What Are Veneers?

Veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic or resin material that are bonded to the fronts or backs of the teeth, much in the same way that artificial fingernails are attached to the fingers. The only requirement is that the teeth be structurally sound.



What Are They Used For?

Veneers are used to correct cosmetic defects on teeth or to correct the bite (the way the teeth come together). Cosmetic imperfections that can be corrected with veneers include teeth that are slightly crooked or stained. There may be gaps or chips or the teeth may be uneven. In the past, the only way to correct these or other imperfections was to cover the tooth with a crown.

The advantage of veneers over crowns is that the teeth don't require extensive shaping prior to the procedure. Sometimes this means that little or no anesthetic is required. However, some teeth will require more extensive shaping prior to receiving veneers.

Veneers made from porcelain or resin look natural. Porcelain veneers resist stains from coffee, tea or smoking better than resin veneers. On the other hand, resin veneers may be able to be made thinner and require less tooth structure to be removed before they are applied. The decision to use resin or porcelain should be made on an individual basis.

Veneers usually require three dental visits: one for a consultation and two to complete the veneers.

Preparation

During your first visit, Dr. Fichter will examine your teeth to make sure veneers are appropriate for you. She will thoroughly explain what the procedure will involve and some of the limitations.

How It's Done

On the second visit, Dr. Fichter may need to remove up to a millimeter and a half of enamel to accommodate the thickness of the veneers. (In some cases, no enamel removal is required.) This procedure is not painful, but may be bit uncomfortable for some people. However, use of a local anesthetic will relieve the discomfort.

Next, Dr. Fichter will take an impression of the teeth, which will be sent to one of the best dental laboratories in the state. The laboratory manufactures the veneers to fit your teeth. It usually takes one or two weeks for the veneers to be made. A temporary veneer may be applied during this time.

The veneers will be applied during the third visit. Dr. Fichter will apply them temporarily with water or glycerin first, so she can check the fit and color and you can see what they will look like. If the color is not quite right, the color of the veneers or the cement can be adjusted. Sometimes the veneer will need to be sent back to the laboratory to get the ideal shade.

Once you're satisfied with the veneers, Dr. Fichter will clean your teeth thoroughly and cement the veneers with bonding agents, which are hardened with a blue light.

Follow-Up

It can take time for you to get used to the appearance and feel of your new teeth, but you won't have to do anything special to care for them. You should be careful not to bite your nails, chew on pencils, ice or other hard objects, or otherwise put unnecessary pressure on your teeth, because the veneers can come off. You won't have to change the way you floss or brush. Dr. Fichter will probably ask you to come back in a few weeks so that she can check the veneers.

How do I set up an intial appointment for veneers?
Please call our office at 269.385.2100 to schedule an appointment or schedule an appointment online. If you have any additional questions, we will be more than happy to answer them for you.