A Basic Guide To Dental Veneers: Procedure, Benefits, and Cons

If you’re looking for a perfect way to fix teeth imperfections, you have several options, including dental crowns, fillings, inlays & onlays, and dental veneers. If you have teeth imperfections, such as a chipped tooth, cracked tooth, or teeth stains your dentist may recommend getting a dental veneer. Dental veneers offer an excellent way to hide or repair damaged, crooked or discolored teeth.

If you’re considering dental veneers, it’s important to understand the pros and cons that come along with the treatment before making a decision. Additionally, you should make an appointment with your dentist to determine if dental veneers are right for your condition. If you’re not eligible, your dentist will suggest alternate treatments.

What is a Dental Veneer?

Generally, a veneer is a thin covering that is bonded to the front of a tooth to correct imperfections like chips, cracks, and stains. Veneers are either made from porcelain or composite resins. Once the veneer is bonded to the tooth, it can’t be undone, meaning that it becomes a permanent part of your tooth.

Dental Veneers Treatment

Getting dental veneers is typically a very standard procedure. Since no surgery is involved, the discomfort is very minimal, and recovery is quick.

• Initial Consultation

The first step to getting dental veneers is to visit your dentist for an exam. The dentist will evaluate your teeth and oral health and determine whether you’re eligible for dental veneers. If you’re approved for the treatment, the dentist will create a treatment plan and discuss it with you before scheduling you for the main procedure.

• Veneers Preparation

The initial process for getting veneers involves preparing your tooth for the veneers. The dentist will shave a thin layer of your tooth’s enamel to allow the veneer to fit perfectly. If the tooth isn’t trimmed down, the veneer may appear bulky and feel unnatural. Next, they take impressions and x-rays of your teeth and mouth, which are sent to the lab to create the permanent veneers.

The dentist creates temporary veneers, which are placed on the teeth as you wait for the permanent veneers.

• Placing the Veneer

On the second appointment, the dentist begins by removing the temporary veneers. Next, the permanent veneers are bonded to the teeth using stronger cement.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

• Fix Multiple Dental Problems

The main benefit of dental veneers is that they can address multiple dental issues, including:

• Chipped teeth
• Teeth gaps
• Stained or discolored teeth
• Worn-down teeth
• Teeth misalignments
• Brightens Your Smile

After years of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages, tooth stains and discoloration can happen. When your teeth are severely stained and can’t be whitened with teeth whitening treatments, dental veneers might be a great fit for your condition.

• Improves Oral Appearance and Function

If your tooth is chipped, uneven, stained, or misaligned, dental veneers can correct such flaws and improve your appearance and smile. Also, veneers can improve your tooth’s strength and functionality.

• Protection Against Further Damage

When a damaged tooth isn’t repaired timely, more damage is likely to occur. This will cause further complications and cause the need for complex treatment such as dental crowns. In the long run, dental veneers protect your teeth.

• Strong and Durable

If well cared for, dental veneers are relatively very durable. On average, porcelain veneers last for up to 15 years, while composite veneers last for up to 7 years.

Cons

• It’s Irreversible

Once the veneer is bonded with the tooth, the process cannot be undone. This is because your tooth’s enamel is shaven during the fitting process. However, please note that veneers may eventually have to be replaced.

• Your Tooth Structure is Changed

For the veneer to fit perfectly without looking bulky or out of place, tooth shaving is necessary. This eventually changes your tooth’s structure. If you don’t have enough existing enamel, you may not be a good candidate for veneers treatment.

• Teeth Sensitivity

Some patients complain about increased sensitivity after a veneer treatment, especially for the next few hours after the procedure. Luckily, this goes away after some time.

Dental Veneers Aftercare

After the veneer’s placement, your dentist will take a few minutes to give you a few aftercare tips. To maintain your veneers and other oral structures, good oral hygiene and habits are essential. To care for your dental veneers and mouth, use these tips:

• Brush and floss daily.
• Wear a mouthguard during physical activities.
• Wear a nightguard if you have bruxism.
• Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Eat healthier and hydrate well.

Schedule An Appointment Today

Are you considering dental veneers or would you like to learn more about dental veneers? Contact Barry J. Cunha today to book your appointment.