Tooth Veneers

About the Procedure

Tooth veneers are dental cosmetic implants that cover the front of the teeth, changing their outward appearance. Veneers can be used to cover gaps between teeth, give misshapen or uneven teeth a better shape or give chipped, discolored or damaged teeth a fresh, smooth look.

The veneer itself is extremely thin and most commonly made of porcelain. Porcelain is ideal for this procedure for several reasons. For one, the gums are not irritated by porcelain. Also, on an aesthetic level, it has similar light reflecting properties to a natural tooth and is also extremely stain resistant. Resin can also be used to construct the veneers but they lack the aesthetic qualities of porcelain. The one advantage that resin offers over porcelain is that it requires less surface enamel to be removed from the tooth before placement, which can be a key distinction for people with structurally weaker teeth.

The process begins with both an x-ray and a teeth molding being taken of the patient. Using these as references, a dental laboratory fabricates the veneer and sends it back to the dentist. Then a buffing tool is used to shave off a small portion of surface enamel from the front of the tooth. A unique dental cement is placed on the back of the veneer and then it is pressed against the tooth and positioned. Finally, a precision instrument which fires a directed light beam is pointed at the veneer. The light reacts with the cement to induce a bond between the veneer and the tooth, completing the process.

This procedure is performed in the dentist's office. As the surface enamel has no nerve receptors, there is typically very little to no pain, though local anesthetic may be used at the patient’s request. Properly installed porcelain veneers can last up to 10 years before needing replacement. As the procedure is entirely cosmetic, it is not covered under dental insurance.

What to Know Before the Procedure

Veneers are a popular alternative to full dental crowns. The surgery is far less involved and requires a lot less tooth matter to be shaved off. However, some teeth may be too damaged or have lost too much enamel to be suitable for veneers. In such cases a crown is the better option. After your dentist x-rays your mouth, discuss the results with them to determine if your teeth are strong enough for veneers.

People decide to get veneers because they want their teeth to look a certain way. Be sure to tell your dentist exactly the look you are trying to achieve. Be open about your goals for the procedure. Not only will this allow the dentist to better suit your needs but it will also give him or her the opportunity to inform you if your goals are realistic and attainable. Once the veneers have been fabricated and shipped to your dentist's office, ask to see them before the procedure to make sure they look the way you want them to. The process is not truly reversible so it pays to be sure about what the final product will look like.

What to Know After the Procedure

Since some of the surface enamel is shaved off in the process, it is possible you will experience a heightened sensitivity to hot and cold substances in the tooth that has been worked on. This may subside or lessen with time, but is normal and expected. While veneers are strongly bonded to the tooth, on rare occasions they can come loose. To minimize the chances of this occurring, avoid putting excessive pressure on the veneer by not chewing hardened foods with it. Expect to replace the veneer within 5 to 10 years of having it put on.

If you Need to Travel Outside of your Local Hospital

Porcelain veneers are quite costly, as much as $1,500 per tooth, and your insurance company does not typically help pay for them. While, the savings on doing one tooth in a foreign market might not be a huge savings, if you are having several done it can make a very big difference. Since the procedure is easy to travel with and can be performed at a high level in a variety of regions, it may pay to travel internationally to have it done, especially if you desire veneers for several teeth.