Smiling is a beautiful thing, and there is nothing more attractive than a person with a bright, wide smile. However, only some people are comfortable showing off their pearly whites. Veneers are a popular dental cosmetic procedure that fixes imperfections like chipped, misaligned, or discoloured teeth.
In this blog post, we’ll look closer at dental veneers, including what they are, how they work, and their many benefits. We’ll also answer dental patients’ common questions about what their teeth look like underneath veneers.
Discover The Facts About Dental Veneers
Veneers are a thin layer of tooth-coloured materials like porcelain or composite resin placed over the front of your teeth to improve the appearance of your teeth. They are designed to match the colour of the rest of your teeth and can enhance the look of uneven or crooked teeth. Furthermore, veneers fix tooth sensitivity, a common issue amongst many people. Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting solution that can relieve tooth sensitivity for years.
Who Can Benefit The Most From Veneers Dental Solution?
Those who suffer from chipped, cracked, or heavily stained teeth will benefit immensely from veneers.
Many people with these dental concerns often feel self-conscious about their smile and may avoid interacting with others. Veneers provide a quick solution to these issues and can restore their confidence to show off their beautiful teeth.
Are you someone who grinds their teeth or has worn down enamel? If so, veneers can help you too. Veneers can cover up the areas of your teeth most impacted by the grinding and protect you from further damage.
That improves the appearance and relieves uncomfortable symptoms, such as painful jaw or headaches.
Understanding The Different Types of Dental Veneers
Veneers can be classified into two main types: porcelain and composite. Porcelain veneers are the most commonly used type of veneer and consist of thin ceramic shells custom-made to fit your teeth. They are highly durable, and thanks to their similarity to tooth enamel, they can be colour-matched to give your teeth a natural, seamless appearance. Composite veneers are made from a tooth-coloured resin that is applied to the tooth and then shaped, hardened, and polished. They are generally less expensive than traditional porcelain veneers but are less durable.
Benefits of Veneers
Veneers offer several benefits, including:
1. Natural-Looking Teeth: These custom-made shells are designed to match the natural colour of your teeth, resulting in a beautiful, healthy-looking smile.
2. Improved Confidence: People with worn, chipped or broken teeth often feel self-conscious in social settings. With veneers, you can regain your confidence and enjoy social settings again.
3. Long-Lasting Results: Traditional porcelain veneers have a long lifespan and are durable enough to resist staining.
4. Healthy Teeth: Unlike traditional dental crowns, veneers only require a minimal reduction in the tooth’s surface to apply, which results in a healthier, more natural-looking smile.
5. Customised Solution: Veneers are custom-made for each patient’s teeth for the perfect fit and look. Cosmetic dentists work closely with the patient to provide a customised solution resulting in a perfect and healthy smile.
6. Versatility: They can be used to reshape and resize your teeth to improve the overall aesthetics of your smile. If you have uneven teeth, gaps, or short teeth, veneers can create a more balanced and aligned look to your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Before Getting Veneers
Before getting veneers, it is important to whiten your teeth. That is because the whitening process helps create a uniform shade for your entire smile, ensuring the veneers blend in with your natural teeth. Teeth whitening can also help lighten any underlying discolouration on the surface of your teeth so that your veneers will blend in seamlessly.
What to Expect During the Veneer Procedure?
We will provide guidance for the entire process of getting dental veneers, from the initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist to the final appointment.
Consultation with a Cosmetic Dentist
Before the veneer procedure, you will need to consult with a cosmetic dentist so they can assess your dental health and determine whether veneers are a suitable option for you. The dentist will examine your oral health during this appointment, including your teeth, gums, and bite. They will also discuss your aesthetic goals with you and answer any questions you may have about the procedure. The dentist will create models of your teeth by taking impressions to use them to create custom veneers to fit perfectly on top of your existing teeth.
