What is it?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover the front side of teeth to improve the overall appearance of teeth. They are made of either thin plastic resin or porcelain and can be placed to:
- correct poorly formed or mildly mal-positioned teeth
- close gaps between teeth
- mask internal stains
- restore partially broken-down teeth
Tooth preparation is minimal and confined to the enamel structure. The veneer is bonded to the tooth structure with tooth-coloured resin cement.
How are veneers made?
A small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth, usually the same thickness as the veneer will be. An impression (mould) is taken by the dentist and sent to a dental technician for the veneer to be made in the laboratory. The veneer is then bonded to the tooth to form a strong and natural-looking repair.