Veneers

A damaged smile caused by gaps, stains, chips, or malformations of the teeth can be easily covered with a dental veneer. A veneer is a thin, tooth-colored shell of dental material that is cemented onto the front of a damaged tooth.

The preparation for a veneer is less dramatic than other tooth restoration options. A small amount of tooth enamel is roughed up slightly to allow the bonding cement to better attach to the tooth. Other methods require much more enamel to be removed.

Veneers can be attached in just one office visit, returning the patient to their normal routine immediately. The procedure is painless and quick.

Veneers were invented when moving pictures began production. Actors and actresses did not want their images to be preserved with imperfect smiles. Dentists were asked to find a remedy for improving the appearance of the actors’ smiles.

In this early stage of dentistry, the adhesives available to glue the veneers to the teeth were not very strong. The veneers would only last for a few days and need to be reapplied. Advancements in dentistry and adhesive technology have introduced much stronger bonding agents to allow veneers to remain on teeth almost permanently. Another advantage of veneers is the ease with which they can be replaced if damaged.