Reinventing Smiles with Dental Veneers Process
Even if you take exceptional care of your teeth, certain imperfections can be difficult to erase, especially as we grow older. If you’ve ever wondered how celebrities obtain their timeless, million-dollar smiles, the answer is often dental veneers.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are custom shells that are fitted over the frontmost parts of your teeth. Their purpose is to disguise little imperfections on the tooth surface, such as stains, chipping, or cracks. The dental veneers process is one of the areas of greatest curiosity in cosmetic dentistry, and multiple types of veneers exist to meet different needs.
How are dental veneers applied?
Before you can undergo treatment, your dentist will need to thoroughly examine both your teeth and gums to decide on eligibility. Patients with severe alignment issues, advanced gum disease, or significant tooth decay would not be good prospects for the dental veneers process.
If you are eligible, you’ll begin by getting small amounts of your enamel removed. This is followed by an impression of your teeth, which will be used to craft fully customized veneers for you.
It may take up to a few weeks for veneers to be completed. Once the dental lab finishes with the model, it will be promptly shipped to your dental office.
Permanent veneers
Before applying permanent veneers, your dentist will inspect the color, shape, and fit of your teeth. The veneers are then secured in place with special dental cement. Afterward, the dentist performs a bite check, as well as makes any adjustments deemed necessary.
If you’d like to make any changes, tell your dentist immediately. He or she will contact the dental lab and work to make those modifications happen. The good news is that no downtime is required following the dental veneers process, and you are free to partake in daily activities the same day as the treatment. You may also eat and drink as long as any anesthesia that was utilized has worn off. Note that dental veneers last for 10 to 15 years with proper care.
Temporary veneers
However, several varieties of veneers are temporary (these may also be called trial veneers). The idea behind temporary veneers is to allow you to visualize what your smile could look like with a permanent set. They are designed to be altered so that if and when you decide to have the full treatment, they can easily be modeled after your temporaries.
The application is very similar to permanent veneers, in which a slim covering is cemented to the teeth. Usually, these are created from acrylic, but they may also be made out of composite resin.
Temporary veneers are not as strong as permanent materials, so if you receive them, you must be careful when eating to avoid breaking or chipping them.
Can anyone get dental veneers?
Any patient seeking an enhanced smile can explore veneer treatment options, especially those with:
- Misshapen teeth
- Surface stains
- Gaps/spaces between teeth
- Chipped or otherwise damaged teeth
If you have cosmetic concerns, the dental veneer process is an excellent opportunity to camouflage them. Be that as it may, veneers will not be successful for those with severe oral health conditions, such as gum disease or advanced cavities. If you are someone with a problem like this, don’t panic! Simply have your dentist address the issue before proceeding to explore veneer treatments.
Types of dental veneers
Porcelain
Porcelain veneers are a versatile option since they can help with a large number of cosmetic imperfections. As mentioned before, these will be custom-made to suit your signature dental structure. A tiny amount of surface enamel must be taken from your natural teeth before the placement begins; this will make the tooth surface a bit rougher, which helps the porcelain veneers better stay in place.
Ceramics
Ceramic veneers are unique in that they need far less tooth preparation before the procedure. Ceramics can better contour your natural teeth structure, as well. You have the option of choosing a color that best suits your personal needs. If, for example, your goal is to have a whiter smile, your dentist will order a lighter shade that still provides a natural appearance.
Zirconia is a commonly used material because it is resistant to bacterial infection and lends to the structural integrity of teeth.
Composite resin
Composite veneers are designed for patients with milder cosmetic problems. The resin is crafted with a shade that matches your natural teeth for a cohesive look. These veneers are known to last anywhere from 5 to 7 years at a time, and they can be constructed at a much quicker rate than other models—in as little as one day. They also cost significantly less than porcelain veneers.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a specific brand of porcelain veneers. They are very popular because very little prep time is required. Though they are similar to standard porcelain models, lumineers are made from a laminate that is a lot thinner. Your natural teeth won’t need to be shaved down as much when compared to porcelain, and the bonding process is relatively fast.
Because lumineers are so delicate, patients who receive the treatment must be careful with hard foods that may cause potential damage and reduce the longevity of their smile.
Alternatives to dental veneers
Dental implants vs veneers
Dental implants are man-made roots for teeth that are placed along the jawbone and covered with a dental crown. Implants are commonly used as a replacement for damaged or missing teeth, as opposed to veneers which aim to change the appearance of teeth.
The treatment involved with dental implants is extensive and can take up to several months. Before you become a candidate, you’ll likely have to get X-rays to get a better view of your tooth and jaw structure. Dental implants are recommended for patients with good oral hygiene who refrain from tobacco use.
Dental bonding vs veneers
Dental bonding shares many similarities with composite resin veneers. It is used to enhance a smile by eliminating imperfections such as gaps or chips. But unlike veneers, bonding is an entirely reversible procedure due to the small amount of enamel that requires removal.
The resin used in dental bonding is the same material used for cavities, dental fillings, and protecting exposed roots. You may have to see your dentist for touch-ups every few years.
Cosmetic dentistry with Lee Simon
If you’re looking for a better and brighter smile, veneers will help you get there! Contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic procedures.