are adhered to your teeth. The tooth is then
cleansed with chemicals to achieve a durable bond. Once the glue is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used
to harden the glue/cement. The procedure for Lumineers is different than the above traditional porcelain veneers. Still two
visits, but there is little to no preparation of the tooth and no need for temporary veneers.

Types of Tooth Veneer Procedures
There are two tooth veneers procedures available that correct discoloration of the teeth by removing the brown and yellow
staining. While each work effectively, there are advantages and disadvantages to each procedure dependent upon your
objectives and commitment to the processes. The type of procedures available should be discussed with Dr. Bhatt, and a they
will recommend the most appropriate tooth veneers procedure for you.

Composite Veneer Procedure:
Composite (direct) veneers are usually performed in a single visit to Dr. Bhatt. The procedure is an application of a bond and
enamel directly to the tooth's surface.

Porcelain Veneer Procedure:
Porcelain (indirect) veneers are a very thin porcelain material. Usually porcelain veneers require two visits and also require a
dental laboratory to create the final tooth restoration piece.

Lumineer Porcelain Veneer Procedure:
Made of Cerinate porcelain, Lumineers are a new type of porcelain veneers. They are contact lens-thin, roughly .2 mm thick.
Little to no tooth reduction in most cases is necessary with this type of veneer and anesthetics or numbing shots are not
needed.

Tooth Veneer Costs
Generally speaking, the price of tooth veneers and whitening increases with the number of in-office treatments required by
the patient. Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of the tooth veneers procedure. Cost will vary depending on
your region, the skill level of Dr. Bhatt and the quality of the lab they use.

Advantages:
Porcelain veneers are common in creating new smiles and smile makeovers. With porcelain veneers, you can have the smile
of your dreams in a very short period of time. Typically veneers are difficult to stain, making veneers a very popular solution
for many people seeking that perfect smile. Strong and very durable, veneers last from ten to fifteen years, and come in
colors that will brighten dark teeth without the worry of them changing color. Veneers are typically done in only two one and
a half hour long appointments, and can actually strengthen your tooth.
There is no additional maintenance, other than a follow-up visit to Dr. Bhatt and proper brushing and flossing on a daily basis.
Finally, a whiter smile gives people to whom you are speaking a place to focus on and gives you a friendlier appearance.

Disadvantages:
It takes roughly a week or two of a period of adjustment to get used to your teeth that have been changed in color, size,
spacing and shape. While very little tooth is removed in most cases, there are situations where more tooth must be removed
which increases the risk of trauma to the tooth. The amount of tooth to be removed for the veneers should be discussed with
Dr. Bhatt beforehand. It is common to have minor sensitivity after your teeth have been prepared for your veneers while
wearing the temporary veneers. Some people can experience a difference in speech, usually pronouncing "s" and "f" sounds.
This is corrected through minor adjustments Dr. Bhatt can make to your veneers. Veneers are very reasonable facsimiles of
natural teeth, but not perfect replacements for natural teeth. It's common to see slight variations in the color of veneers upon
very close inspection, as with natural teeth. It can take up to a month or two before your new smile feels a part of you.
If you suffer from bruxism, clenching or grinding of your teeth, veneers can be damaged, chipped or cracked from this. If you
suffer from bruxism, speak with Dr. Bhatt about wearing a mouth guard at night to protect your new smile.

Before & After Photos: Tooth Veneers