What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers, also called porcelain laminates, are wafer-thin porcelain composite resin shells. Dentists bond veneers using dental cement to the front of the teeth to cover the surface and permanently improve the appearance. These shells are customized based on the patient's teeth' colour, shape, size, and length. Veneers' primary application is to correct tooth imperfections, such as stained, chipped, and uneven teeth, and are also called dental porcelain laminates.
Dental Veneers are generally used to treat discoloured teeth. They are primarily used to fix discolouration due to root canal treatment, excessive fluoride, or large resin fillings and tetracycline. Apart from decolouration, dental veneers are also employed when teeth are worn down, misaligned, uneven, irregularly shaped or broken. Sometimes, it can also help to close the gap between teeth.
Types of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers shells can be typically made from porcelain or resin composite materials which usually last between 5 and 15 years. It is always recommended to go with porcelain veneers as they last much longer, mimic the light-reflecting properties of natural teeth, and resist stains better than resin ones. However, there are several types of veneers you can choose from. Have a discussion with your dentist regarding the best choice of veneer material suited for you before going ahead.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Veneers are a permanent solution and the most esthetical and least harmful material available for dental restorations. However, porcelain requires some tooth shaving before placement but is the most effective and longest-lasting of all veneers.
Porcelain laminate veneers are biocompatible and rarely wound the gum tissues. Porcelain veneers can significantly enhance your smile as these veneers are incredibly natural-looking.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are a mixture of inorganic and organic materials and are composed of composite resin. The natural materials in composite veneers involve the coupling agent, the initiator.
The material for bonding used in composite resin is the same as tooth-coloured dental fillings. Compared to porcelain, composite veneers are not as solid or durable as porcelain veneers, making them less expensive than porcelain.
However, on the brighter side, they blend in reasonably well with the natural tooth colour. Composite veneers demand extreme care; otherwise, they do not last long and tend to stain over time.
Lumineers
Lumineers are made of ultra-thin porcelain laminate material, which requires minimum arrangement ere placement. They are generally employed to treat discoloured and uneven teeth. They are incredibly smooth, which makes them look and feel natural. Unlike porcelain veneers, a less natural tooth structure is extracted before installing a luminaire over a tooth enamel.
Temporary or Removable Veneers
Temporary veneers are categorized into two types;
Instant veneers
Custom clip-on veneers
Instant veneers:
Instant veneers can fit in by placing them in warm water and then biting a soft fitting material. They are just short term or temporary solutions and are not recommended for daily use.
Custom clip-on veneers:
These veneers are supreme-quality removable veneers. Custom clip-on veneers are to be used after an impression for the teeth is sent to a dental lab, and a custom-fit set is developed for you using the impression.
Temporary or Removable Veneers offer convenience and interim solutions. These veneers do not look or feel as natural as permanent veneers. They may also harm your gum if used regularly, as these veneers are prone to plaque build-up.
Dental Veneer Procedure
Getting a dental veneer usually requires few trips to the dental clinic. The first one is generally for a consultation to convey the result you are expecting from this procedure. The dentist will examine your teeth to ensure if dental veneers are right for you. If approved, at least two to three visits will be required for x-rays and impressions, creating the ceramics, prepping the teeth, and finally applying the veneers.
Dental Veneer Pros and Cons:
Dental Veneers Pros:
Porcelain veneers give a natural tooth appearance
Gums generally tolerate porcelain well
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant
Veneers usually don't require as much shaping as crowns
Veneers are sturdy and better looking
Downsides to dental veneers include:
It is a non-reversible process, therefore, cannot be undone
Veneers are generally costlier than composite resin bonding
If Cracked, Veneers cannot be repaired
Enamel removal may cause sensitivity
You cannot opt for teeth whitening after getting veneers
Dental Veneer Aftercare:
Dental veneers generally do not require special care unless you regularly follow conventional oral hygiene practices, like brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
Only in case of having porcelain veneers is advised to avoid stain-causing food and beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine.
Dental Veneer Alternatives
Bandings and Crowns are common alternatives to veneers. Although, Dental Veneers are an excellent option compared to alternatives when the result is kept as a frame of comparison. Veneers may be the most reliable option when you want to alter the appearance of your teeth more than just a little.
Get in touch with our team, book a consultation through our website. Our team of professional dentists will guide you on the best options available for you.
Visit Dr Kumarswamy's Dental Clinic to ensure your bright smile remains perfectly aligned.
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