Dental veneers are custom-made, thin shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth, offering a way to improve a smile’s appearance. They are a popular cosmetic dental solution used to address issues like discoloration, minor misalignment, chips, or gaps between teeth. Crafted from materials like porcelain or composite resin, these restorations are bonded directly onto the existing tooth structure. The treatment’s goal is to provide a uniform, brighter, and aesthetically pleasing smile that blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural teeth.
Directly Answering the Question: What Veneers Cover
Veneers are bonded directly over your existing real teeth, acting like a new front surface for the tooth. They are designed to conceal cosmetic flaws that cannot be corrected by simple whitening or orthodontic treatments. Once affixed, the ultra-thin shells create a durable layer that masks the original tooth’s appearance.
The two primary materials used are porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are known for being highly durable and stain-resistant, closely mimicking the translucent quality of natural tooth enamel. Composite resin veneers are made from a tooth-colored material that is often applied in a single visit, though they are less durable than porcelain.
Preparing the Natural Tooth
To ensure the veneer looks natural and does not appear bulky, the natural tooth requires a preparation step. This involves removing a small amount of the outermost enamel layer, typically ranging from 0.3 to 0.7 millimeters, which is roughly the thickness of a contact lens. This reduction creates the necessary space for the veneer material to sit flush with adjacent untreated teeth.
This process is sometimes called shaping or buffing, and it is necessary for ensuring a proper fit and secure bond. Once the enamel is reduced, the natural tooth is permanently altered, meaning it will always require a veneer or similar restoration for protection. Impressions or digital scans of the prepared teeth are then sent to a dental laboratory for custom fabrication.
While the permanent veneers are being crafted, a dentist may place temporary veneers to protect the exposed tooth surface and provide a preview of the final result. A local anesthetic is used during preparation to maintain patient comfort. The shaped tooth surface provides the base for the final, strong adhesive bonding.
Living with Veneers: Maintenance and Longevity
Veneers are a long-lasting cosmetic solution, but they are not permanent and will eventually need replacement. The expected lifespan varies based on the material chosen and the patient’s habits. Porcelain veneers typically last between 10 to 15 years, while composite resin veneers require replacement or repair after about five to seven years.
Maintaining veneers requires standard oral hygiene practices, including daily brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Flossing is also necessary, though patients should be careful around the edges of the restorations to avoid damage. To extend their life, patients must avoid biting down on extremely hard objects like ice, hard candies, or using their teeth to open packages.
If a patient grinds their teeth at night, wearing a custom-fitted nightguard is recommended to protect the veneers from wear and fracture. When a veneer eventually chips, cracks, or shows signs of wear, the underlying, prepared tooth remains, and a new veneer is simply bonded in its place.