Veneers
In Dental terms, a veneer is a strong, wafer thin outer shell, that is custom made to fit, that is used to cover only the visible area of the tooth. Veneers are commonly used on the forward facing teeth, or the visible teeth that others see when you are smiling, and the chewing surfaces of the tooth. They are easy to apply, look and function just like real teeth and have a permanent bond. Other terms for tooth veneers are “Porcelain Veneers” or “Porcelain Laminates”.
Dental veneers can be made from porcelain, or other materials such as a special resin composite. Both kinds have their strengths and weaknesses. In terms of advantages, veneers made from porcelain tend to resist staining compared to resin composite based veneers. Porcelain also reflects light more naturally than it’s resin counterpart. On the other hand, when it comes to veneers made from resin composite, it tends to be thinner and require less of the tooth surface before it is placed. In addition, if a fracture or repair is needed, it can be quickly patched using the same resin material used to create the veneer. Porcelain veneers, if damaged have to be completely replaced.
Patients typically are a good candidate for veneers when:
- Teeth are stained
- Teeth have been worn down significantly
- Teeth have been chipped, fractured or broken
- Teeth are malformed, have craters and or bulges
- Teeth have gaps between adjacent teeth (veneers may help to close the gaps)
Dr. Bartlett can help you understand the benefits and advantages of each type of veneer option, answer questions about the procedure involved and help you decide if veneers is the right option for you. If you are a suitable candidate, veneers can totally transform a person’s smile, restoring confidence and improving the quality of their lives.
If you have questions for Dr. Bartlett about veneers, give her office a call today! She will be happy to help!