Preparation of Your Teeth
Once your custom veneers are ready, you must return to the cosmetic dentist’s office for the preparation appointment. During this appointment, the dentist will remove a thin layer of tooth enamel from the front and sides of each tooth that will receive a veneer. That ensures the veneers fit seamlessly on the underlying teeth, giving a natural-looking appearance.
Placing the Veneers
Next, the cosmetic dentist will bond the veneers to your underlying teeth. They will do this by applying a special dental adhesive to the tooth’s surface, which they will then cure using a special light. Once the adhesive sets, the dentist will carefully adjust the veneers to ensure they fit perfectly and are comfortable for you to wear. You may need to return for a follow-up appointment to ensure the veneers are properly secured and that your bite is comfortable.
Aftercare
Aftercare
After completing the veneer procedure, you should follow all of your dentist’s aftercare instructions. Caring for your veneers is no different from caring for your natural teeth; you should brush at least twice daily, floss daily, and attend regular dental check-ups. It’s also essential to avoid biting into hard objects with your veneers, such as ice or hard candy. While veneers can be expected to last for several years, they may need to be replaced eventually if they become damaged or compromised.
What Do Teeth Look Like Under Veneers?
One of the most common questions dental patients have is what their teeth will look like underneath veneers. The answer is that your underlying teeth will look the same as before the veneers were applied. Veneers are designed to cover the front of your teeth, providing the illusion of a perfect, white smile. However, your natural teeth will remain underneath the veneer, and any imperfections, discolouration, or damage will remain visible if the veneer is removed.
Do Veneers Affect Your Real Teeth In Any Way?
If you are considering veneers, you may wonder if they affect your real teeth in any way. The good news is that veneers only cover the front surface of your teeth and do not damage or change your natural teeth in any way. Getting veneers involves removing a thin layer of enamel from the front surface of your teeth, but this is done to ensure a proper fit for the veneer and does not harm the underlying tooth structure.
In fact, veneers protect your teeth from further damage and decay, as they act as a barrier against bacteria and other harmful substances. Overall, veneers can be a great option for improving the appearance of your smile without any negative impact on your real teeth. However, it is vital to consult your dentist to ensure that veneers are the right option based on your dental health.
What You Need to Know About Maintaining Veneers?
Like any dental procedure, veneers require proper maintenance to ensure that they last for a long time. Let’s discuss what you need to know about maintaining veneers and some tips to help you care for them.
Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your veneers in good condition. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. A mouthwash can also help remove any bacteria and freshen up your breath. Make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and don’t use toothpaste that contains abrasive ingredients that could damage the veneers.
Avoid Stains
One of the benefits of veneers is that they are stain-resistant. However, this doesn’t mean that you should expose them to staining agents. Avoid smoking, coffee, tea, red wine, and other foods and drinks that can stain your teeth. If you consume any of these, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
Don’t Bite Hard Objects
While veneers are durable, they are not indestructible. Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects like ice, candy, or pens. Doing so can damage or even fracture your veneers. Similarly, don’t use your teeth to open bottles or packages.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental check-ups are crucial for maintaining the health of your veneers and oral health in general. Your dentist can assess the condition of your veneers and recommend any necessary treatment. They can also clean your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar that could harm your veneers.
Wear a Mouthguard (if necessary)
If you suffer from grinding your teeth or regularly playing sports, wearing a mouth guard can help to protect your veneers. Mouth guards can also help to prevent any injuries to your mouth and teeth. Talk to your dentist about whether a mouthguard would be necessary for you.
Cost of Veneers: Factors that affect the cost
Time to explore the factors that affect the cost of veneers.
Material
Material
The material used in making veneers plays a significant role in determining the cost. Veneers can be made from composite resin material or porcelain. Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers, primarily because of their quality.
Benefits Porcelain veneers offer compared to composite types, including being stronger, more durable, and stain-resistant. Composite veneers, on the other hand, are cheaper and may not last as long as porcelain veneers.
