There are two types of veneers that are commonly used: porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers. Porcelain veneers are more durable, and generally exhibit better stain resistance. The properties of the material also help to create a very natural-looking tooth due to the translucence of the thin porcelain. These veneers require two office visits, the first to shape and record and impression of the teeth, and the second to bond the laboratory made veneer to your teeth.

Unlike porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers are not made in a laboratory, but instead directly applied to the teeth. The benefits of composite veneers are that they can be completed in a single visit and are less expensive than porcelain veneers because there are no laboratory fees involved.  An additional benefit is that, while porcelain veneers are more durable, composite veneers have the ability to be modified and repaired.

When should you consider dental veneers?

• Teeth are stained or discolored
• Teeth are crooked or mis-shaped
• Teeth have spaces between them
• Teeth are broken or chipped

Porcelain Veneers -- The 4 Step Process

Two visits to Burns Family Dentistry are required for porcelain veneers. During the first visit, three important steps are completed.  The final step of the process is completed in the second visit.

Step 1: Your teeth are prepared to be fitted with a veneer, which will involve trimming a portion of the tooth in order to make room for the veneer to be bonded to the tooth. There are certain cases when the teeth do not need to be modified.  These cases are referred to as “no prep” veneers and need to meet specific requirements.

Step 2:  Following the preparation, an impression is recorded of the teeth, which is then sent to a laboratory to fabricate the veneers.

Step 3: Temporary veneers are fabricated and bonded to your teeth. These temporary veneers will protect your teeth while the permanent veneers are prepared at the laboratory.  The temporary veneers will also allow both the dentist and you, the patient, to evaluate the esthetics and function of the veneers.  This esthetic evaluation allows us to communicate with the laboratory about the size, shape and position of the veneers.

Step 4: At the second visit, the temporary veneers will be removed. Then, the new veneers received from the laboratory will be evaluated based on fit, color, size and shape. It's best not to adjust porcelain veneers after they are bonded to your teeth, so any adjustments will be made beforehand. Once you are satisfied with the look and feel of the veneers, they will be permanently bonded to your teeth.