If you are looking for a way to achieve that gorgeous smile, veneers can be one of the methods at your disposal. Veneers are coverings that provide an attractive and smooth surface over the teeth and disguising its flaws. Dental veneers look just like natural teeth.
Dental Veneers: All You Need to Know
Dental veneers are used to correct:
- Discoloured teeth
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Misshapen or crooked teeth
- Large gaps or uneven spaces between the teeth
Dental veneers can be made up of composite resin material or porcelain. Your dentist can provide guidance on the material that will work best for you. Each kind of veneer offers certain benefits. For instance:
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite resin veneers are made from tooth-coloured filling material. They are bonded to the tooth. Some of the benefits of composite resin veneers include:
- They will require fewer visits to complete (at times a single visit will suffice)
- They cost less compared to porcelain veneers
- They are easier to repair when damaged
How Composite Resin Veneers are Placed
- Once the tooth has been reshaped or prepared, the dentist will bond and sculpt the composite material onto the tooth surface that has been treated with an adhesive.
- A special light will be used to harden the composite so it bonds to the teeth.
- The veneers are polished.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are made of thin porcelain shells that are tailored to fit the tooth. Some of the benefits of porcelain veneers include:
- They are durable and long-lasting
- They have a surface that looks natural
- They require less tooth structure to be removed compared to crowns
- They are stain resistant
- Porcelain can colour-correct more severely discoloured teeth than composite can.
How Porcelain Veneers are Placed
- After the teeth have been prepared, a mould or impression of the prepared teeth is created. The dentist will also decide on the veneer shade that will be best for you
- The impression will be sent to a dental lab that creates custom-made porcelain veneers
- The creation of the porcelain veneers can take several days
- Patients are given temporary veneers for the time being while waiting for the permanent one to be created
- During the next visit, the dentist will place the veneers on the teeth and check the shape and fit
- After any adjustments, the teeth are cleaned and the veneers are permanently bonded to the tooth
What You Need to Know Before Getting Veneers
- You need to have healthy teeth and gums before getting veneers. This means your dentist will have to treat any decay or gum disease before the veneers are placed.
- Veneers are not a great option if you grind or clench your teeth. Since dental veneers are thin, they can easily break or chip.
- While your dentist will only remove as little enamel as possible, the process cannot be undone.
- It is possible that dental veneers can become loose over time. If it loosens, you will need to replace them.
- As with other dental procedures, it is ideal that you discuss your expectations and inquire about other options available before getting dental veneers.
- As mentioned earlier, veneers can break or chip under pressure. That said, avoid chewing on hard objects and biting your fingernails.
- Veneers may not be suitable for all patients. Often, some patients may benefit from minor orthodontic treatment instead of going straight to veneers.
- Expect to wait for a few days before getting used to the feel of your veneers. Inform your doctor right away if your bite seems off after the veneer has been placed so it can be corrected before you leave the clinic.