For many of us, achieving that dream smile can be a game-changer in our lives. Thanks to advancements in cosmetic dentistry, processes like veneers are now more accessible, effective and can offer a natural look that mimics the look of your existing natural teeth.
Dental veneers have revolutionised smile makeovers and allowed countless individuals to enter the world with newfound confidence. However, many people are apprehensive when they hear that the dentist might, ‘shave your teeth.’ Let’s explore everything you need to know about veneers and shaved teeth.
Veneers: What are they?
Before diving into the process of veneers (shaved teeth in particular), it’s important to understand what dental veneers are. Dental veneers are ultra-thin porcelain veneers or composite resin veneers custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They can be utilised to correct various cosmetic dental procedures such as chipped, broken teeth, slightly crooked teeth or discoloured teeth.
The Veneers Application Process
The veneers procedure, particularly the teeth shaving process, generally involves several steps. The initial steps in the veneer process are diagnosing and planning your treatment, followed by preparation and bonding.
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
The journey to a new cosmetic smile begins with your dentist. This initial consultation is when you can openly discuss your smile makeover goals and desired aesthetics. The cosmetic dentist will thoroughly examine to ensure veneers are the right dental treatment for you. They may take X-rays or make impressions of your teeth and mouth.
Tooth Preparation
Tooth preparation, or teeth shaving, is critical in the veneer process. This involves reshaping your tooth surface to make space for the veneer. Your dentist will give you a local anaesthetic before removing a thin enamel layer.
The amount of enamel removed is typically the same thickness as the veneer that will be added to the tooth’s surface. This ensures the veneer will not appear bulky and will provide the desired shape corrections for a natural look.
It’s important to note that the tooth structure shaved off is permanent. Hence, the veneer procedure is considered irreversible. However, recent advancements have led to the introduction of no prep veneer treatment, which requires little or no preparation of the tooth enamel.
Making Your Veneers
After the dentist prepares your existing teeth for veneers, they will make a model or impression of your teeth. This model is sent out to a dental lab, where your veneers will be custom-made. This process can take up to a few weeks. In the meantime, temporary veneers might be placed on your teeth for aesthetic purposes.
Bonding
Once your veneers are ready, the final step is bonding. Your dentist will install the veneers on your teeth to check the fit and colour, trimming and adjusting as necessary to ensure a perfect fit. Before the veneers are permanently bonded to your real teeth, your dentist will clean, polish, and etch – roughen – your teeth to allow for a strong bonding process. Special dental cement is put on the veneers, which are then placed on your teeth. A special light beam is then used for the cement’s chemical activation, causing it to harden quickly.
Composite and Porcelain Veneers: What are the Differences?
Porcelain and composite veneers each have their benefits. Porcelain veneers are exceptionally durable and resist stains well. Thanks to hand layering porcelain in the dental lab, they closely mimic the appearance and translucency of a natural tooth. Composite resin veneers, conversely, are less expensive and require less tooth surface shaving, making them a minimally invasive option.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Proper care post-treatment is crucial to maintaining your new veneers. Remember, veneers require the same level of care as your natural teeth. This includes maintaining good oral health practices such as regular teeth brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Avoiding hard or crunchy foods can also assist in extending the life of your veneers.
The Cost of Veneers
The cost of veneers can differ depending on many factors, including the number of veneers you need, the type of veneers (porcelain or composite veneers), and your dentist’s expertise. Discussing the cost with your dentist during your initial consultation is important.
The Journey Beyond Veneers
While we’ve detailed the veneer process of shaving, it’s essential to appreciate that dental veneers, either porcelain or composite, are just a single facet of the multi-faceted world of cosmetic dentistry. In our pursuit of the perfect smile, it’s beneficial to understand how veneers fit into the broader spectrum of dental procedures and their potential impact on our overall oral health.
Veneers vs. Crowns: Making the Right Choice
Dental veneers and crowns are both dental treatments that can enhance the functioning and aesthetics of your teeth. However, they serve different purposes and are used to resolve different issues. While veneers are majorly used for cosmetic purposes, crowns typically repair damaged teeth or improve their function.
Crowns are placed on the entire tooth, down to the gum line, providing strength and protection for a broken or weakened tooth. Conversely, veneers adhere only to the front surface of the teeth. Discussing these options with your dentist, who can guide you towards the right choice for your dental health, is always best.
