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Dental Veneers — Making Your Teeth Beautiful

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Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of the teeth, providing a natural, attractive look. They can be used to fix chipped, stained, misaligned, worn down, uneven or abnormally spaced teeth.

Types of Dental Veneers 
The two most common materials used in dental veneers are composite resin and porcelain. Both types of veneers can be fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory. Dental veneers that are fabricated in a dental laboratory are bonded to the teeth with resin cement. Porcelain material is brittle; however, when it is firmly bonded to the tooth it can become very strong and durable. Composite veneers can also be fabricated by the dentist inside your mouth at a dental office.

How are Dental Veneers Placed? 
The dentist would remove a small amount of the tooth surface to permit placement of the veneer. An impression is taken of the tooth and sent to the dental laboratory. The dental veneer is then made to fit the tooth and mouth. The veneer is bonded to the tooth with resin cement.

Cleaning Your Dental Veneers 
Dental veneers should be cleaned like your own teeth. Flossing once a day and brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste will help to remove food debris and plaque bacteria. Consult your dental professional about the oral care products they recommend to maintain the longevity of your dental restorations.

© Copyright Colgate-Palmolive Company 2010

11/15/2010

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.