Everyone wants a perfect smile! But sometimes, even those who take perfect care of their teeth can’t attain one naturally, for numerous reasons. Fortunately, a dazzling smile can be yours through the technology and artistry of cosmetic dentistry. While there are several options available, veneers may be the right solution – depending upon your oral health, condition of your teeth and the aesthetic goal you want to achieve.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that fit over the front of your teeth. There are two main kinds of veneers: porcelain and composite. The former are custom-made of porcelain to fit your teeth; the latter are typically made from a tooth-colored resin. Our blog post – “ Are Veneers Right For You? Here’s What To Know Before Getting Veneers! ” – provides an overview on this topic.
To be more specific, there are three types of veneers:
Direct composite veneers – Also called “composite bonding” or simply “bonding,” composite veneers are sculpted on your teeth directly by the dentist, rather than in an offsite lab. The shaped resin is hardened using a high-intensity light, after which additional layers of resin can be applied and sculpted as needed to create the desired aesthetic result. Our blog post – “ Is Composite Bonding Right for You? ” – covers this type of veneer in detail.
Advantages: Fast (procedure is typically performed in a single visit); produces overall good aesthetic results; least expensive of veneer types.
Disadvantages: Susceptible to staining and chipping; not appropriate for more extensive cosmetic restorations; not as natural-appearing as porcelain veneers.
Indirect composite veneers – This type is also made of resin, but with each “shell” individually fashioned in a dental lab to be bonded onto your teeth in-office.
Advantages: Less expensive than porcelain veneers; provide good aesthetic results; are longer-lasting than direct composite veneers.
Disadvantages: Also susceptible to staining and chipping; not appropriate for more extensive cosmetic restorations.
Porcelain veneers – Fashioned of porcelain, this type is also individually made in a dental lab, to be applied during your office visit.
Advantages: Porcelain closely mimics the look of tooth enamel, providing a more natural appearance; is better suited for more complex cosmetic restorations, and is more stain-resistant than composite resin.
Disadvantages: Porcelain veneers are permanent (lasting up to 20 years), which means removal is not a practical option; can cause tooth sensitivity and can still be damaged .
What is the Difference Between Veneers and Crowns?
Veneers differ from crowns, which cover the entire tooth down to the gumline (and require the tooth to be significantly ground down, meaning that it can never again be without a crown). Direct composite veneers do not permanently alter the teeth to such an extent that the composite material cannot be removed and replaced as needed.
However, one notable downside to indirect composite and porcelain veneers is the grinding of the tooth’s enamel each time you need a replacement set. Assuming you’ll need several replacements throughout your lifetime, your dentist may eventually recommend an alternative solution.
Why Would I Need Veneers?
Veneers can be used to correct a wide range of dental issues , such as:
- Stained teeth or teeth with uneven coloring that can’t be corrected by whitening.
- Uneven spaces between teeth, or a large gap between the upper front teeth.
- Teeth that are chipped, uneven, or have a worn-down appearance.
- Teeth that do not have a pleasing uniform appearance across the smile line.
- Misshapen/smaller-than-average teeth.
What Does the Process of Getting Veneers Involve?
Getting indirect composite and porcelain veneers is a multistep process that is customized to the treatment plan you and your dentist have discussed during the consultation. The consultation is important because this is the time when you and your dentist will discuss treatment options, as well as the desired color of your veneers. Your dentist may also recommend a whitening treatment before applying veneers.
The basic procedure is as follows – but keep in mind that specific steps may vary depending upon your individual case.
- Teeth will be prepared by removing a layer of enamel, which will allow the veneer to fit securely over the tooth, and create a strong bond.
- Your dentist will make a mold of your prepared teeth, and make a set of temporary acrylic veneers while your porcelain veneers are being custom fabricated at the dental laboratory. Veneers take approximately two to four weeks to be made and sent back to the dentist.
- Once the veneers are back, your dentist will cement them to your prepared teeth using a special bonding solution.
Now That You Have Veneers, Keep Your Smile Beautiful!
After the procedure, follow your dentist’s instructions. However, you should be able to enjoy your new smile immediately! Follow oral care and hygiene practices as always, and use common sense – such as not using your teeth as a tool, chewing ice, etc. And while porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, they can still become discolored over time. Therefore, you may want to avoid foods and beverages that can stain – or brush as soon after consuming them as possible. Of course, schedule regular twice-yearly checkups with your dentist!
What to Keep in Mind if You’re Considering Veneers
While veneers may seem the ideal solution for achieving a terrific smile, there are some things to consider , including the following:
- Your teeth and gums must be healthy before you get veneers. Your dentist must treat any disease or decay before your veneers are placed.
- Veneers may not be a good choice for patients who clench or grind their teeth, because the thin veneers may chip or break. If you clench or grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend you wear a plastic dental night guard while sleeping.
- Although your dentist removes as little tooth enamel as possible for veneers, the process cannot be undone once the enamel is removed.
- It is possible for veneers to come loose over time. Should this happen, new ones will be needed.
The Take-Home Message for Your Best Smile Ever
If you are considering veneers , and want to learn how they can enhance the appearance of your teeth, call 24/7 Local Dentist . Our team will help address your oral health concerns and needs, and determine the best solution for you. We strive to identify treatment options that fit your needs.
We understand that the main concern you may have is cost, which is why we accept all major PPO plans for dental insurance and also offer our in-house dental plan. Please see our financing page for more information.
At 24/7 Local Dentist , it is our mission to provide the highest quality and most compassionate oral care to our Chicago patients, including both dental and periodontal services . Our dental specialists include our general dentist, Dr. Nilofer Khan , our periodontist, Dr. Amir Danesh , and our endodontist, Dr. Sabek .
