Veneers....
In dentistry, a veneer is a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer, composite and dental porcelain. A composite veneer may be directly placed (built-up in the mouth), or indirectly fabricated by a dental technician in a dental laboratory, and later bonded to the tooth, typically using a resin cement such as Panavia. In contrast, a porcelain veneer may only be indirectly fabricated.
HISTORY...
Veneers were invented by a California dentist name Charles Pincus. At the time, they fell off in a very short time as they were held on by denture adhesive. They were however, useful for temporarily changing the appearance of actors' teeth.
Research started in 1982 by Somonsen and Calamia revealed that porcelain could be etched with hydrofluoric acid and bond strengths could be achieved between composite resins and porcelain that were predicted to be able to hold porcelain veneers on to the surface of a tooth permanently. This was confirmed by Calamia in an article describing a technique for fabrication and placement of Etched Bonded Porcelain Veneers using a refractory model technique and Horn describing a platinum foil technique for veneer fabrication. Additional articles have proven the long-term reliability of this technique.
Today, with improved cements and bonding agents, they typically last 10-30years. They may have to be replaced in this time. The cost of veneers can vary depending on the experience and location of the dentist. In the US, costs range anywhere from $1,000 a tooth upwards to $2,500 a tooth as of 2009. Porcelain veneers are said to be somewhat more durable and less likely to stain than veneers made of composite.
INDICATIONS...
Veneers are an important tool for the cosmetic dentist. A dentist may use one veneer to restore a single tooth that may have been fractured or discolored, or multiple teeth to create a "Hollywood" type of makeover. Many people have small teeth resulting in spaces that may not be easily closed by orthodontics. Some people have worn away the edges of their teeth resulting in a prematurely aged appearance, while others may have malpositioned teeth that appear crooked. Multiple veneers can close these spaces, lengthen teeth that have been shortened by wear, provide a uniform color, shape and symmetry and make the teeth appear straight.
ALTERNATIVES...
In the past, the only way to correct dental imperfections was to cover the tooth with a crown. Today, in most cases there are several alternatives: crown, composite resin bonding or porcelain veneer or even cosmetic contouring or orthodontics.
HISTORY...
Veneers were invented by a California dentist name Charles Pincus. At the time, they fell off in a very short time as they were held on by denture adhesive. They were however, useful for temporarily changing the appearance of actors' teeth.
Research started in 1982 by Somonsen and Calamia revealed that porcelain could be etched with hydrofluoric acid and bond strengths could be achieved between composite resins and porcelain that were predicted to be able to hold porcelain veneers on to the surface of a tooth permanently. This was confirmed by Calamia in an article describing a technique for fabrication and placement of Etched Bonded Porcelain Veneers using a refractory model technique and Horn describing a platinum foil technique for veneer fabrication. Additional articles have proven the long-term reliability of this technique.
Today, with improved cements and bonding agents, they typically last 10-30years. They may have to be replaced in this time. The cost of veneers can vary depending on the experience and location of the dentist. In the US, costs range anywhere from $1,000 a tooth upwards to $2,500 a tooth as of 2009. Porcelain veneers are said to be somewhat more durable and less likely to stain than veneers made of composite.
INDICATIONS...
Veneers are an important tool for the cosmetic dentist. A dentist may use one veneer to restore a single tooth that may have been fractured or discolored, or multiple teeth to create a "Hollywood" type of makeover. Many people have small teeth resulting in spaces that may not be easily closed by orthodontics. Some people have worn away the edges of their teeth resulting in a prematurely aged appearance, while others may have malpositioned teeth that appear crooked. Multiple veneers can close these spaces, lengthen teeth that have been shortened by wear, provide a uniform color, shape and symmetry and make the teeth appear straight.
ALTERNATIVES...
In the past, the only way to correct dental imperfections was to cover the tooth with a crown. Today, in most cases there are several alternatives: crown, composite resin bonding or porcelain veneer or even cosmetic contouring or orthodontics.
