Veneers
Veneers (also known as laminates) are thin, custom made ‘shells’ permanently bonded to the front of your teeth. They are usually made of porcelain.
Veneers can transform teeth that are broken, chipped, stained or have large gaps between them, and some crooked teeth as well.
Veneers improve the colour and shape of your teeth, and give a spectacular lift to your smile. Your teeth don’t lose any of their strength, and you’ll be able to bite and chew normally. Veneers are also highly resistant to staining.
How is the treatment done?
Your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the front of your tooth. A mould is taken, and sent to a dental technician who makes the veneer. When the veneer is ready, your dentist uses a resin to bond it to your tooth. The treatment is quick, and requires little or no anaesthesia.
Are all teeth suitable for veneers?
No. Veneers are very thin, so they are not as effective on heavily filled, blackened or root-filled teeth. In these cases, crowns are more suitable. Inside a tooth is a fine space called the root canal. The root canal contains the dental pulp which consists of nerves and blood vessels. If the dental pulp becomes diseased or dies, a toothache or an abscess may occur. In the past these problem teeth were extracted but now your dentist can offer you root canal treatment to care for these teeth.
Content Acknowledgement: NZDA: For more info: The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA)
