Adding dental veneers is one of the most common dental procedures today. It addresses dental problems, such as discolored, chipped, and unevenly spaced teeth. It’s also helpful for enhancing your smile.
Definition Of Dental Veneers
Composed of thin shells, dental veneers are made to look like natural teeth, bonded to the teeth’s surface to change the color, shape, size, or length of your teeth.
Before choosing dental veneers, there are two major types of veneers that you should know about:
Porcelain Veneers
As the name suggests, these types of veneers are made of porcelain. Porcelain veneers have the same color as natural teeth, so they’re usually a great fit for anyone looking to improve their smile. Additionally, they’re stain-resistant since they’re non-porous. In fact, they can resist cavities and permanent stains more effectively than natural tooth enamel. Aside from stain resistance, they don’t break easily and can last as long as 20 years without the need for a replacement. Thus, you’ll get to have a bright smile for a long time.
During the procedure, the dentist will have to remove some enamel first to install porcelain veneers. Since adding porcelain veneers is invasive, it may take up to three appointments for a complete procedure.
Resin Veneers
Applying this type of veneer requires minimal or no enamel removal at all, so you’ll only need one session. However, on the downside, these veneers break easily, have a short life span of about five years, and are prone to rust. They also look less like natural teeth compared with porcelain. Because of these drawbacks, they’re more affordable.
According to experts, the best veneers to install are porcelain. However, you should keep in mind that the type of veneer you choose will depend on your budget, purpose, and preference.
Purposes Of Dental Veneers
To Correct Teeth Discoloration
Your teeth may discolor due to one of the following reasons:
- Long exposure to excessive fluoride from the water you drink
- Root canal treatment
- Stain from drugs containing nicotine
- Large resin filings
- Food and drinks, such as teas, coffee, sodas, fruit juice, fruits, and vegetables
- Poor dental hygiene (not brushing and flossing your teeth regularly)
- Medications like antihistamines
The treatment for discolored teeth is usually teeth whitening. During this procedure, your teeth are cleaned by removing the discolored top layer. However, the treatment doesn’t offer permanent results. Therefore, you’ll need to visit your dentist for another teeth whitening procedure every once in a while.
Some people prefer using veneers to whiten their teeth because veneers tend to last five to twenty years, depending on the type. As mentioned earlier, they’re stain-resistant as well, so you don’t have to worry about regular visits to your dentist for a cleaning.
In short, dental veneers are a permanent solution for whitening your teeth, and they’re even better since they boast a natural look.
To Fix Other Dental Problems
Apart from tooth discoloration, dental veneers can address other dental problems:
- Misaligned teeth due to an irregular shape or uneven teeth
- Tooth gaps
- Chipped and broken teeth
However, these dental problems can be addressed by certain procedures. For instance, braces are an effective solution to misaligned teeth. They re-align your teeth to a desirable position.
Although certain dental procedures are useful, using veneers helps you kill two birds with one stone. You’ll not only fix the dental problem itself but also improve your appearance.
To Treat Enamel Loss
Although the enamel is a strong covering of your tooth, it gets worn out over time. Sometimes, it may get so damaged that you lose it.
Some factors that may cause enamel loss include:
- Overbrushing your teeth – Even brushing your teeth too many times will result in enamel loss. Since brushing too hard or more than is necessary involves aggressive movements, the enamel will wear out eventually.
- Consuming acidic or sugary foods and drinks for a long time – Taking sugary foods like candies and drinks, such as soda, will slowly weaken the enamel.
- Having acid reflux disease – The acid in your stomach ends up in your mouth, so it eats away your enamel, sometimes damaging it completely.
- Chronic dry mouth – If your body is unable to produce enough saliva, your teeth may be exposed to high levels of acidity, which erodes the enamel.
If you suffer from enamel loss, you can have it fixed by simply getting veneers. Dental veneers will cover your teeth as an enamel would, and with time, they become strong enough for you to be able to bite.
To Enhance Your Smile
Cosmetic procedures are usually performed to improve a person’s physical appearance. They can be done on any part of the body, including the teeth. Though they’re not usually carried out for medical reasons, they require a specialist or a surgeon. The patient will also have to undergo the necessary post-care for a full recovery.
Not all dental veneers are applied to correct or manage dental problems. They can be given to enhance your smile. Most people feel more confident after having a brighter smile thanks to veneers.
Application Of Veneers
The first step to having veneers applied is visiting your dentist. You’ll need to discuss with them the reasons for having them. The dentist will examine your teeth to evaluate if you have any dental problems that disqualify you from having veneers, such as tooth decay. If you have dental conditions that may prevent you from having veneers, the problem may need to be treated first. Once addressed, you can get dental veneers.
Moreover, during your consultation with a dentist, you’ll talk about how many veneers you’ll need and the type that suits you best. Your dentist will advise you on the best option, depending on your needs.
Once you have settled on the type of veneer, the dentist will make a mold of your teeth structure. They’ll send the mold to the lab where veneers are made. This procedure may take up to serval weeks.
Once the custom-made veneers are ready, your dentist will apply them. They might have to remove some enamel or not, depending on the type of veneer.
Wrapping It Up
Applying dental veneers isn’t just an effective procedure that can treat dental problems but also a cosmetic one that will help you get the beautiful smile you deserve. So, if you’re dealing with a dental problem, or you just want to have a brighter smile, don’t hesitate to get dental veneers.
