Veneers are small pieces of porcelain or plastic that are cemented to simulate the natural look of teeth. Veneers can be used to restore the appearance of fractured teeth, gaps between teeth, bite imperfections, or mask discolored teeth.

The amount of time a veneer can last depends on the individual patient. The average lifespan of a veneer is approximately 10-15 years.

The process to get veneers is typically divided into three different appointments. The first appointment will be the initial assessment phase. At this appointment, you meet with Dr. Martin to discuss the issues you want corrected, whether veneers are an option, and how the rest of the treatment plan will be developed.

The next appointment will be the preparation appointment. To adhere correctly to an existing tooth, the teeth will need to be lightly buffed to allow for the added thickness of the veneer. About .5 of a millimeter will be removed, sometimes with a local anesthetic. The dentist will also create a mold of the tooth to send to the dental lab for creation of the veneers.

At the final appointment the veneer will be bonded to the tooth. The veneers are initially put on the tooth with water or glycerin for the dentist to verify the fit and the color of the veneer. Once everything is verified, the veneer is chemically bonded to the tooth.

Continue to follow good oral hygiene practices after placement of the veneers, including brushing and flossing. You may notice a slight difference to the feel of your teeth after the placement of veneers due to the change in thickness from your teeth.