Veneer is a thin layer of porcelain or ceramic that is added on a tooth to improve esthetics as well as to protect the tooth from wear. Veneer can change the size, shape and color of teeth to certain extent.

When do you need dental veneers

• Discolored teeth due to staining such as tetracycline staining or flourosis.
• Worn or chipped tooth.
• To close spaces between teeth. This is only when the space between teeth is very minimal.

Procedure for Dental Veneers

Getting a veneer requires a couple of painless visits to the Dental Specialists.

• The tooth that requires veneer is prepared. Small amount of enamel is removed. The amount of enamel removed is equal to the thickness of the veneer to be placed. This is usually around 0.5mm
  Impression of the prepared tooth is taken. A temporary veneer or composite restoration maybe given if the tooth is very unsightly.
• Porcelain or ceramic veneer is prepared at the lab
• The veneer is bonded to the tooth using bonding agents or cement
• The color, shade and type of veneer can be decided by the patient in consultation with the dentists.
• After placing veneer coffee, tea, soft drinks etc are to be avoided at least for few days.
• Veneers have a long life however sometimes they may get chipped off due to excessive force on the veneer edge.

Cost of veneer varies depending on the material used as well as for the reason it’s being used.