Why is this procedure done?
A dental veneer is a thin tooth cover. A veneer is used to cover the front of your natural tooth to make it look better. ‚
There are two types of veneers. Ceramic or porcelain veneers are stronger and last longer. Resin or composite veneers are made from a putty-like substance. ‚
Dental veneers are done to: ‚
- Make a tooth look whiter
- Fix a chipped or broken tooth
- Improve the look of your tooth
- Reshape your tooth
- Cover an area of your tooth that is stained
What will the results be?
Veneers will improve how your teeth look. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your dentist will take your history and look at your teeth. Your dentist may order:
- Mouth x-rays
- A mold of your teeth
- Talk to your dentist about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the dentist about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your dentist if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your dentist about them.
What happens during the procedure?
- You may need one or more visits to complete the veneer procedure. Each visit may take about an hour.
- During your first visit, your dentist may numb part of your mouth.
- Your dentist will remove a very small layer of enamel from the tooth. Your dentist will place the veneer over this.
- Resin or composite veneer:
- May be done in one visit
- The dentist will bond the resin veneer directly to your tooth.
- Ceramic or porcelain veneer:
- Is made in a lab to fit your tooth.
- Your dentist may put on a temporary veneer to protect your tooth until the permanent one is ready.
- Your permanent veneer will be ready in 2 to 3 weeks.
- During your next visit, your dentist may numb the mouth and replace the temporary veneer with the permanent veneer.
- Your dentist will make changes to the color or size so they match your other teeth.
- Your dentist will cement the permanent veneer to each tooth. The dentist will remove any extra cement and make any final changes.
What happens after the procedure?
You can go home after the procedure. Your dentist will let you know if you have any diet limitations during or after your treatment. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your dentist what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
- Avoid foods that stain your teeth and veneers, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
- Avoid chewing on ice, biting your fingernails, and grinding your teeth.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your veneers. Be sure to keep these visits. During your follow-up visits, your dentist may tell you if more care is needed. ‚
It is important to take good care of your teeth and veneers. ‚
- Go to the dentist for regular check ups.
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times each day.
- Floss your teeth at least 1 time each day.
- Eat a healthy diet.
What problems could happen?
- You may feel the hot or cold of foods more. This should be temporary. If it continues, contact your dentist.
- Veneer may chip or crack
- Veneer may come loose
- Veneer may fall off
- Area around the veneer may stain over time
Where can I learn more?
Academy of General Dentistry ‚
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=V&iid=339&aid=1363 ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/v/veneers ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