Veneers are thin, custom-made crowns that are used to restore the look of a damaged or discolored tooth. A veneer is thin compared to a bridge and usually covers only one tooth. They are used to cover teeth that have no natural tooth left and are considered the most cost-effective way to improve the appearance of teeth.

Types of Veneers

The two types of veneers are fixed and removable. Fixed veneers are permanent and are used only on teeth that have no natural tooth left. These are used to cover the entire tooth structure so that the tooth looks whiter and more natural. They are made in several different styles and colors, so you can choose a veneer that fits your personality.

Removable veneers are also called “porcelain” veneers in some cases. They are made from porcelain and are not permanent. They are made to look like your natural tooth and can be easily removed if you change your mind. Types of removable veneers include:

• White: White veneers can be used to cover any color of teeth, but they work best with white teeth.
• Porcelain: Porcelain veneers can be used with any color of the tooth, but they are usually used on white teeth.
• Light Beige: Light Beige veneers are made of plastic and look like your natural teeth. They can be used on any color of teeth.

How A Veneer is Made

To create a veneer, a dentist will remove the damaged portion of your natural tooth, then place it on a special device so it can be shaped into the desired shape. After it is shaped, it is placed back into your mouth on a glass mold, which is called an impression. The impression is made using ultraviolet light to record the shape of the restored tooth.

The actual veneer is made using a material called porcelain, which is very hard and durable. The veneers are bonded to your natural tooth using a bonding agent, which involves heating and then putting the porcelain on the tooth, and then pressing the bond between the two. To make sure the bonding agent is not too hot, dental technicians will apply pressure for two minutes, then remove it for two minutes before applying pressure again for two minutes.

Removable vs. Fixed Crowns

Because removable veneers are not permanent, they can be easily replaced or removed if you want to change your look. In order to create a fixed crown, a dentist has to drill into the tooth and place dental crowns over the entire crown area (called “crown reduction”). This is more expensive and may not always be a good option for you if you want to change your look often.

Removable Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are more expensive than removable veneers because they are made from a more durable material that can be replaced more easily. However, if you have sensitive teeth or have had dental procedures in the past on your teeth, you may not be able to have porcelain veneers. In this case, you must have removable veneers.

Veneer Procedure: How It Works

If you’re considering getting removable veneers, you may be wondering what the process is like. Basically, it works like this: your dentist will remove a section of your teeth’s enamel layer using a special tool called a burr. Then, they’ll place the veneers on top of the tooth and use a light to fuse them to your tooth’s surface. Finally, they’ll polish the veneers to their desired finish.

It’s quite simple, really. And you can expect the whole process to take around two hours.

Cost of Veneers

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question since the cost of removable veneers will vary depending on your particular case and where you live. However, on average, removable veneers can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000.

So if you’re interested in getting them done, be sure to talk to your dentist about your specific needs and budget. Have a chat with your insurance company as well to see if they cover the cost.

Caring For Your Natural Teeth

Even with the veneers in place, it’s good to maintain your natural teeth and gums. That way, you won’t have to worry about any potential issues down the road. Here are a few tips to help you out:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss on a daily basis.

• Avoid eating hard foods and drinks that contain lots of sugar or acids.

Repairing Broken Or Damaged Veneers

If you break a veneer, there are ways to fix it to avoid further damage or to create a new veneer for placement over the original one:

• After removing the broken portion of the veneer, fill in the space with a bonding agent and place it back in your mouth to allow it to set for two hours before removing it again for two hours. Repeat this process as many times as necessary until you can put in your new crown or veneers. This may mean having multiple crowns or additional false teeth created to serve as your new veneer.
• If you do not want to replace the broken portion of the veneer, use a stronger bonding agent and add a temporary crown over it to hold it in place until it can be replaced with a permanent replacement later on at a dental office.

A veneer can improve your smile’s appearance without adding bulk or volume to your face. Because they don’t require drilling into your teeth, they may also be a good option for you if you have sensitive teeth or have had dental procedures in the past on your teeth.