How Do Veneers Work?

According to the National Health Service (NHS), veneers are a new surface intended to fit over the fronts of teeth. They're thin and coloured to blend in. Veneers cover up imperfections such as chips, tooth decay, stains or crooked teeth. In most cases, they are irreversible because a small portion of existing tooth enamel is removed in order to place them.

Veneers are primarily made from composite resin or porcelain. It is worth noting that porcelain often takes longer to place than composite resin. After removing a bit of enamel, your dentist takes a mould (or impression) of the problematic teeth. That impression is sent out to a lab that designs the veneers. This can take several days and usually requires the patient to schedule a return visit. Alternatively, composite resin veneers can be sculpted in the practice once a dentist reshapes and prepares the damaged teeth.

All veneers are then bonded to teeth with resin cement.

Both composite resin and porcelain veneers have a handful of benefits. On the one hand, composite resin veneers require less tooth enamel removal than porcelain, cost less than their alternatives, can be applied in one practice visit and are easily fixable if damaged. On the other, porcelain veneers are strong and resilient once placed, do not easily stain, look natural and require less enamel removal than crowns or caps.

Caring for veneers is the same as cleaning natural teeth. Brushing and flossing form the foundation of good oral health. Use a toothpaste that helps maintain a dentist-clean feeling with advanced-cleaning silica similar to what dentists use. Remember that your dentist is your ally when it comes to keeping your mouth healthy. Schedule regular cleanings and also ask about other products specifically designed to protect your veneers. Dentists are there to answer your questions, such as, "How do veneers work?". Your dentist can help determine if veneers are right for you.

Learn more about porcelain veneers in the Colgate Oral Care resources.