Veneers
Veneers (Minimal Preparation through Full Preparation)
Dr. Spoor, one of Seattle's Top Dentists*, has transformed thousands of smiles using veneers.
A veneer can be a very thin** (0.2mm) to thick (several mm) covering of porcelain or composite (termed bonding, see below for description) placed on the tooth. They can be placed on any surface of the tooth for aesthetics or functional changes. When placed on the front surfaces of the front teeth, they are typically used to change shape, color, close spaces, repair extensive decay and or regain correct dimensions from wear or trauma.
They can very effectively block the stains from tetracycline or other medications that can cause the teeth to be very dark because of malformed tooth enamel. They can be placed on the biting surfaces of back teeth (onlays) and can change the bite, restore worn tooth structure and or decrease sensitivity. They can also be placed on the inside surfaces of certain teeth to affect the way the upper and lower jaw functions and can reduce pain from TMD (see below).
Veneers are a versatile and predictable way to restore the proper form and function to your teeth and ultimately your smile. Veneers can last for decades and require the same basic maintenance of natural teeth, making them a design of choice for those seeking the ultimate in the current state of art dentistry can create.
Many companies are now marketing the 'no-prep' veneer directly to the public. These can be viable and aesthetic choice in the right situations. However, in the hands of a skilled dental artisan like Dr. Spoor, these minimally invasive designs can be very beneficial and beautiful and are a viable and aesthetic choice. When done at the highest level, they are invisibly natural and even another dentist will have difficulty telling 'is it real or is it a veneer?'"
* As voted on by his peers.
** There are techniques that can be used that require very limited alteration of the natural tooth structure in the design and placement of veneers.
