Before veneers can be applied to the teeth, the teeth
and veneers need to be prepared. First, the dentist
removes
of a thin portion of the tooth’s enamel and then
impressions are
taken of the prepared teeth and sent to a dental
laboratory
where the veneers are custom-made. The veneers are
created to
match the existing teeth’s shape, size, and color for a
natural appearance.
Once the veneers are ready, the patient returns back to
the
office to have the veneers placed. The new restorations
are
bonded in place with a special dental bonding glue,
which is a
strong adhesive used for many restorations, including
dental
bridges and
dental
crowns. It is long lasting and durable, allowing
patients to rest easy when enjoying their favorite
foods.
However, patients should be careful not to bite or chew
on
hard objects, such as pencils or ice, or bite their
nails,
which can cause the restoration to crack and/or fall
off.
Patients who have a condition called bruxism, which
involves clenching and grinding of the teeth during
sleep, should
speak to their dentist about the benefits of using a
specialized mouth guard. This is an oral appliance worn
over the
dental arch at night that protects both the natural
teeth and the veneers.
