WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?
The Process
Initial Consultation
Our dental specialist/ dentist will find out the details of your medical and dental history, go through a consultation and examination and take a digital X-ray of your teeth to enable a thorough and detailed diagnosis. We will examine your teeth to determine if veneers are the appropriate solution for you. Good quality enamel and good gum health is required for successful bonding of the veneer to your tooth.
Preparation of the Veneer
In order to place the veneer on the tooth, some enamel may need to be removed from the front of the tooth surface. The amount of enamel removed is minimal and will be the same as the thickness of the veneer to be fitted, so that the tooth stays the same size. An impression of the tooth will then be made. The colour of your surrounding teeth will be matched on a shade guide to make sure that your veneers will look natural.
Bonding
Before the veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will check to see if the colour and fit are suitable, and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the proper fit.
Next, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched to prepare it for a strong bonding process. Then, a special adhesive is used to bond the veneer to the tooth. A light is applied to the veneer, which activates the cement to cure and bond the veneer in place. Thereafter, final adjustments, if necessary, are made.
The entire treatment can be completed in 4 to 5 days, and will involve about 2 to 3 visits to the dentist.
Follow Up Care
Depending on the situation, you may be required to return for a follow up visit to ensure that the veneers, your gums and teeth are doing well.
Veneer teeth are no stronger or weaker than your own natural teeth. With a proper home care oral regime and regular professional maintenance every 6 months, veneers will last longer. Research has showed that veneers can last up to 10 to 15 years. The success rate for veneers is about 85% over a period of 10 years. This means that out of 100 veneers procedures done, about 15 of them need to be repaired or done again.