What is a veneer?
Dental veneers (called porcelain laminates sometimes) are thin custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve appearance. These shells are bonded to the front surface of the teeth changing their color, shape, size or length.
Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with your dentist.
What Types of Problems Do Dental Veneers Fix?
- Teeth that are discolored – either because of root canal treatment; stains from tetracycline or other drugs, excessive fluoride or other causes; or the presence of large resin fillings that have discolored the tooth
- Teeth that are worn down
- Teeth that are chipped or broken
- Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped (for example, have craters or bulges in them)
- Teeth with gaps between them (to close the space between these teeth)
How is a crown done?
During the first visit, the dentist will prepare the tooth, removing about 1/2 mm of the enamel of the tooth surface. An impression will be taken and sent to the dental laboratory.
A temporary material will be placed on the tooth until the permanent veneer is ready to be cemented.
The following visit, the veneer will be cemented in place, after checking the bite.
Are veneers covered by dental insurances?
No. Usually dental insurances don’t cover dental veneers because they are considered esthetic.