What are veneers?
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored coverings that are applied on the front side of the teeth to improve their appearance. They are usually constructed from porcelain or resin composites and bonded to the teeth. Veneers will correct problems such as chipped, cracked, discolored, and undersized teeth.
Even though some individuals might want to get a single veneer for a damaged tooth, many get 6-8 veneers so their smile looks even and symmetrical. Veneers are mostly placed on the top front eight teeth.
Types of veneers:
Dental veneers are generally constructed from porcelain or composite resin and are highly invasive. However, there are "no-prep" veneers that are applied differently.
Porcelain veneers:
To apply porcelain veneers, dentists typically take impressions of the teeth after the teeth are ground down. The impression is sent to the laboratory where the veneers are created. Once ready, the veneers are cemented onto the prepared teeth. The dentist may place temporary veneers until the permanent ones are ready from the laboratory. Some dentists use CAD/CAM technology to create and fabricate the veneers in their office.
Composite resin veneers:
If composite resin veneers are chosen, the dentist will etch the surface of the tooth and apply a thin layer of composite. More layers may be added to achieve the desired appearance. A special light is used to harden or cure the composite veneer.
No-prep veneers:
Brands such as Lumineers and Vivaneers offer no-prep veneers, which are less painful and require minimal alteration to the tooth. These veneers only work on the enamel and usually do not require local anesthesia or temporary veneers.
Benefits of dental veneers:
The most common advantage of veneers is that they enhance the appearance of the teeth for a brighter, more even smile. Veneers will correct:
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Broken or chipped teeth
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Severe discoloration or uneven coloring that cannot be corrected by whitening
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Gaps between teeth
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Smaller-than-average teeth
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Pointy or unusually shaped teeth
They can even last more than 10 years, depending on the kind of veneer that is used. That makes them a semi-permanent treatment for beautifying your smile.
Preparation
One should consult their dentist on the options available before applying veneers and how many veneers you want to apply. You may need to get braces before applying veneers. X-rays will be taken to examine your teeth for any tooth decay, gum diseases, or to determine if you need a root canal. If any of the conditions mentioned above occur, then veneers might not suit you.
In the next appointment, the dentist will remove 0.5 mm of tooth enamel from your tooth with the abrasive tool. He will also take a mold of your teeth. The mold is then sent to the dental lab to make your veneers.
Bonding veneers to teeth
The time taken for veneers to make and return from the dental lab is 1-2 weeks. After that, you will book an appointment for the fitting. The dentist will examine the fit, shape, and color to match your teeth.
The dentist will clean your teeth perfectly before attaching the veneers to remove any bacteria that may get caught under the veneer and cause decay.
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