Teeth and Jaw Problems: Finding Answers for Your Pain

Posted on: 10 December 2014

For more than three decades now, people have been using porcelain veneers to perfect their pearly whites and improve that first-impression smile. Veneers are a simple and relatively no-fail way to get the smile you want—they can disguise stains and correct misshapen or crooked teeth. Read on for more information.

The Process

By definition, a veneer is a thin sheet of material. In dentistry, a veneer is a thin strip of porcelain or composite material that is pasted over the front of an existing tooth to obtain a certain shape and/or color. The procedure typically requires three visits:

1. During the first visit, you will meet with your dentist or other oral specialist who will examine your mouth and determine if you are a candidate for veneers.
2. The second visit will entail preparing your existing teeth to accept veneers. An hour or two will be needed to buff your teeth, removing a small portion of your enamel to make room for the additional bulk of the veneers. Your oral care professional will take a mold of your teeth, which will be used to create the veneers.
3. The final visit will involve the actual placement of the veneers. Your teeth will be cleaned and coated with a cement that will help them bond with the veneers. The color and placement of the veneers will be fine-tuned to achieve the look you desire. Rather than creating a perfectly white, painfully symmetrical look, veneers can be subtly shaded and oriented to create "perfect imperfections."

The Benefits

Unlike some dental work, veneers have an extremely long life expectancy, with few problems reported during that time. In fact, one study followed up on veneers after 48 months and reported that all were still clinically acceptable. Veneers have greater color stability than bonding, meaning you can go ahead and drink that morning cup or coffee without worrying or feeling guilty.

Another benefit to using veneers is the relatively painless operation—little to no anesthesia is needed while prepping the mouth for and installing veneers.

Finally, one major appeal of veneers is the immediate gratification they offer. Following the initial diagnosis and planning visits, a person can visit their prosthodontist for just an hour or two and leave with a beautiful, uniform smile. In a short amount of time, veneers can correct several aesthetic problems including crooked or misshapen teeth, discoloration, uneven spaces, chipped teeth, or teeth that are the wrong size.