What are veneers?

Dental veneers, also commonly known as porcelain laminates, are thin porcelain shells that are bondedonto the front surfaces of teeth to improve their appearance.

When do I need a veneer?

Veneers are indicated for:

• Closure of minor gaps in between teeth
• Correcting the angulation of mildly angulated teeth
• Improving the appearance of teeth affected by internal stains (i.e. stains that cannot be removed by routine scaling and polishing)

What does the treatment involve and what are the risks?

Veneers are bonded onto the external surface of the tooth structure, and in order for them to fit well, the surface of the tooth would require trimming to allow for the thickness of the porcelain laminate. This is an irreversible process involving the removal of a thin layer of the tooth structure.

In order for the veneer to be bonded onto the underlying tooth, it is important that there is sufficient enamel for a predictable bond. A lack of enamel means that there would be a higher risk of cement failure, potentially leading to decay. Teeth which have large fillings are not suitable for veneers. Your dentist will assess your suitability during the consultation visit.

As the veneers are commonly made of ceramic material, it is advisable for the patient to avoid eating hard food over the veneered tooth to avoid fracturing the ceramic.

How should I care for them?

In addition to daily brushing and regular dental check-ups, the veneers need to be cleaned daily with floss to ensure that plaque is removed. Please refrain from biting hard food using the veneers, as ceramic fracture or debonding may occur.