A dental veneer is a thin layer of porcelain bonded to the tooth. It is suitable for teeth that are traumatized, fractured, discoloured, misshapen, or misaligned. Because ceramic is semi-transparent, it mimics the natural lustre of teeth, providing a very aesthetic and natural appearance.

Compared to dental crowns, veneers require less removal of tooth structure and do not alter normal biting or chewing functions. Modern ceramic materials offer strength and performance close to natural tooth tissue with high colour fidelity.

Treatment Procedure:

1. Consultation and Diagnosis: Discuss your needs with a dentist to determine if veneers are suitable for you.
2. Colour Selection: Choose a shade that matches the natural tone of your teeth.
3. Preparation and Impression: The dentist trims the labial (outer) surface of the tooth and takes a 3D digital impression for computer analysis and preview.
4. Installation: Once the veneers are ready, the dentist uses high-strength dental adhesives to bond the 0.5 to 0.7 mm porcelain flakes onto the teeth. The process is painless.
5. Follow-up Care: Receive advice on maintaining and cleaning the veneers to ensure longevity.

FAQs for dental veneer:

Precautions: You can eat immediately after the procedure. If you grind your teeth, you should wear a night guard. Avoid biting hard objects (shells, bones, ice) or nails.

Is it painful? Generally, no. It only involves minor trimming of the teeth and causes minimal discomfort.

Can I get a veneer for just one front tooth? Yes, each veneer is custom-made.

How long do they last? With proper care, they can last up to 20 years.

Do I still need professional cleaning (scaling)? Yes. Scaling helps maintain gum health and does not affect the veneers.