Understanding the Dental Veneers Process: A Closer Look

  • Written by NewsServices.com

Do you like your smile? If your answer is a no, remember you aren't alone. A recent study shows that many Australians aren't happy with the appearance of their teeth. 

Most people feel self-conscious about their teeth, and many young people don't feel confident to laugh because of the appearance of their smile. Gaps between teeth, crookedness and receding gums prevent these people from smiling confidently.   

If you are one of those people who want to improve the appearance of their teeth, then this blog post on dental veneers is for you. You can gain information on different types of dental veneers, their application process, their advantages, and how to care for them by reading this blog.    

What Are Dental Veneers?  

Dental veneers are tooth-coloured wafers that are placed on the teeth' front. Just like how false nails can be applied to natural nails to enhance their appearance, dental veneers help improve the teeth' appearance. In most cases, patients choose veneers made from porcelain or resin-composite materials.   

Porcelain veneers and composite veneers both are a great option to cover up cosmetic concerns, including:  

  • * Chipped/ broken teeth 
  • Discoloured teeth 
  • Pointed or unusually sharp teeth 
  • Small than average teeth  

Depending on case to case, an individual may want to get a single dental veneer or multiple veneers placed to get their dream smile.   

What Are the Different Types of Veneers?   

As mentioned above, dental veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin materials. Here's more information on the two main options for dental veneers.   

  • Porcelain veneers 

Porcelain veneers are premium as they last for considerably longer than composite veneers. In addition, they are a more permanent, natural-looking, stain-resistant, and highly durable solution.   

To prepare your teeth for porcelain veneers, the dentist will file down the natural tooth and make space for the veneer to be fixed on the front. Next, an impression of the tooth will be taken to prepare the mould required to create a customized porcelain veneer. Once the porcelain veneer is ready, the dentist will place it onto the tooth and cement it to fix it. If the patient demands, a temporary veneer may be fixed until the proper veneer is ready.  

  • Composite Resin Veneers  

Composite veneers offer a life-like appearance and may last about 5 to 10 years. They are not as expensive as porcelain veneers.   

At first, the dentist will etch the tooth's surface and then apply a thin layer of composite material. Then, additional layers may be applied depending on what look the patient desires. The veneer will then be exposed to a special light for hardening and fixing it in place.   

Preparing for Dental Veneers   

During your first meeting, you must discuss with your dentist the preferred option. Depending on your oral health, your dental care provider may recommend another dental treatment before applying dental veneers. For example, people with gum disease or tooth decay aren't suitable for dental veneers. Hence, they may first have to undergo treatment to fix these issues.    

What are the Advantages of Dental Veneers?   

Dental veneers are one of the famous cosmetic procedures ideal for improving the aesthetics of teeth. They are a quick, easy, and affordable solution to fixing the look of your teeth. Dental veneers are tooth-coloured, super-thin, and natural-looking so that no one can note their existence.   

Veneers can also be placed in case of enamel loss, possibly due to acid reflux disease, over-ambitious tooth-brushing, or eating highly acidic foods. Dental veneers involve a minimally invasive procedure and are durable and easy to maintain.   

How to Care for Your Dental Veneers?  

A great benefit of dental veneers is they have a short recovery time. So once your veneers are on and the anaesthetic wears off, you may eat and drink as normal.  

By caring for your veneers, you can increase their lifespan.  

Here are some dos and don'ts:  

  • Avoid using your teeth to open bottle caps or packaging 
  • Do not bite on hard objects like nails 
  • If you grind your teeth in your sleep, use a retainer 
  • Use a mouthguard when playing sports 
  • Chew hard foods with your back teeth  

These simple precautions can cause your porcelain or composite veneers to last for years.   

Understanding the Dental Veneers Process   

Dental veneers are an excellent option for all those who aren't happy with the appearance of their teeth. They involve a straightforward, affordable, and quick procedure with almost no downtime. The process of applying any dental veneer is nearly the same. Your dentist will first etch your tooth to make space for the veneer. Once ready, it will be bonded to your tooth in no time. Many people consider having a tooth crown instead of a dental veneer. However, the procedure for tooth crowns is very different from that of veneers. If you want to know which option is the best for you, speak to your dentist today.