Dental veneers are shells that resemble teeth and are made from porcelain or ceramic. They are placed over your existing teeth and cover up cosmetic imperfections, including stained, chipped and crooked teeth. Keep reading to find out about the veneer process and the pros and cons!
When Are Veneers Used?
Veneers are used to cover up cosmetic imperfections. People who are unsatisfied with their teeth or smile use veneers to hide things like chipped, malformed, or discolored teeth. As long as you have healthy gums and solid bone structure, you can get veneers.
How Do Veneers Work?
Veneers are artificial shells made from porcelain or resin that look like real teeth. They are applied to your natural teeth, giving you the appearance of perfectly straight and white teeth. As they are durable and made from a hard material, they also protect your teeth against staining and decay. While veneers won’t fix bad teeth problems like staining or chips, they do cover up these issues.
Taking Care of Your New Smile
Just because you have a new set of teeth doesn’t mean you can avoid basic oral hygiene practices. To take care of your veneers, you should:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss regularly
- Visit your dentist every 6 months
- Quit smoking
- Avoid chewing on hard objects
- Avoid stain-inducing foods and beverages
If you follow the above tips your veneers will last for a long time, and you will maintain a perfect smile!
What Types of Problems Do Dental Veneers Fix?
It is important to note that veneers only hide cosmetic issues. A dental veneer does not fix issues such as staining, cavities, or crooked or chipped teeth. They can cover up these common problems and give you the appearance of having straight and white teeth.
Pros and Cons of Veneers
Do you want to improve your smile with veneers? Before you schedule your first appointment, consider these pros and cons:
Pros
- Very safe
- Instantly improve your smile
- Protect your teeth from stains and cavities
- Cover up stained and chipped teeth
- Painless procedure
- Last for a long time
Cons
- Expensive
- Can look unnatural if not properly color matched
- A small amount of enamel needs to be shaved down
Types of Dental Veneers
There are 3 main types of veneers, composite, porcelain, and lumineers. Here are the key differences:
- Composite – Composite veneers are made from engineered resin. They can be easily color-matched and last for up to 8 years. They tend to be cheaper than porcelain veneers but aren’t as durable.
- Porcelain – Porcelain veneers are known for being very hard, stain resistant, and can last for up to 15 years. They provide an aesthetic natural look and can be customized to fit your mouth.
- Lumineers – Lumineers are ultra-thin veneers. They tend to be cheaper than porcelain and composite veneers. Their big advantage is they can be placed directly on your teeth without the need to shave your teeth down.
Are Veneers Permanent?
While veneers can be removed, they are considered permanent. They are securely glued onto your existing teeth and it is a lengthy procedure to remove them. Despite being durable, veneers do eventually need to be replaced. On average, they last for 10 years.
If you are looking for a non-permanent solution to your cosmetic teeth options, you can try removable veneers. Removable veneers are similar to a retainer and fit snugly over your teeth but can be removed instantly. The most common type of removable veneers is Snap-on Smile.
How are Veneers Placed on Teeth?
After your custom veneers have been created, they need to be placed on your teeth. Your dentist will give a local anesthetic to numb your teeth and gums. Then they will shave off a small amount of your tooth enamel. Your dentist will apply some dental cement onto your teeth and then secure your veneers in place. The procedure is fast and painless, and there is no recovery time. You can return to work and normal activities on the same day you get veneers.
Are Veneers Safe?
Veneers are absolutely safe. They are made from a biocompatible material and do not cause allergic reactions. Veneers are fast to install, and only a small amount of your tooth’s enamel is removed. After being applied, veneers actually have a number of health benefits as they protect your natural teeth from stains, decay, and cavities by providing a protective shell.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
High-quality porcelain veneers that are well looked after can last for up to 15 years. In contrast, composite veneers last for up to 8 years. This is because porcelain is a harder and more durable material.
If you want natural-looking veneers that will instantly transform your smile, book a consultation at Advanced Dental Wellness Center. We will create custom veneers for you that will give you a perfect smile for an affordable price!
