The Art of Veneers

Veneers are thin, custom-made moldings that cover the fronts of unsightly teeth. They are crafted from tooth- colored, high-tech materials to portray a natural, bright smile.

Veneers provide an alternative to traditional crowns. They cover unattractive gaps, and can mask stained, misshaped or crooked teeth. If these conditions apply to your mouth, veneers may be your best option.

Veneers are intended to last for many years. Unlike most bonding materials, veneers will not change color over time. You should consult with your dentist to find out exactly how long veneers will last in your mouth.

The tooth is reshaped initially to allow for the added thickness of the veneer. A molded image is taken of the reshaped tooth and sent to a dental laboratory where the veneer is custom-made to fit your mouth. The veneer is applied with adhesive material which bonds it to the original tooth structure.

Tooth-Like Appearance
Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth.

Stain-Resistant
Custom-made veneers resist stains from coffee, tea and cigarette smoke because they are made of high-tech, extremely polishable materials.

• A minimal amount of the natural tooth must be altered to fit the veneer.
• Veneers can be matched to make even the darkest teeth appear to be bright white.
• Minor twists and overlaps, as well as small gaps, can be quickly corrected through the use of veneers.

Brush and Floss Regularly to Prevent Oral Hygiene Problems.

• Veneers generally cannot be damaged by abrasion from your toothbrush or floss.
• Good oral hygiene will ensure your ve- neers stay strong and provide you with a long-lasting, attractive smile.

When considering veneers, keep in mind these important points before undergoing the treatment.

Non-Reversible Procedure Because a small amount of tooth is reduced to fit the veneers, the process is NOT reversible.

Anesthetic Advised Generally, the use of a local anesthetic is advised to maintain absolute comfort throughout the treatment process.

Strength of Veneers Veneers provide more strength when crushing an object than twisting or tearing. Therefore, just as with natural teeth, patients with veneers are advised to avoid opening nut shells, chewing on bones or any other matter that may cause the veneers to chip or crack.

Talk to Your Dentist Be sure to consult with your local AACD member cosmetic dentist to find out if veneers are right for you.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is the largest international dental organization dedicated to advancing excellence in the art and science of cosmetic dentistry and encouraging the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible patient care. Founded in 1984, the AACD has over 7,600 members in more than 60 countries around the globe. Members of the Academy include cosmetic and reconstructive dentists, dental laboratory technicians, educators, researchers, students, hygienists, corporations and dental assistants. AACD members pursue continuing education through lectures, workshops and publications in order to keep up-to-date with advancements in cosmetic dental techniques and technology.

The AACD is dedicated to excellence in cosmetic dentistry. To find out more about cosmetic dentistry, call the AACD toll-free at 800.543.9220 or visit us online at www.aacd.com.