Dental Veneer Treatment – the Most Important Questions Answered

Dental Veneer Treatment – the Most Important Questions Answered

If you’re concerned about the appearance of your teeth and if defects are affecting your confidence, dental veneers may be worth pursuing.

A dental veneer is a thin shell attached to the tooth to improve its appearance. It can be used to fix discolouration or a misshapen tooth, giving you a better and brighter smile. Anyone who has never had the procedure may be concerned about the details. The following guide will answer some of the most common questions.

What Are Dental Veneers and How Do They Work?

These custom-made shells are individually created for patients to address specific problems like chipped teeth or discolouration. They are often called porcelain veneers but several materials could be used for the creation of the shells.

Traditional porcelain veneers are indeed used most often. When porcelain is chosen, more prep work will have to be done before the shell is permanently bonded to the tooth. A dentist will need to grind down some of the tooth structure to make room for the veneer.

Alternatives are often called no-prep veneers because the procedure is going to be simpler.

No-prep veneers are typically made of composite materials. Before these are put in, some prep work may still be required. The modification of the actual tooth, however, is minimal. Alterations can be so minor that no local anesthetic will be required.

What is the difference between the two materials? Porcelain veneers resist staining much better than composite veneers, but both varieties have longevity. Depending on the quality of the veneers and the craftsmanship of the dentist, these can last anywhere between 7 and 15 years. After that, a replacement will be required.

How Are Dental Veneers Put In

Anyone who wants to get veneers will have to pass through several important steps as a part of the procedure. First, your dentist will create a mould or a digital scan of your teeth. That mould will be used for the creation of custom veneers that correspond to the shape and the size of your teeth. Shells will usually be ready within a week. This is when you’ll need to go for your next dental appointment.

Before doing any prep work, the dentist will examine the fit and shape of the veneers. If any imperfections are noted, the shells will be reworked to ensure perfect fit once they’re put in.

Next, prep work will occur. Depending on the amount of grinding work that the dentist will need to do, some local anaesthetic may have to be applied first. A grinding tool will be used to make the texture of the tooth rougher. That rough surface will allow for better bonding.

The final step would involve the application of some dental cement to bind the veneer to each tooth. Usually, ultraviolet lamps will be used to get the cement hard as fast as possible. Once the process is completed, you’ll be ready to go back to life as normal (flashing your brand new smile).

Who Should Consider Getting Dental Veneers

Some of the problems that dental veneers can fix have already been addressed. There are, however, a few additional types of oral health issues that can be overcome this way.

Dental veneers are a great choice for individuals dealing with the following problems:

• Tooth discolouration
• Teeth that are worn down
• Misaligned teeth
• Large gaps between teeth
• Chipping and broken teeth

Keep in mind that alternative solutions may exist for some of these problems. This is why you need to go through a consultation with a reputable and experienced dentist. A dental professional will recommend the procedure that makes the most sense and that’s bound to deliver an optimal outcome.

Another important thing to understand is that once you get veneers, the process cannot be undone. As already mentioned, some tooth prepping needs to occur before the shells get bonded. After the prep work is done, veneers will have to be put in place and they’ll have to be replaced each decade or so.

Aftercare Is Also Important!

Just like regular teeth, veneers can get damaged if you don’t take proper care of them. After getting your new smile, you’ll need to focus on oral hygiene and proper maintenance.

Veneers can chip or even break under a lot of pressure. This is why your dentist will advise against biting into hard objects. They can also come loose over time. If this happens, replacements could be needed.

Always discuss veneer care with your dentist before getting the procedure. Understanding the specifics of the care routine is another way to determine if this option is the right one for you.