Location
The location of where you get your veneers fixed can also impact the final cost. Certain regions or countries may have higher prices for veneers than others. Besides, the clinic’s location also plays a role in determining the cost. Clinics in upmarket locations or premium neighbourhoods are more expensive than clinics in ordinary locations.
Dentist’s Expertise
Like any dental cosmetic procedure, the cost of veneers is linked to the dentist’s experience. Experienced dentists typically charge more than less experienced dentists. The reason behind this is simple- the more experience a dentist has, the more knowledge they have on handling different cases, and the less error-prone they are.
Additional Costs
There can be additional costs aside from the veneers when receiving veneers. For example, you may require dental X-rays, adding to the total cost. Extra charges may also be related to the laboratory work necessary for the veneers’ preparation. Besides, insurance may not cover veneers, making it an out-of-pocket expense.
Number Of Teeth
The final factor that affects the cost of veneers is the number of teeth that require veneers. The procedure is priced per tooth, so the more teeth you need to be fixed, the more expensive the process becomes. In simple cases where there is just one tooth to fix, the cost of a veneer may be lower than when several teeth are being restored.
What Is The Expected Lifespan Of Veneers?
Dental patients often ask this question about the longevity of veneers. How long do they last? The longevity of veneers depends on various factors. Let’s delve into details on the durability of cosmetic veneers.
Understanding the lifespan of veneers
The lifespan of veneers varies from case to case, depending on how well you care for them, the quality of the materials used, and several other factors. In general, most porcelain veneers last between 10 to 15 years. However, composite veneers may last 5 to 7 years or more with proper care. It’s essential to remember that veneers are not a permanent solution and will eventually need replacement.
Factors That Contribute To The Lifespan Of Veneers
Several factors can affect the longevity of your veneers, including your oral health, lifestyle habits, and maintenance routine.
How frequently you brush your teeth, floss, and visit the dentist is crucial in determining how long your veneers last.
Also, smoking, grinding teeth, biting your nails, or using the teeth to open bottles can wear down the veneers over time, reducing their lifespan.
If you engage in any of these habits, it’s essential to stop or take precautions to extend the life of your veneers.
When Should You Replace Your Veneers?
If you observe any indications of harm or deterioration on your veneers, it’s essential to consult your dentist. Your dentist will evaluate your veneers’ condition to determine whether they need replacement. Some signs of damage include chips, cracks, discolouration, or sensitivity to heat or cold. Replacing your veneers before significant damage occurs can prevent more extensive dental issues in the future.
How Can You Ensure That You Select The Appropriate Dentist For Your Veneer Treatment?
When it comes to getting veneers, finding the right dentist can make all the difference in the outcome of your procedure. The abundance of options available can be daunting, making it hard to determine who is the best fit for you. It’s important to do your research and consider factors such as the dentist’s experience, reputation, and any before and after photos of previous patients. Additionally, consultation scheduling can give you a better idea of the dentist’s approach and bedside manner. Remember, your smile is an investment worth ensuring you have the right professional on your team.
Conclusion
Overall, dental veneers are an excellent treatment option for patients looking to improve the appearance of their smile. Whether you opt for traditional porcelain or composite veneers, you can expect your teeth to look brighter, more uniform, and more attractive. While your natural teeth will remain underneath the veneer, you can enjoy your new smile for years to come with proper care.
So if you want to brighten your smile with a set of beautiful veneers, look no further than Infinity Dental Care. With our expert care, you can achieve the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. Schedule your consultation today by contacting us and get started on your journey to a brighter, more beautiful smile! Call us at (02) 9159 6237 today.
References
Dental Veneers: Benefits, Procedure, Costs, and Results
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers#types
Veneers: What Are Dental Veneers? Cost, Procedure & Advantages
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers
Dental Veneer Placement: Overview, Planning of Dental Veneer Placement, Veneer Preparation
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2065778-overview