To enhance the appearance of teeth, thin, tooth-colored shells, known as dental veneers, are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Porcelain or resin composite materials are frequent to create dental veneers attached to your teeth over an extended period. Veneers are one of the most prevalent forms of cosmetic dentistry. They can hide various cosmetic flaws, such as chips, cracks, gaps, discoloration of the teeth, and more. Different veneer types are available depending on what you want to achieve precisely.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Veneers?
Porcelain and composite resin compose most veneers and require extensive preparation. Nevertheless, “no-prep” veneers are also available and use a different application method.
- Composite Veneers: Composite veneers can hide minor, aesthetic problems. To get the desired results, your dentist will utilize tooth-colored composite resin, the same substance used for dental bonding.
- Composite Resin Veneers: If you decide on composite resin veneers, your dentist will etch the tooth’s surface before coating it with a thin layer of the composite material.
- Getting the desired result can take more composite layers than you think. Afterward, your dentist will use a special light to cure or harden the composite veneer.
- No-prep Veneers: These are brand-specific porcelain veneers, Lumineers and Vivaneers. They are easier to apply and require less time. No-prep veneers only affect the enamel, not the layers of the tooth beneath it.
- Removable veneers: To cover flaws, the dentist covers your natural teeth by removable veneers, also known as pop-on or snap-on veneers. You can take out removable veneers at any moment, just like retainers. Removable veneers can improve your smile, but they may make it difficult for you to eat and affect your speech.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Veneers?
Pros:
- Whiter and More Evenly Spaced Teeth: Veneers can whiten and evenly space your teeth, enhancing your smile’s appearance.
- A realistic, Natural Finish: Porcelain veneers replicate the light-reflecting characteristics of teeth, producing a natural-looking outcome.
- Durability: Veneers provide a durable cosmetic solution. They can last more than ten years if correctly cared for.
- Durable and Resistant to Stains: Porcelain veneers are more durable and resistant to stains than composite bonding, for example, and have the same strength as a crown.
Cons:
- Permanent: Before having veneers bonded to your teeth, the dentist typically needs to fill down the enamel on the front of your teeth. The enamel is the thin outer layer of a tooth’s surface. The result is a permanent change to your teeth.
- Sensitivity: Patients may report feeling more sensitive after having veneers placed.
- Fragility: Although porcelain veneers are quite durable, they can break under strong impacts, such as biting down on something hard or grinding your teeth. If this happens, you must have any damaged veneers fixed or replaced.
What Distinguishes Veneers, Crowns, and Implants from One Another?
Dental veneers, crowns, and implants can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the teeth. Yet, there are distinctions between them. The area of the tooth that each option covers is one way that veneers, crowns, and implants differ.
Dental veneers mainly cover a tooth’s front surface. On the other hand, crowns encompass the entire tooth, including the front, back, and all sides. As a result, dentists utilize crowns to fix fractured teeth, especially teeth with minimal remaining structure. Furthermore, crowns can make the teeth they cover stronger. In contrast, implants are bolt-like constructions that attach to the jawbone to replace lost teeth.
When necessary, a dentist may fix a crown in the mouth using an implant. For example, this might be if someone is missing a tooth or needs to be extracted because it is either too severely damaged or irreparable. Crowns rebuild severely damaged teeth, whereas implants replace missing teeth. Veneers make teeth that are still largely intact look better.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
The price may change depending on your requirements, such as how many veneers you require and the material used. For example, composite is an alternative to porcelain veneers, often costing less. After your initial consultation, your dentist will review your options and any associated costs.
How Should I Take Care of My Veneers?
Just like your other teeth, veneers need to be taken care of. This includes:
- Using fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day.
- Flossing daily.
- Going to frequent dental checkups and hygienist visits.
In addition to being able to ask any questions, your dentist can provide specific instructions on aftercare.
Alternatives to Dental Veneers
Bondings and crowns are two alternatives to veneers. Veneers are an excellent in-between choice. If you wish to alter the shape of your teeth more significantly than bonding can do but not enough to necessitate a crown, veneers might be your best option. In addition, cosmetic teeth issues can be permanently fixed with dental veneers. Anybody considering cosmetic dental work should talk to a dentist about their alternatives.
If you want to change the appearance of your teeth, Call Skyrise Dental in Thornhill, Ontario, or request an appointment on our website!
