Porcelain (or ceramic) veneers are placed on teeth to improve the esthetic appearance, colors or shape.  Porcelain veneers can be used for heavily worn teeth, fractured, discoloured, or deformed teeth. A thin layer of enamel is removed from the front surface of the tooth and then replaced with a bonded porcelain veneer.  During the fabrication of the veneer (usually 7-10 days) at the lab, temporary plastic veneers are made to protect the teeth.  They are then exchanged for the final product at the insertion appointment.

1.  How much of the tooth is prepared?

Answer:  About 0.5-1 mm of of the front surface of the of the tooth is removed.  It is desired that only the enamel is prepared but occasionally some of the dentin is exposed.

2.  What happens to the teeth while the porcelain veneers are being made?

Answer:  The prepared teeth are covered with acrylic temporary veneers.  This is a plastic-like material that will be removed at the following "insertion" appointment.  Because of the delicate nature of the temporary veneers,  the patient must be very careful with eating and brushing.

3.  Are there any side-effects of ceramic veneers? 

Answer:  It is possible, but fairly infrequent, that a tooth will be sensitive to hot or cold.  This is usually transient and typically disappears after a few days or weeks.

4.  Are there any precautions with the ceramic veneers?

Answer:  Yes, although the veneers are bonded very well to the surface of the teeth,  it is still important not to bite into very hard foods.  It is possible to chip the porcelain.  Also, Patients that have a habit of grinding or clenching their teeth have a higher risk of damaging the veneers.

Photo Gallery of Veneers