Veneers are one of the most popular dental procedures, but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. Many patients don’t know what to expect from the veneer process or even what veneers are made of.
In this article, we’ll give you the lowdown on everything you need to know about veneers, from the benefits to the risks. By the end, you’ll be an expert on all things veneer-related!
Defining veneers and their purpose
Veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells that are placed over teeth to improve their appearance. They cover a wide range of cosmetic issues like uneven, worn down, chipped, and misaligned teeth. They’re also an ideal treatment for stains that don’t improve with teeth whitening.
By bonding veneers directly to the tooth’s surface, they can be used to create a more aesthetically pleasing shape and colour.
Porcelain veneers are more translucent and natural-looking than composite ones but require more of the tooth’s surface to be removed before placement.
Composite veneers, also known as resin veneers, require less invasive preparation than porcelain veneers, which makes them ideal for smaller corrections in areas where porcelain may not be suitable.
No-prep veneers are other options like Lumineers and Vivaneers available, which involve a faster application process with less discomfort. These brands of porcelain veneers provide an effective solution to many dental issues.
With no-prep veneers, scraping out the layers beneath your tooth enamel is no longer necessary. Instead, this technique just affects the exterior of your teeth. Plus, in most cases, you don’t need anaesthetic or temporary dental veneers.
Ultimately, using these custom-made pieces allow people worldwide to enhance their smile appearances safely and effectively!
Porcelain veneers procedure
Getting veneers is a great way to improve the appearance of your smile. Many patients will start the dental veneers procedure with a consultation with their dentist, who will take X-rays and scans of their mouth to determine if they’re a good candidate for veneers.
Your dentist will also explain the different types of materials available and discuss what may be best for you. You will also choose the colour of porcelain.
Next, your dentist gives your teeth a thorough cleaning. This is paramount to prevent bacteria from settling beneath the veneer and fueling decay.
Following their process, they use the grinding tool to create a rougher surface on each natural tooth structure that will be fitted with a veneer. This makes it easier for the adhesive of the veneer to hold onto its respective tooth firmly. This process ends by fitting you with temporary veneers until your permanent one is ready.
Once your dentist has designed the veneers, they are made in a special lab just for you.
On your next visit, your dentist will fit them with dental cement and make any adjustments needed until everything looks perfect.
Finally, the veneers are polished with the same sheen as natural teeth, resulting in a beautiful transformation! With proper care, veneers can last up to 10 years or more, and no one will be able to tell they’re not natural teeth!
The benefits of veneers
This approach to cosmetic dentistry is not only effective in rebuilding natural smiles, but it’s also permanent, which makes it much more attractive than alternative solutions.
Custom porcelain veneers offer an even more intricate and personalised fix for those looking for a better fit and natural look.
Whether you’re looking to brighten your smile or correct minor irregularities, porcelain veneers are definitely a great option that can make a world of difference!
List the risks associated with getting veneers
Getting veneers can be an effective cosmetic tool to improve your smile drastically, but there are risks associated with this dental procedure.
On the mild end of the scale, the placement of veneers may require more than one office visit and cause some temporary tooth sensitivity.
In addition, bacteria can accumulate beneath the veneer and lead to decay or irritation of the underlying gums.
There is also a risk that veneers could be placed unevenly, leading to cosmetic imperfections or bite misalignment issues.
Finally, porcelain veneers are hard objects and may not blend in perfectly with your natural teeth if they become chipped or cracked over time.
It would be best to consider these potential complications before opting for dental veneers as part of your oral care plan.
Offer tips for those considering getting veneers
If you’re thinking of getting a dental veneer, there are a few important points to consider.
- Firstly, ensure that the dentist who will be performing the procedure is highly experienced and trustworthy. Ask them detailed questions and make sure they have all the appropriate qualifications.
- Secondly, it’s important to get an idea of the cost before booking your appointment, as costs can vary significantly depending on which country you live in, how many veneers you require, and the quality of materials used.
- Last but not least, take some time to do your own research; looking at photographs of other people’s results and asking others about their experiences will give you an understanding of what is achievable with veneers so that you feel fully informed when making this decision.
Veneers vs dental crowns: Which is better?
Unlike a dental crown, veneers are an efficient way to aesthetically improve the outward appearance of your smile since they only cover the tooth’s front surface, while crowns cover the entire tooth structure.
Veneers are even more advantageous, as these thin shells (measuring 1 mm) require less tooth material shaven off than a standard crown which has a thickness of 2 mm. Veneers provide a far less invasive option than crowns -when getting a crown, your dentist will have to grind down more of your tooth in order for it to fit the prosthetic.
Taking care of your veneers
Unlike many other oral surgeries, the recovery from your veneers won’t take very long at all!
In only a few hours after they are cemented on and the anaesthetic has worn off, you can go back to consuming food and chomping away like usual.
However, while it’s wearing off, be aware of not biting down too hard on any part of your mouth, or else it’ll chip or break.
After your veneers have properly adhered to your teeth, you may recognise an unfamiliar and slightly rough feeling. This is likely due to excess cement left behind on the veneer. Most of these irregular patches will be worn away with normal brushing and eating habits in a few days’ time. However, if they remain after this point, feel free to consult with your dentist about having them smoothed out for full comfort!
Porcelain veneers typically remain intact for a minimum of 10 years, with some studies indicating they can survive up to 20.
In comparison, no-prep veneers have an estimated lifespan of 5 to 7 years. However, if you are vigilant about taking the necessary precautions and follow all instructions from your dentist regarding care and maintenance, these numbers may increase significantly!
These precautions include:
- Avoid biting hard objects, such as pens, ice cubes, or even your fingernails, if you don’t want to damage your teeth.
- Don’t risk damaging your teeth by using them to tear open packaging.
- When you’re chewing, make sure to use your molars instead of your incisors. For harder foods, do not hesitate to cut them into smaller pieces so the back teeth can handle them more easily.
- If you suffer from bruxism or the habit of grinding your teeth at night, a splint or retainer can be an effective way to safeguard your veneers.
- A mouthguard is an essential piece of protective gear for athletes.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a way to cover up tooth stains or want to achieve a straighter, whiter smile, veneers may be the solution for you.
Veneers are wafer-thin shells of dental porcelain that bond directly to the front surfaces of your teeth.
They offer many benefits, including improved appearance and decreased risk of further tooth damage. Although getting veneers is generally safe, some risks are associated with the procedure.
Before deciding to get veneers, it’s important to consult with a qualified dentist who can help you determine if they’re right for you and explain the process in detail.
If you’re considering getting veneers, Boutique Dental Care in Chatswood can help. We offer high-quality dental services, and our team of experts would happily answer any questions you have about the treatment. Contact us now on (02) 9054 5281 and make your appointment!
Sources
The Success of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design and Material Type
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311473/
Cosmetic dentistry
https://www.dental.columbia.edu/patient-care/columbiadoctors-dentistry/our-services/cosmetic-dentistry
Veneers
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/veneers/
Crowns
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/crowns/