If you are looking for products that can help with your dental issues, veneers may be the answer. Here is a guide on everything you need to know about veneers.
Are you looking to resolve your dental issues? In that case, veneers might be the solution.
In premise, dental veneers are teeth that cover the front surface of your teeth to improve the appearance of your smile.
In this guide to veneers, we will cover the most important aspects of this dental/cosmetic procedure.
So keep reading to learn more.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers, also known as dental porcelain laminates or porcelain veneers are customized wafer-thin shells of a preferable colored material that is designed to cover the entire front surface area of your teeth.
These shells lead to the aesthetic appearance of a perfect white smile. The veneers are bonded to the front and hide the changing shape, size, length, and color of your real teeth.
What Are They Made Of?
Veneers are made out of porcelain or composite resin. The material that you selected will be entirely based on your personal goal and budget, as each material has its own benefits.
Porcelain looks a lot like real teeth and is stain-resistant. They are great at reflecting light in the same natural way that regular teeth do. Because of this, porcelain veneers are significantly more expensive than composite.
Also, in order to bond porcelain to the teeth, the dentist will have to remove part of your enamel. Something that is not necessary for composite resin.
Resin is a great choice for those with a limited budget. They are significantly thinner and in some cases do not require enamel removal at all. Because of this, they are not as strong and durable as porcelain. They are also more likely to stain and discolor over time.
However, oral hygiene will ensure that they look great for many years to come. In order to learn more about the pros and cons of each, speak to your dentist.
What Problems Do They Fix?
Veneers are typically used to resolve certain issues. However, some people get them for purely cosmetic reasons.
Here are some of the problems they fix:
- Discolored teeth, either from root canal treatment, drug stains, fluoride influx, large resin fillings
- Chipped/broken teeth
- Misaligned, uneven, irregularly shaped teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Worn-down teeth
As you can see, the majority of the issues are cosmetic in nature as well. However, you don’t have to have bad teeth to get veneers, so remember that.
The Benefits of Dental Veneers
Veneers come with a variety of benefits, beyond the aesthetic appeal. For instance:
- They provide a natural aesthetic appearance
- They are stain-resistant
- You can select the color/shade to match or determine your whiteness
- They do not require excessive shaping as do crowns
- The gums tolerate porcelain very well
- They are durable and strong
However, there are plenty of other benefits that are supplementary to the primary ones listed here.
The Disadvantages of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are not without downsides, however, these are negligible if you’re looking for a great smile with a simple procedure.
- The process of bonding veneers cannot be undone
- A veneer cannot be repaired if cracked or chipped
- Color cannot be altered after being bonded
- Teeth are more sensitive because of the reduced enamel
- Veneers are not for unhealthy people (gum disease, fractures, insignificant enamel, etc.)
- Porcelain veneers should not be installed for people who clench and grind teeth often
As you can see, the disadvantages are purely circumstantial, thus non-existent for most people.
The Veneers Process
The veneers process is fairly straight forward. It starts out with you visiting your dentist to discuss the treatment, and develop a plan of action.
The dentist will take several x-rays, and create impressions of your existing teeth. The next time that you arrive your teeth will be prepared. In this visit, the dentist will reshape the surface of your teeth. About 1/2mm of enamel is to be removed.
The process is done under local anesthetic so you will not feel pain. Next, the dentist will bond the veneers to your teeth temporarily. This will ensure that the fit and look is something you are aligned with.
If unsatisfied, the color and shape can be adjusted. Finally, the veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth. The natural teeth will be etched, polished, and cleaned. This is done so that the surface is more rough, leading to better cementing.
The dentist will use a specialized light to cure the cement, and then they will examine your bite, make final adjustments, and remove excess cement. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for several weeks later to ensure everything is right and dandy.
Lifespan
Veneers usually last anywhere between 7 and 16 years. After this period of time, the veneers must be replaced.
In general, veneers do not require specialized care. Just follow with oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. All of the things you would normally do.
Even though porcelain resists stains, a dentist will still recommend that you avoid stain-causing foods, such as wine, tea, coffee, and other beverages/foods.
Veneers for You
Now that you know all about veneers and their application in cosmetic dentistry, you are well on your way to achieving that purely aesthetic smile.
In any case, whatever you choose to do, it will be the right thing to do. Your smile is yours, and it’s your decision to make. If you’re interested in getting your veneers, Dr. Dino Mantis in Wilmette, IL provides some of the best dental veneer services.
So get in touch and we will happily accommodate your needs.
