Dental veneers or famously, porcelain veneers are the most popular and go-to cosmetic procedures today. These are custom-made, wafer-thin, tooth-colored shells that cover the front surface of your teeth, amping up their aesthetic. They are the perfect solution to numerous teeth issues like regular wear-and-tear, chips, breaks, stains, etc. Veneers are cemented to teeth and can correct any defects in color, shape, size, and length. They not only correct any defects but also offer extra protection to the natural teeth.
Dental Veneers – Types
Dental veneers can be made of either of two materials – porcelain or composite resin. However, since resin isn’t as durable as porcelain veneers, the latter is preferred. Porcelain veneers also resist stains better than resin ones. Furthermore, their light-reflecting properties are much better.
Your dentist will advise you which kind of veneer material works better for you, after an examination.
Dental Veneers – Uses
The main use of veneers is redesigning a person’s smile. And since they can’t be placed onto the posterior teeth because of it being high-stress areas, their purpose is increasing the aesthetic value of the front teeth.
Some cases which warrant the placement of dental veneers are –
- Discolored tooth due to root canal treatments, drugs like tetracycline, excessive fluoride, resin fillings, etc.
- Worn-down teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Irregularly shaped, uneven, or misaligned teeth
- Presence of gaps between teeth
You can always opt to get veneers if you’re unsatisfied with your smile. Aesthetic causes are the biggest reason for veneers, especially in the celebrity world.
Dental Veneers – Procedure
Getting porcelain veneers usually involve 2-3 visits to your dentist. From the initial examination to the placement of the veneers, it can take a couple of weeks. Multiple teeth can get veneers at the same time.
- In the first visit, which will be consultation, your dentist will thoroughly examine your oral cavity and take X-rays. They will assess if you’re a good candidate for veneers. They’ll also ask about your requirements, and formulate a treatment plan.
- The second step can take place in the first visit, or a subsequent appointment. The teeth are “prepared” for dental veneer placement. This involves cutting down the tooth structure to make room for the veneers. This step may or may not involve the use of anesthesia.
- However, if your teeth require some restorative work like a root canal treatment, or filling, they’re done before tooth preparation. This additional dental work can increase the number of appointments, and ultimately, the total time taken to complete the veneer procedure.
- After the enamel has been shaved down, the dentist will take impressions of your mouth. These are then sent to the dental laboratory for fabrication of veneers. Your dentist might place temporary veneers to avoid any sensitivity until the final ones are cemented.
- The final dental veneers are available 2-4 weeks after they’re sent to be fabricated. In the last appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers. They will place the final pieces to see if they fit your teeth properly.
- To prepare the tooth for cementation, they are cleaned, polished, and etched. The etching renders the tooth surface rough to allow strong bonding. Cement is applied to the veneer and placed onto the tooth. Once the veneer is placed, a special light is used to harden the cement.
- The final steps involve removing any excess material, checking the bite, and making any readjustments. You might be asked to visit your dentist in the future for follow-ups.
Dental Veneers – Advantages
- Can be tailor-made to suit patient’s requirements.
- The safest option for smile design.
- The natural appearance of veneers is the biggest pro.
- Porcelain veneers are tolerated well by gums.
- Porcelain Veneers are stain-resistant.
- Different shades are available to custom match your natural teeth.
- They don’t require a lot of cut down of the natural teeth, as opposed to dental crowns.
- They also don’t require any special maintenance, other than regular hygiene habits.
Dental Veneers – Disadvantages
- Veneers are expensive and aren’t usually covered by insurance. (We have our in-house insurance at Rivers Bend Family Dental – so don’t worry about this particular point.)
- This treatment cannot be undone.
- If they chip or crack, they have to be replaced. They cannot be fixed.
- Due to cutting down your natural teeth, they can become more sensitive to heat and cold.
- Teeth with veneers are still prone to decay, especially when they’re maintained properly. If they do experience any decay, the veneers will have to be removed, and possibly replaced with dental crowns.
- The color of the veneers can’t be altered once they’re placed. If you want to bleach/whiten your teeth, you’re going to have to get it done before getting dental veneers.
- Veneers aren’t a good choice for people with unhealthy teeth, gum disease, or weak teeth. Moreover, people with habits like grinding, clenching aren’t good candidates for veneers.
- Although rare, veneers can displace, or fall off. This is why patients are advised to not chew on hard foods, bite their nails, or put too much pressure on their teeth.
Dental Veneers – Life and After Care
Porcelain veneers usually last a good 7-15 years. They would require replacement afterward. They don’t usually involve any special care. But proper oral hygiene is mandatory – brushing twice a day, flossing between the teeth, and using an antiseptic mouthwash – as you would regularly. Professional cleanings and regular follow-ups are also important for ensuring the long life of your veneers.
Although porcelain veneers aren’t prone to staining, your dentist might recommend avoiding foods and drinks that cause staining. These include tea, coffee, wine, etc. And as mentioned before, hard foods should be avoided.
If you feel like you need to reinvent your smile, or are just wondering if you are the right candidate for veneers, hop on over to Rivers Bend Family Dental. Our expert dentists will listen to your concerns, and provide advice. And if you’re the right fit for a cosmetic upgrade, you’ll be in solid hands! Call us at (763) 576-1855 to book your appointment today!
