The word veneer means "to cover with a thin layer of a more costly material."  This is done to make the material being covered more attractive in appearance.  A Dental veneer can be made from a composite (an acrylic resin) or from a porcelain laminate (thin layer of porcelain) that is adhesively bonded to the surface of a tooth.  It is done to repair chips and cracks in the tooth as well as change the shape of the tooth or to cover severely stained or discolored teeth. Veneers can also be used to fill in gaps between your teeth. Veneers are not permanent but can last many years and give you a beautiful smile.

For more information about composite veneers refer to Composite Bonding.

Porcelain veneers are more durable and longer lasting than composite veneers.  Porcelain veneers will require at least two dental visits to complete. The first visit involves preparations and taking a mold or impression of your teeth and then selecting, with your dentist, the shade (color) of the veneer.  The veneers are then produced in a dental laboratory. The second visit consists of bonding the veneer to the tooth using a bonding cement and a special light beam that hardens and sets the bond.

Veneers do need to be looked after and so you will also receive instructions from your dentist on how to best care for them.

Irina Rodriguez, D.D.S.

(Serving Ojai, Lake Casitas, Santa Paula, Oxnard, Ventura, Carpinteria)

117 Pirie Rd., Suite A

Ojai, CA  93023

Phone: (805) 646-3700 Emergency: (805) 415-4478

irinarod@sbcglobal.net