All About Veneers

Veneers have gained a lot of popularity over the years, due to the pleasant aesthetics they bring to a smile. Veneers are thin coverings that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth. They are used to replace the shape of teeth, fill spaces and blend colors of teeth that may have demineralization or discolored pits.

There are two types of materials generally used for veneers: porcelain and resin/composite. Porcelain doesn’t stain as easy as composite/resin. For this type of veneers, the tooth is prepped and an impression is sent to a lab to makes the veneers. It can take 2-3 weeks before the final veneer is placed on the tooth. The cost of these can be nearly the same as a crown.

Resin/composite veneers are another option. They do not require much removal of the existing tooth structure and can be placed same day. They appeal to many because you can leave the same day with your smile feeling complete. There is quite a bit more maintenance with resin/composite veneers, as they tend to collect more stain and can wear with time.

Both types of veneers can be more susceptible to breaking or chipping if a patient’s bite is not favorable. If the front teeth touch end to end, or a patient does a lot of clenching and grinding, veneers tend to require more maintenance.

Depending on what type of veneer you are having placed, you may need local anesthetic to keep you comfortable while preparing the teeth. You may also need impressions of the teeth so they create a perfect fit at the lab. A tooth shade is also taken to match them to your existing teeth. The teeth are prepped with a drill and, if doing resin veneers, placed the same day with the filling material.

When caring for your veneers, continue to brush and floss as usual. Keep the gums healthy around the materials, and see your dentist for routine exams. You may also be advised to avoid hard, crunchy foods. If a veneer does happen to come off, break or stain, be sure to bring it to your dentist’s attention so they can assess what your options would be for replacing or fixing them.

Want to learn more about your veneer and other cosmetic dentistry options?

Schedule an appointment with our Rochester dentists today.

Family Dentist Tree is a family-oriented dental office located in Rochester, MN. Whether you need a cleaning, filling, crown, root canal, treatment for gum disease, or teeth whitening, we are here to help you with all your dental needs. We serve all ages, and our offerings include family dental care and senior plans. Request an appointment online or call us at 507-288-1188.