Veneers are a natural-looking cosmetic treatment that can provide a dramatic smile makeover.
Veneers can be applied to one or several teeth for any of the following aesthetic reasons:
Correct gaps between the teeth
Correct uneven lengths
Correct slightly misaligned teeth
Correct discoloration
Restore chipped teeth
Correct teeth that are slightly crooked
Change the size or shape
Veneers cover the front of the tooth surface and slightly wrap around the sides and biting edge of the tooth. In most cases, each tooth receiving a veneer will be carefully prepped prior to the veneer fabrication and placement. This preparation involves removing a thin (usually less than one millimeter) layer of enamel from the natural tooth in the areas that will be covered by the veneer. This allows the veneer to fit seamlessly with the contours of the natural tooth. The veneers are attached using a thin but strong bonding material. The material hardens when cured by a specialized light.
There are several types of veneers:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the longest-lasting and most aesthetically-pleasing type of veneer. They are created in a lab to the exact specifications of the dentist and mimic the look of natural enamel, using multiple thin layers of porcelain. The size, color, shape, and fit are fully customized.
Composite Veneers
Made using composite resin, these may be made in the dental office or in a dental lab and are less expensive than porcelain veneers. They can alter the appearance of tooth color, size, or shape and can be an effective solution for less extensive cosmetic improvements. They are fully customized as are the porcelain veneers, but the composite material is somewhat susceptible to staining and does not last as long as porcelain.
Instant Veneers
Prefabricated resin veneers are not customized to the shape and fit of your teeth, although they do come in different sizes and shapes. We do not recommend instant veneers because they do not provide the appearance, quality, or durability of custom veneers.
Perhaps you’re considering getting veneers for your teeth. A veneer is a thin covering that is placed over the tooth. Our dentists apply veneers in a simple, comfortable procedure that takes just a few visits. Veneers are a popular treatment for several reasons. They can change the shape, color, length, or width of your teeth. Often they are placed on upper front teeth that are severely discolored, poorly shaped or slightly crooked. Veneers may be used to lighten front teeth that are naturally yellow or have a grey cast and cannot be whitened. Veneers are also used to correct teeth that are chipped, worn or to correct uneven spaces or a diastema (a large noticeable gap between the upper front teeth).
What are Dental Veneers?
There are two types of veneers: ceramic (sometimes called laminates) and resin-based composite veneers. Ceramic veneers are thin, customized shells made of tooth-colored and durable ceramic materials. These materials are biologically inert. Thus, they are less likely to form bacteria or plaque nor cause inflammation to the gums. This type of dental veneer usually only covers the front part of the teeth. The dental specialist extracts a tiny portion of the enamel from the teeth’ front and side parts creating enough space for the dental veneer. This keeps the repaired tooth from appearing artificial.
Resin-based composite veneers are typically made from teeth-colored resin which is a similar material utilized in tooth bonding. Instead of constructing in an external lab, resin-based composite veneers are directly created on your teeth by applying the tooth-colored resin material and sculpting them. After shaping and sculpting, the resin is then hardened by a special or high-intensity light. Polishing the composite is then performed by the dentist to get a more natural look of the teeth. They are usually created in a single appointment and are significantly cheaper compared to ceramic veneers.
Dental Veneers at Rolling Hills Dental Group
Putting on a dental veneer can prove to be quite more difficult than direct bonding. The application is usually a three-step process: Consultation and planning, preparation of your mouth and impressions, and the application of the veneers. Normally, two or three visits will be required for the entire procedure, depending on whether a separate consultation visit is made or not.
Consultation and Planning– This process is usually done in your first appointment. After conducting an examination and determining your current dental condition, your assigned dentist will give you a thorough explanation of your dental problem and if a dental veneer is best suited for you. The dentist will also tell you other available options for cosmetic restorations that can be applied considering your dental condition. A bad bite or malocclusion has to be fixed prior to the application of veneers in case you have one.
Preparation and Taking Impressions
Preparation– This step involves the extraction of a portion of the enamel which is usually proportional to the density of the veneer from the tooth’s front part. Generally, the thickness of porcelain veneers is less compared to composite ones. More layers of the enamel are normally required to be removed if you have overcrowding or crooked teeth. As for teeth that are partially damaged or broken, they are required to be repaired before trimming.
