Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry Veneers in our Fargo Clinic

Veneers are most often applied over the front-most teeth to correct stained, cracked, chipped, or crooked teeth. Smaller, more localized problems may be treatable using dental bonding procedures.

Veneers are made of either porcelain or composite resins. Composite resins are applied directly to the teeth, and then shaped appropriately. Porcelain veneers are thin hard shells that must be constructed in a lab before being bonded over the teeth.

Composite veneers are typically less expensive than their porcelain counter-parts, but they have a significantly shorter life span and are prone to staining. Composite resin restorations last between five and seven years and are subject to staining, whereas porcelain veneers typically last well over 15 years and will not stain over time.

Unlike bonding procedures used for small problems, most veneers require a small amount of tooth reduction prior to placement. This means that the thickness of your teeth must be slightly reduced to provide enough room for the veneer. Lumineers® are unique in that they do not require tooth reduction to be placed.

Veneer Procedures

Lumineers®

Lumineers are painless because they don’t require painful removal of sensitive tooth structure. Dr. Harr applies these contact lens-thin “smile shapers” to teeth without any grinding or shaving and can transform misshapen, worn teeth into a naturally beautiful smile that looks perfect for every individual. They can even be placed on porcelain bridgework and crowns.

Lumineers are the best of both worlds—ultra-thin, yet super strong for a radiant smile that resists any cracking, which can damage restorations. They are also completely reversible.

Porcelain Veneers

To begin fitting you with veneers, the enamel of the teeth may need to be slightly reduced. The teeth are very minimally prepared, usually between 0.5mm and 1.0mm. An impression of the area is taken, which will be sent to a dental laboratory to construct the veneers. You may be fitted with temporary veneers until your final restoration is completed. Often, no anesthetic is needed for this procedure.

Next, we will carefully check the completed veneers for proper color matching and fit.

During the final placement of the veneers, the teeth to be bonded will be cleaned and polished. A special bonding agent is applied and light cured. Then a final contouring and polishing of the veneer to the tooth completes the procedure.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers can be applied during a single office visit. After careful discussion of desired results and options for treatment, we will help you choose the correct color for your veneer.

Next, the resin will be directly applied to your teeth and carefully sculpted into the desired shape. The area is then treated to solidify the bond between the tooth and the veneer.