Dental veneers are wafer-thin tooth-colored shells fixed over your teeth to improve their appearance. They can be customized to change the teeth color, size, shape, or length. They are made from either composite resin material or porcelain.
Porcelain veneers are better stain-resistant and will make your teeth look more natural. Your dentist will help you in selecting the right material for your veneers. To create a dental evenness, most people get five to eight veneers in their front teeth.
Types veneers
Most dental veneers are made from porcelain, a durable ceramic-based material. Veneer application can also be done traditionally, which comprises more preparation work than the alternative ‘no-prep’ veneers.
The traditional application of veneers involves relentlessly grinding the tooth structure to the desired shape or size. Sometimes part of the tooth is removed past the enamel. It can be a painful procedure. Our doctors recommend using a local anesthetic when performing this procedure.
Conversely, no-prep veneers are easy to administer. Although the procedure may require some preparation too, it’s minimal. Instant veneers change your smile with just a single visit to the dentist. They also don’t need any aesthetics in most cases. No-prep veneers are of two types:
- Porcelain Veneers – These are made from high-quality, durable ceramic and are customized to the shade of your teeth for a seamless look. They have a dynamic quality that mimics the light surrounding giving teeth a natural look, just like your enamel. You will go through a minimal prep-procedure for application but with a long-lasting smile transformation.
- Composite resin – Composite veneers cost less but have similar rejuvenating benefits as ceramics. Your teeth cracks, gaps, chips, and discoloration will all be solved and will allow you a radiant comfortable smile. However, due to the difference in materials, they are not as long-lasting compared to ceramic veneers.
Unlike tooth implants and fillings, veneers cover only the front part of the teeth. Tooth implants require total removal of the entire tooth for replacements. Crowns cover the whole tooth, the same as root canals.
When do you need dental veneers?
Veneers regularly fix:
- Teeth, worn out due to old age or permanent deformation of teeth due to corrosion by substances.
- Chipped or broken teeth – For fractured teeth, removable veneers are very suitable.
- Teeth discoloration – Excessive fluoride, root canal treatment, tetracycline, and other drugs or large resin particles can discolor your teeth.
- Misaligned teeth, asymmetrical shaped teeth or teeth with bulges
- Gaps between teeth.
Depending on the type of veneers you get, they can last for up to a decade without needing replacement. You can also make them a semi-permanent investment.
Preparation for your appointment
You will need a pilot appointment with your dentist before getting your veneers. Here you will discuss the right options of veneers for you. You might also need braces before your doctor places the veneers if your teeth are crooked or irregularly shaped.
We recommend x-rays during this stage. Your dentist will check for tooth infections such as gum disease, tooth decay, or if you might need root canal treatment. The presence of these conditions disqualifies you from getting veneers.
If the dentist finds it fit for you to have dental veneers, your teeth will be trimmed by say half a millimeter where the enamel is removed using a grinding tool.
If your condition is not fatal, our dentists can recommend removable veneers, for flexibility. It takes approximately two weeks for your mold to be fully processed from the lab.
Precautionary Measures
For durability, once your porcelain or composite veneers are in place take the following preventive measures:
- Don’t open packaging covers or bottle tops using your teeth
- Avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, your fingernails or ice
- Use your back teeth for chewing harder food
- Get a retainer or splint if you grind or clench your teeth during sleep
- Always wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
Veneers require preparation before having them placed. The decision can be a permanent change in your life, thus necessitating a need to first discuss the implications with your dentist first.