Dental Impressions– Your dentist will prepare a few dental impressions as well as the material and color of your choice. These are then sent to a lab for the production of the customized veneers following the impressions and the instructions of the dentist. The completion of the custom-made veneers usually takes 3 weeks. While waiting for them to be finished, a temporary veneer will be attached to the tooth.
Application– Before bonding the veneers, your teeth are cleaned and chemically sculpted. This step is crucial to harden the teeth’ surface and enhance the bonding. With the usage of translucent dental cement, the veneers are then secured to the teeth. The color of the cement can be customized to match the color of the surrounding teeth. An opaque cement will be applied if the veneers are porcelain type and are being used on stained teeth. Following the successful application, you will adjust your bite as needed ensuring a comfortable fit.
What is the purpose of Dental Veneers?
Dental Veneers are usually considered as cosmetic dentistry. They are used to improve several dental problems such as tooth discoloration. Constant intake of coffee or stain-causing foods can result in discoloration of the teeth. Smoking, disregarding your dental hygiene, and too much fluoride can also lead to discolored teeth. Even with teeth whitening, there is still a possibility that your teeth will become stained again. Fortunately, veneers can help whiten your teeth and are stain-resistant.
Another use of veneers is they can help cover cracked teeth, teeth gaps, and mild teeth misalignment since they are applied on the teeth’ front surfaces. However, appropriate orthodontic therapy is still recommended to completely fix the aforementioned dental problems. On the other hand, veneers are a perfect solution for worn-down teeth. Tooth enamel may be durable but it still deteriorates over time. Dental veneers will help replace the corroded enamel and at the same time, make it look like a part of a natural tooth.
Advantages of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers have several benefits including:
Veneers are tooth-colored and custom-made. Thus, they look very similar to a person’s natural teeth.
They brighten the teeth permanently and are mostly stain-resistant since they are non-porous.
Dental veneers are a quick fix to chipped teeth, gaps, and minor teeth misalignment.
They are durable and prevent tooth decay.
They show immediate results.
Sculpting dental veneers is less work than shaping dental crowns.
There is no metal material involved in the procedure.
Veneers can last indefinitely, depending on how well they are taken care of.
Disadvantages of Dental Veneers
Although dental veneers have numerous benefits, they also have their drawbacks such as:
Dental Veneers can be quite costly compared to other kinds of cosmetic dentistry such as tooth bonding.
Once the veneers have been damaged, they are not repairable and must be changed immediately.
Since they are permanent, changes or adjustments cannot be made.
They are not suited for people who tend to grind their teeth often.
Developing tooth sensitivity is likely to happen due to the extraction of a layer of the enamel and restoration of the trimmed layer is no longer possible.
Alterations in the veneers’ color cannot be made once they’ve been created.
Although rare, dental veneers can loosen and become chipped or damaged. Avoiding eating hard foods or biting into ice, pencils or any tough objects can prevent this from happening.
Am I an appropriate candidate for Dental Veneers?
A thorough examination and consultation with your dentist are needed to determine if veneers are suitable for you. However, dental veneers are not appropriate for patients with severely decayed or damaged teeth, gum disease, and bruxism.
How long is a Dental Veneer’s lifespan?
Well-made veneers can last indefinitely, with good oral hygiene- their longevity is completely dependent on how well you treat them.
Post-Treatment
Local anesthesia may be delivered in the initial preparation but the actual application of the veneers itself is not painful. However, you might experience tooth sensitivity or pain after the procedure since a layer of the enamel has been trimmed. Intake of OTC pain medication can help ease the pain and discomfort.
After-care is not necessary once the dental veneers have been attached to the teeth. Nevertheless, regular practice of proper dental hygiene is still recommended. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day as well as rinsing your mouth with mouthwash will help prolong the veneers’ lifespan. Moreover, prevent from eating hard foods or biting hard objects because they can cause the veneers to crack. Keep in mind that they are irreparable.
In comparison to braces, dental veneers are relatively cheaper, however it’s important that you have one of our doctors provide you with a complete exam and determine which treatment is best for you.
If you happen to be near Palos Verdes in the South Bay, Rolling Hills Dental Group dentists will be happy to provide you with a consultation to discuss whether or not veneers would be right for you.
