What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They can be used to address cosmetic concerns such as chipped teeth, discolored teeth, or gaps between teeth. Veneers are most commonly made from porcelain and are permanently bonded to your teeth. Some people may only get one veneer for a chipped tooth, while others may get six to eight veneers to create a more even and symmetrical smile. The eight front upper teeth are the most common teeth to have veneers placed on.
Types of Dental Veneers
Composite Veneers:
Composite veneers can mask minor cosmetic issues. Your dentist will use tooth-colored composite resin to achieve the desired results.
Porcelain Veneers:
Porcelain veneers can address a number of cosmetic imperfections. These restorations are custom-made to match the anatomy of your teeth. Your dentist will need to remove some enamel from your natural teeth. This roughens the surfaces of your teeth and helps the new veneers stay in place.
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Veneers?
Anyone who wants to improve the appearance of their smile can get dental veneers. Veneers can address the following concerns:
• Chipped teeth
• Gaps or spaces in your smile
• Stains that don’t improve with teeth whitening
• Teeth that are too small
• Misaligned teeth
It is important to note that if you have serious oral health issues, you should address them first before pursuing cosmetic treatments.
How to Find the Right Dentist for Veneers
While dental veneers are a relatively simple procedure, it is important to be careful when choosing the dentist who will perform the procedure. You can ensure the dentist’s competence by knowing their experience and qualifications, as well as their successful track record in performing veneer procedures.
A good dentist should have the following qualities:
• Specialized certifications in cosmetic dentistry
• Extensive experience and a significant number of satisfied clients
• Fellowship from international universities
• Specialized research and studies in the field of oral and dental treatment and aesthetics
• Dealings with reputable dental laboratories
• A valid dental license in the country where they practice
What Happens During the Initial Consultation for Veneers?
During the initial consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine if you are a good candidate for veneers. If you are a candidate, they will prepare your teeth by removing small amounts of enamel. After that, the dental lab may take a few weeks to complete your veneers. If necessary, your dentist can place temporary veneers in the meantime.
How are Dental Veneers Placed?
It usually takes one to two weeks after your dentist has created your veneer mold at the lab. The dentist will assess the fit, shape, and color of the veneer to ensure it is perfect for you. Then, they will thoroughly clean your teeth, as this will prevent bacteria from accumulating under the veneer and causing decay. Next, the dentist will use a grinding tool to create a rougher texture on each tooth where the veneer will be applied. This makes it easier for the veneer to bond to the tooth.
What Happens After Veneers are Placed?
Experts at the Shiny White Dental Center say that all you need to do after getting veneers is to brush and floss your teeth and visit your dentist regularly to keep your veneers in good condition. You should also make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. You should also avoid whitening products, as they can scratch your veneers.
To make your veneers last longer, you should also avoid biting directly into hard or crunchy foods like apples, carrots, and tough meats. It’s also best to avoid dark-colored foods and drinks, such as berries, red wine, coffee, and tea, as these can cause the veneers to stain over time.
Advantages of Dental Veneers:
• Significantly enhances the appearance of your smile
• Blends in with your natural teeth for realistic results
• Veneers resist stains better than natural tooth enamel
• Last for a long time, 10 to 15 years with proper care
Disadvantages of Dental Veneers:
• You will lose at least some of your natural tooth enamel
• Your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold
• The veneer can potentially chip or come off
Results of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers can give you white, flawless teeth, free from any imperfections, whether gaps, chips, or stains, giving you a brighter smile and more confidence.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
The dental veneer procedure involves removing some tooth enamel, so your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Dental veneers generally don't damage your teeth, but the natural tooth structure underneath the veneer can still decay, so it's important to brush and floss your teeth and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings.
Most types of dental veneers are permanent. On average, veneers last between 10 and 15 years with proper care and maintenance.
You can follow some recommendations to maintain the appearance of your veneers, such as: brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing between your teeth once a day, using an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day, never using your teeth as tools, such as opening packages or cutting tags off clothes, and visiting your dentist for routine checkups and cleanings.
Alternatives to veneers include dental bridges and dental crowns.
Dental veneers differ from dental implants or crowns in that veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth, while crowns cover the entire tooth. Veneers are also thinner than crowns: about 1 mm, compared to 2 mm. Veneers are also less complex. If you need a crown, your dentist will have to grind down or shape more of your tooth to prepare it for the crown than they would for a veneer.