Dental Veneers

In dentistry, a veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the esthetics of a tooth/ or to protect a damaged tooth surface.

Types of Veneers

1. Composite – directly placed (built in mouth)
2. Porcelain – fabricated in lab.

Application

1. To correct minor tooth mal position.
2. To cover spaces.
3. Restore discoloured or fractured teeth
4. To enhance appearance and esthetics.
5. Discoloured teeth.

Alternatives

1. Crowns
2. Non-permanent dental veneers (which are moulded to existing teeth and reusable.)

Newer modifications

1. Lumineers
2. Durathin veneers
3. Vivaneers
4. No-prep veneers

The newer veneers reduce lesser or no tooth structure and the tooth preparation is confined to the enamel alone.

They are useful in cosmetic makeovers in adults.

In which cases is Dental Veneers not Advisable

1. Patients unable to follow oral hygiene.
2. When a tooth is broken, the broken fragment is bigger than the fragment remaining.
3. Severe bruxism.
4. Patient participating in violent sports.
5. Severe mal occlusion.