Porcelain Crowns/Veneers

Veneers

A veneer is a type of dental prosthetic. It is a covering that is placed over the front of your natural tooth. Veneers are usually only applied to the part of the tooth that is visible when talking or smiling. The procedure can be direct or indirect.

The direct technique usually involves bonding composite resin on the outside of the tooth. This method is usually referred to as bonding.

The indirect technique usually involves two appointments, due to the need for the dental laboratory to fabricate the veneers.  At the first appointment, the teeth are prepared, impressions made, and then the teeth are given a temporary or provisional. Typically, two weeks later the veneers are ready from the laboratory, the temporaries are then removed and the veneers are bonded to the teeth. The laboratory fabricated veneers are generally made using porcelain or pressed ceramic and are very aesthetic.

The advantage of veneers versus crowns is that substantially less tooth structure is removed, and the procedure is generally less uncomfortable. Veneers are recommended for teeth that have large fillings or little tooth structure.