Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates, are ultra-thin, custom-made covers for the front of teeth that are composed of materials that match your natural teeth. The tooth's colour, form, size, or length are altered by these shells, which are glued to the front of the teeth.

Why are Veneers used?

Frequently, veneers are used to correct: teeth with stains as a result of: root canal treatment tetracycline or other drug-related stains too much fluoride substantial resin fillings additional factors teeth that are damaged teeth with chips or fractures teeth that are crooked, uneven, or have an unusual form (for example, have craters or bulges in them) Teeth that are spaced apart (to close the space between these teeth)

What is the Procedure for Veneers

Dental veneers typically require three visitsone for a consultation and two more for fabrication and application. The veneering procedure can be carried out simultaneously on one tooth or a number of teeth. Diagnosis and treatment planning  You will explain to the dentist what you hope to accomplish. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth at this visit to determine whether dental veneers are a good option for you. He or she will also go through the procedure's advantages and disadvantages. They could make imprints of your mouth and teeth and take X-rays. Preparation Your dentist will reshape the tooth surface to almost exactly match the thickness of the veneer that will be applied to the tooth surface in order to prepare a tooth for a veneer. If they opt to numb the region first before cutting the enamel, you and your dentist will make that decision. Your dentist will next create a model, also known as an imprint, of your tooth. This model is delivered to a dental lab, where your veneer is created. The veneers return from the laboratory in 2 to 4 weeks on average. In the meanwhile, temporary dental veneers may be worn. Bonding Before securely attaching the veneer to your tooth, your dentist will first place it on your tooth to check its fit and colour. He or she will then repeatedly remove and trim the veneer to obtain the ideal fit. The colour of the veneer can be altered depending on the type of cement being used. Your tooth will next be cleaned, polished, and etched to get it ready for the veneer. The tooth is made rougher by etching to promote a powerful bonding process. The veneer is coated with a unique cement before being bonded to your tooth. Your dentist will place the veneer in the ideal location before using a special laser beam to activate chemicals in the cement and hasten the hardening process. The last few procedures entail cleaning up any extra cement, assessing your bite, and making any necessary corrections. In order to examine your gums and the placement of the veneer, your dentist might ask you to come back for a follow-up appointment in a couple of weeks.

Disadvantages of Dental veneers?

Drawbacks to dental veneers include: The procedure can't be reversed. Over composite resin bonding, veneers are more expensive. If veneers fracture or chip, they are typically beyond repair. Your tooth may become more sensitive to hot and cold meals and beverages since enamel has been removed. It's possible that veneers won't perfectly match your other teeth's colour. Additionally, once the veneer is installed, its colour cannot be changed. Prior to having veneers, you must whiten your teeth if you choose to do so. Veneers can come off and detach, however this is unlikely. Avoid biting your nails, chewing on ice, pencils, or other hard items, or applying excessive pressure to your teeth in any other way to reduce the likelihood of this happening. Even teeth covered in veneers are susceptible to deterioration, which may require a crown to completely protect the tooth. For those who have unhealthy teeth (such as those with decay or active gum disease), weaker teeth (due to decay, fracture, or massive dental fillings), or who lack adequate enamel on the tooth surface, veneers are not a good option. People who grind and clench their teeth are not good candidates for porcelain veneers since this might break or damage the veneers.

How to Decide Which Type of Veneers is Right For You

1. Veneered porcelain These are frequently the veneers of choice for patients who wish to change the size, shape, or colour of their teeth or make minor adjustments to them. The following are a few advantages of porcelain veneers: Compared to other veneers, they are thinner. You might benefit from teeth that seem quite natural. Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. Most of the time, no natural tooth has to be reduced in size. Remember: While porcelain veneers are more resilient and realistic-looking, they are also more costly and call for a specialised polishing paste. Additionally, they cannot be fixed if they break, therefore a replacement is needed. Ceramic Veneers 2. One of the most often utilised types of veneers is ceramic, and many patients find them to be a fantastic option since they: a genuine appearance Strength Ability to resemble your actual teeth Remember that ceramic veneers may require more time to produce than other varieties. After the procedure, you can also have some transient tooth sensitivity for a few days. Composite veneers, third Some people prefer composite veneers because they are more affordable. Additionally, they may frequently be implanted in a single procedure, eliminating the need for many dental appointments. Additional benefits of this kind of veneer include: When compared to other veneers, they require less tooth preparation. Usually, the price is half that of porcelain veneers. Superior composite veneers can resemble genuine wood. Remember: Composite veneers could be less expensive, but they also have a higher chance of staining, breaking, or chipping. Composite veneers last around five years less than porcelain veneers do.

Precautions after Veneers

Veneers for the teeth don't need any extra maintenance. Continue brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash as usual as part of maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Despite the fact that porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, your dentist may advise you to stay away from foods and drinks that might cause stains (for example, coffee, tea, or red wine). Good Oral Hygiene After receiving dental veneers, it is essential to continue practising proper oral hygiene. This is important because cavities can still form underneath or around veneers. Maintaining the veneers' cleanliness can help stop long-term deterioration and staining. Patients should clean their teeth twice a day and floss once a day to extend the life of veneers. Additionally, one must make use of the suggested oral care supplies. Avoid Stains Veneers can still deteriorate over time even if they are tough to stain. However, there are precautions people may take to avoid stains and preserve the veneers' fresh appearance for an extended period of time. Stain-producing foods and beverages may need to be restricted or kept away from the teeth. Foods and beverages with a lot of colour tend to discolour teeth. Tea and coffee are among the beverages covered by this. Pasta sauce and berries are two foods that might leave stains more easily. If someone chooses to consume these things, it is advised to brush their teeth right away after drinking or eating. Brushing your teeth will assist get rid of food residue and stains. Avoid Negative Behavior The veneers on teeth are sturdy. However, some behaviours can harm them. The veneers may become harmed from chewing ice and biting nails. People should refrain from these behaviours as well as those that put strain on veneers and can cause them to crack or shatter.