Veneers and Younger People
For younger people, getting veneers, especially when it involves tooth shaving, is a decision that should be carefully considered. Younger teeth often have large, healthy nerves, and the process of shaving down the tooth could lead to nerve damage or require root canal treatment.
A conservative approach is often recommended for younger people, starting with minimal prep veneers. Traditional veneers or crowns can be considered later if further alterations are needed.
Veneers and Gum Health
Another important factor to consider when exploring the veneer process of shaving is your gum health. An unhealthy or unnatural gum line can affect the appearance of veneers. Additionally, the presence of gum disease can complicate the veneer procedure. If you’re considering veneers, ensuring good oral health can help improve the final result.
The Longevity of Veneers
While veneers can drastically enhance your smile, they don’t last forever. The lifespan of your veneers can differ based on the type of veneer (porcelain or composite resin), the expertise of the dentist, and your dental care routine.
Porcelain veneers usually last longer compared to composite resin veneers because of their durability and stain-resistant qualities. However, even with proper care, they may need to be replaced every 10-15 years. On the other hand, composite veneers often need to be replaced more frequently, approximately every 5-7 years.
This factor is important to consider when assessing the veneer procedure, as it might involve multiple treatments over your lifetime.
Veneers and Future Dental Treatments
The choice to have veneers, particularly with tooth shaving, could affect future dental procedures. For example, if you decide later on that you want to undergo orthodontic treatment or jaw surgery, veneers could complicate these procedures.
In some cases, veneers might need to be removed before orthodontic treatment or even jaw surgery can proceed, increasing the overall cost and time commitment. This is another reason why understanding all the implications of shaving when getting veneers is crucial before making a decision.
Veneers: The Art and the Science
Veneers are both a science and an art. The science lies in the precise result of tooth preparation, impression-taking, and the lab process. Dental lab technicians create precision veneers that take into account the specific measurements of your teeth and the unique attributes of your smile.
On the other hand, art comes into play with the aesthetic aspects. Each veneer’s shape, colour, and incisal translucency are customised to suit your face, skin tone, and personal preferences. For many patients, this combination of art and science results in veneers that truly replicate the beauty of natural teeth.
The Psychological Impact of Veneers
While the physical transformation brought about by veneers is apparent, its psychological impact is an often-overlooked aspect of the veneers process. Veneers offer more than a cosmetic dental procedure for individuals with broken teeth, slightly crooked teeth, or other imperfections. They can provide a life-changing boost in self-confidence and personal well-being.
A beautiful smile is often associated with success, attractiveness, and overall happiness. By improving the smile line’s aesthetic aspects, veneers can profoundly affect an individual’s social interactions and personal relationships.
But it’s not all about appearance. A study conducted on patients who received dental veneers showed a marked improvement in their overall satisfaction with life. This included satisfaction with their smile makeovers and an enhancement in their overall mental well-being.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Dentist
Finally, the success of the veneers process shaving relies heavily on the expertise and artistic vision of the dentist. Finding a cosmetic dentist who has experience in conducting the procedure, understands your desired aesthetics, and is committed to achieving the most natural look is paramount.
Each step must be meticulously handled, from the initial consultation to the final bonding of the permanent veneers. Ensuring your dentist uses quality dental products and collaborates with a reputable dental laboratory can mean the difference between veneers that transform your smile and ones that fall short of your expectations. In the realm of cosmetic dentistry, the combination of technical skill and artistic flair is vital for optimal outcomes.
Conclusion
The shaving process that might be required when getting veneers may sound daunting, but it’s a tried and tested pathway to the beautiful smile many patients crave. With the ability to address various cosmetic concerns with a minimally invasive procedure, it’s no surprise that veneers have become such a popular choice in cosmetic dentistry.
No matter your dental needs or dreams, veneers could be the perfect solution for you. So, if you’re ready to start your journey to a perfect white smile, why wait?
Don’t leave your dream smile in your dreams. Contact Boutique Dental Care today and take the first step towards a new, confident you. Our team of experts can guide you comprehensively through the veneers process of shaving, helping you get a Hollywood smile that looks beautiful and feels fantastic. Contact us today for a consultation at (02) 9054 5281. Let’s make your dream smile a reality.