What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are one of the most popular and most requested dental cosmetic procedures performed at Bolouri Dental Group. Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored, custom-made shells placed on the front surface of teeth to enhance their appearance.

Dental veneers are an excellent choice for hiding blemishes, stains, and discoloration present on the front surface of your teeth. Moreover, veneers are also the preferred option to conceal chipped or a broken tooth and restore the tooth’s shape and size conservatively compared to dental crowns.

Dental veneers can create a noticeable difference in your smile by improving your teeth’ appearance. Our dentists at the Bolouri Dental Group have been performing veneers for years and have developed a knack for delivering natural-looking and attractive dental aesthetics you are looking for.

Types Of Dental Veneers

Veneers are classified into two types based on their composition. The two types of dental veneers are Porcelain and Resin-based composite. 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers, also known as traditional veneers, are custom made thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front or sides of your teeth to cover any blemishes or damage. These shells are robust and sturdy and come in a range of colors enabling your dentist to find a color that closely matches your teeth.  They can last many years with proper care. Porcelain veneers are also excellent at covering more significant malformations and gaps. However, owing to these qualities, porcelain veneers tend to be slightly more expensive than resin-based composite veneers. Porcelain veneers require 2-3 visits to complete the procedure. 

Resin Based Composite Veneers

Resin-based composite veneers are known as laminates or “no-prep veneers.” They resemble porcelain veneers but are less expensive. They require minimal tooth removal and, in some cases, can be placed without any teeth manipulations. You can get resin-based composite veneers in a single visit.  They are, however, more fragile when compared to porcelain veneers. They tend to chip or break easier and are more prone to staining and discoloration.  With proper care, resin-based composite veneers can last for up to 5 years. 

How Are Dental Veneers Placed?

Your dentist will perform an oral examination during your preliminary appointment and discuss your options.  

Porcelain Veneers

If porcelain veneers match your needs better, we will begin the procedure by selecting a veneer color closest to your teeth. The receiving teeth are then prepped and shaped by removing some enamel. After preparing the teeth, impressions of your upper and lower teeth are taken using a mold. This mold is sent to a laboratory, where your custom porcelain dental veneers are fabricated. Your dentist will try these custom-made shells on your teeth during your next appointment to check for proper shape, size, fit, and color. Once approved, your dentist will clean the selected teeth and use dental cement to bond the veneers to your teeth.

Resin-Based Composite Veneers

A resin-based composite veneer procedure is a single-day treatment. In this procedure, the teeth are cleaned and shaped. After this, a composite resin compound is used to rebuild the tooth. Next, a UV light is applied to harden the composite resin. Once set, your dentist will smoothen out the veneers and polish them, so they feel and look just like your own natural teeth.

Problems That Dental Veneers Can Treat

• Stained and discolored teeth can be treated with veneers.
• Discolorations due to tetracycline staining, fluorosis, etc., can be concealed effectively with the help of dental veneers.
• Restoring the darkened appearance of root canal treated tooth.
• Teeth that are worn down due to the effect of the oral environment. 
• Teeth that have been damaged due to acid reflux.
• Attrited and destroyed teeth.
• Necrosed teeth.
• Chipped or broken teeth.
• Misaligned, uneven, and irregularly shaped teeth can be conservatively treated with the help of dental veneers.
• Dental veneers are an excellent way for covering and filling the small gaps between your front teeth. 

Benefits Of Dental Veneers

•  Dental veneers repair and protect your teeth painlessly.
•  Give your teeth a natural appearance.
•  Minimally invasive procedure.
•  Are stain-resistant and durable.
•  Customized for each patient to ensure they blend in seamlessly.
•  They are a great way to camouflage the gaps between your teeth.

Risks Associated With Dental Veneers

• This procedure is irreversible as it involved tooth preparation (i.e., the tooth was reshaped to enable optimal veneer attachment).
• Teeth may become more sensitive as the preparation procedure removes some enamel.
• Veneers can dislodge if you bite on something hard or sticky.
• Not an ideal option for people with bad teeth and a habit of teeth clenching and grinding.