Teeth that are badly stained, crooked, chipped or mis-shaped may be improved by a veneer placed on the surface of the affected teeth.

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain cemented over the front of your teeth, like fingernail tips. Veneers are used to improve the appearence of teeth with uneven surfaces or are chipped, discolored, oddly shaped, unevenly spaced or crooked.Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable flaws, such as teeth stained or discolored by tetracycline, by an injury, or as a result of a root-canal procedure. Patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider porcelain veneers. Little or no anesthesia is needed. Veneers have a longer life expectancy and color stability than bonding, and highly resist staining from coffee, tea, or even cigarette smoking.

Veneers are usually made by Dr. Vito's dental lab technician working with you, Dr. Vito and a model provided by Dr. Vito. Veneers are usually irreversible because it`s necessary for Dr. Vito to remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. Typically, veneers entail at least three appointments: 1. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning, 2. Tooth Preparation and Impression, and 3. Placement of the Veneer.

During the tooth preparation visit, usually lasting one to two hours, the teeth are lightly buffed to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Usually, about a half a millimeter of the tooth is removed, which may require a local anesthetic. During the same visit, a mold is taken of the teeth, and sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneers.

During the "Placement" visit, also about one or two hours, the veneers are placed on the tooth surface with water or glycerine and a discussion is held between you, the dental ceramist and Dr. Vito to make sure everyone is happy wiht the esthethics before the final cementation of the Veneers.While the veneers are resting on your teeth, they can be adjusted with various shades of cement to match the color of your teeth. To apply the veneer, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. Once a special cement is sandwiched between the veneer and tooth, a visible light beam, or laser, causes a catalyst to be released, hardening the cement.

Certain patients may be eligible for no preparation Veneer if certain requirements are met. Ask Dr. Vito if you qualify.

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