Dental Veneers

What Are Dental Veneers?

There are many different dental works and it can be confusing to choose one that can fit your taste and resolve your dental problems. Dental veneers can be a beneficial and budget friendly way to improve your oral health and bring you a beautiful smile.

Dental Veneers and Types of Problems That They Can Fix: Dental veneers are custom made, ultra-thin shells that covers the front surface of your teeth. They can be used to cover irreparable stained teeth, crooked tooth, gapped teeth, chipped tooth, teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped and other dental imperfections. Fixing the above problems will prevent from any further injury caused by jagged edges and will protects your sensitive enamel.

Dental Veneers Material:

When it comes to making dental veneers, two materials are commonly used: porcelain and composite resin. Composite veneers are made from a synthetic mix of resin (plastic) and glass, which is applied to the tooth one layer at a time. Porcelain laminate veneers are thin “shells” of porcelain that are bonded to the front of the tooth. Composite veneers are convenient due to their low price. They can be applied on in only one visit since they require less preparation. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers are reversible; But they need more frequent check-ups. Composite material is strong but not as strong and durable as porcelain. Many dentists are no longer offering composite veneers because of their short lifespan, instead the offer porcelain which last much longer. Unlike composite veneers, porcelain materials are stain- resistant. Porcelain veneers need more preparation time. they are made in laboratory and the treatment takes longer; thus and so need more visits to be placed on your teeth. A potential drawback to porcelain veneers is that, if damaged, it can’t be repaired and should be replaced. You can decide the best choice of material based on your needs and discuss it with your dentist.

The Alternatives to veneer:

The alternative solutions to dental veneers depend upon the purpose of treatment. For example, for moderate teeth stains, in-office teeth whitening may be a solution. For fixing minor chips, dental bonding may be an option. Ultimately, dental veneers are the highest quality restoration in most instances when they are an option. However, as mentioned, this often comes at a higher cost.

Porcelain Veneers:

These are the common veneers used. Porcelain veneers are made from thin shells of ceramic and molded and custom designed to the shape of the tooth’s front surface. Once you apply them, the strength and resilience they offer are similar to the natural tooth enamel. It is a must to note that the process is irreversible and once you get them you can’t remove them. However, the appealing smile that porcelain veneers provide, makes it an excellent option for cases where the structure of the original tooth is compromised. When the tooth is discolored, porcelain veneers can make it brighter. They can also last for up to 10 years with proper care.

Composite Veneers:

These veneers are made from a composite resin and glass and are also called bonded veneers. The process of applying composite resin is faster than porcelain veneers. To many, the most significant advantage of choosing composite over porcelain is reversibility. Composite veneers are more prone to staining or chipping, meaning patients will make more visits to the dentist for repairs. They can last for five to 10 years, depending on the level of maintenance.
If you have severely damaged teeth, you should not choose veneers. Veneers only fix minor dental imperfections and cover just the surface of your teeth, if you have tooth decay and damaged your enamel you should get dental crowns that covers the entire surface of your teeth and restore both looks and strength.

Dental Veneer Procedure:

during initial consultation appointment, your doctor will examine your gum and teeth to determine if you are qualified for veneer treatment. If you are eligible, they will remove a thin layer of enamel using an acidic gel, make room for the veneers, this step is painful and might require local anesthesia. After that they will apply your custom made veneers on and your doctor will check your bites and adjust it until they are fully placed; after that your veneers will be permanently bonded using dental cement.

Can Veneers Fall off?

As they are permanently cemented, it’s not easy for them to fall off. If poorly made or cemented, they might fall off. But as they age the bonding diminishes and it can detach from the teeth surface.
Are Veneers Painful? The application of the veneers is painless and they do not cause discomfort. You might feel pain during the preparation that they grind your enamel. After they are installed you won’t feel pain.
Possible side effects: You might feel sensitivity and discomfort in your tooth because of removing some of the enamel. There is also a chance of gum inflammation too.
Snap-On Veneers or removable veneers, they are not permanent and you can put them on and take them off at any time. They don’t need any tooth reduction and are painless. Your dentist sending your teeth impressions and photographs to a laboratory, They will craft a personalized fit removable veneer for you. They are easy to carry around and compared to permanent veneers are far less expensive.

After Care:

Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss once a day, Consider using a whitening toothpaste to prevent stains. Visit your dentist or dental hygienist regularly to ensure your veneers are okay.

Things to avoid:

Chewing ice, directly biting on hard materials or crunchy food, or opening bottles with your teeth. Porcelain veneers are stain resistant, but it’s still a good idea to avoid dark-colored foods and beverages, such as berries, red wine, coffee and tea. These foods and drinks can stain your veneers over time.

So if you don’t like your smile and it has effected your confidence, you can talk to your dentist , choose veneers as a solution and reach your dreamy smile!