There are two main types of veneers. There are conventional veneers and ultra-thin veneers. Teeth are prepared for conventional veneers by trimming off a very thin layer of enamel. This is necessary to keep the thickness of the teeth approximately the same as it was before placement of the veneers.

Ultra-thin veneers do not require as much preparation. When these veneers are ready for placement, the fronts of the teeth are roughened with an etching solution. The ultra-thin veneer bonds better with the tooth when the surface has been etched.

There are pros and cons to each type of veneer and the decision should be based on an analysis of the final result the patient wants and the process he or she is willing to experience along the way.

To trim away some of the enamel surface for conventional veneers, most dentists will numb the patient ahead of time. By contrast, ultra-thin veneers require no shaving away of the front of the tooth, so no injections are needed. If a person wants veneers, but they are anxious about dental treatment, they may favor the ultra-thin veneer.

On the other hand, conventional veneers will generally have a translucence that is more like that of natural teeth. If you look at your teeth in bright light, you will see that your teeth are not solidly white. You can see through the lower part of the tooth to some degree. Ultra-thin veneers must be made from a very durable ceramic material that will compensate for that thinness, but it does, not at this time, possess that translucence.

Conventional veneers are also thicker than ultra-thin veneers and this can add a little bulkiness to your teeth. If a person’s teeth are too small or have gaps, adding a little bulk may not be a problem. One thing to keep in mind is that once conventional veneers are placed, there is no going back to bare teeth again because of the removal of enamel. In some unique cases, the placement of ultra-thin veneers can be reversed.

When you are considering veneers, Dr. Murphy will help you consider all these points so you can get the result you want.

The first step to getting veneers is the planning stage. What do you want corrected? What color do you want your teeth to be? What improvements can be made to your teeth without affecting your bite? Are there any underlying conditions to be corrected and is there any decay that needs to be repaired first?

Once the decisions and any needed repairs have been made, your new smile can appear quickly, usually in just a couple of visits scheduled two weeks apart.

At your preparation visit, the procedure will vary by the type of veneer you are to receive. If you are getting conventional veneers, you will be numbed and the selected teeth will be thinned down to permit the veneer to be placed over the front and tip of the tooth. It might be necessary to place temporary veneers over these teeth until the final veneers have been manufactured by the dental lab. Otherwise, the front of your teeth can feel rough and more sensitive until the final veneers are placed.

After thinning, the dimensions of the teeth and specifics of your bite must be recorded which can be done with soft plastic material pressed into the teeth or it can be done digitally. A special camera designed to fit inside the mouth will record every dimension in a format that can be used by the lab to create your veneers.

With ultra-thin veneers, temporary veneers will not be needed because no tooth material will have been removed.

When the manufactured veneers come back from the lab, you will be scheduled to return to have them permanently cemented in place. This process should not require numbing. First, Dr. Murphy will try them on and ensure that the fit and color are exactly what was specified. Small corrections might need to be made at this point. They can actually be test-glued to your teeth so you can make a final determination before permanent placement.

Once you and Dr. Murphy are happy with the color and fit, the permanent cement will be used to attach the veneers to the teeth. In the case of ultra-thin veneers, the etching process will be done just before this placement.