Are you unhappy with your smile? Are you self-conscious about your teeth? If so, dental veneers may be the solution for you. They are coverings that go over your front teeth giving them a newer, brighter, whiter, and more evenly shaped appearance.
What are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front (visible) part of the tooth. They look like natural, healthy teeth. Veneers can be used to correct a wide range of dental issues including chipping, cracks, gaps, and more.
Each type of veneer has its own benefits. Your dentist will help you choose the veneer that is best for you, but in this blog post, we will focus on two of the most popular veneer materials: porcelain and composite resin.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are made of ceramic material that is strong and durable. The veneer is made into a thin shell and bonded to the front of your tooth. These are the benefits of porcelain veneers:
- very strong and durable
- stain-resistant
- long lasting
- appearance very similar to teeth
- they require less enamel to be removed in order to place them than crowns
These are some of the important factors that people love about porcelain veneers and what makes them extremely popular. One of their disadvantages is that they tend to cost more than the alternative. They also require more enamel to be removed than composite veneers. You should also be aware that they will probably need to be replaced within 15 years or so.
What is the process of getting porcelain veneers?
The dentist will remove a portion of enamel from your teeth. This shaping of the enamel is required to place any sort of dental veneer. Once the appropriate amount of enamel has been removed the dentist will have a mold taken of your teeth. The dentist will also determine which shade for your porcelain veneers based on your remaining teeth.
You will likely be given temporary veneers – as the process for making your custom porcelain veneers will take several days or maybe longer. So, you will need to come back for another appointment.
At your next appointment, the dentist will remove your temporary veneers and clean your teeth. He will then bond your new set of porcelain veneers to your teeth.
Composite Resin Veneers
These veneers are made of a plastic material that is then bonded to the front of your tooth. Composite veneers are less expensive than porcelain veneers but they also may not last as long.
Here are some of the benefits of composite veneers:
- less expensive than porcelain veneers
- can often be done in one dental visit
- less enamel needs to be removed from the tooth than a dental crown or porcelain veneers
- can be fixed very easily
Because they don’t last for more than 5-10 years, you will need to have them replaced at some point.
What is the process for getting composite resin veneers?
The dentist will re-shape your teeth so that they can receive the composite veneers. He will then prepare the composite veneers so that they will properly fit and match your teeth. After that, a device known as a dental curing light utilizes UV light to bond the resin to your teeth. This is often accomplished in one single visit.
Who is eligible for dental veneers?
The ideal candidate for veneers is someone who:
- has generally healthy teeth and plenty of enamel
- takes good care of their oral health
- does not have any gum disease
- has realistic expectations for the results of veneers
Some health conditions might disqualify you from consideration such as bruxism (teeth grinding).
What are the downsides to dental veneers?
Dental veneers are not for everyone. Here are some of the downsides to veneers:
- they require removal of a portion of your enamel
- can be very expensive
- may not last as long as other dental procedures e.g. dental crowns
- usually not covered by dental insurance
If you are considering veneers, it is important that you consult with your dentist to see if veneers are the best option for you.
Conclusion – Dental veneers are a great option for some people
Veneers can give you the smile that you have always wanted. If you take care of them, they will last for many years. Be sure to consult with your dentist about veneers and which type is best for you. They will be able to give you a professional opinion based on your specific needs and concerns.