Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that can help improve your appearance by making the most of your smile. Not only do veneers give you an instant smile makeover, but they also build your confidence. Dental veneers could be the solution for you if your smile requires some assistance. Dentists can use them to fix teeth that are misshapen, discoloured from within, gapped, chipped, or worn down.
If you’re curious about how veneers are done, read on!
How veneers are done?
There are two kinds of dental veneers: porcelain and composite. The type you choose will determine how they’re applied.
Porcelain veneers
A consultation must happen before you can get porcelain veneers, as is the case with any cosmetic dental procedure. Our dentist will talk to you about your smile goals and what you hope to achieve with treatment while examining your teeth and gums. If you are confirmed as a good candidate, the first of two appointments for dental veneers will be scheduled.
During the first appointment, our cosmetic dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from each tooth that is receiving a veneer. This layer is usually about as thick as the porcelain veneers you will be getting. This method is used to make the veneers look natural and fit correctly with the rest of your teeth when glued on. In addition, it ensures that your bite won’t be adversely affected.
We will create digital models of your teeth and send them to an offsite laboratory. Your porcelain veneers will be custom-made based on the details and shades that you require. Most of the time, our dentist will offer you temporary veneers to safeguard your teeth while you’re waiting for the permanent ones.
After the veneers are made in the lab, you will come back for a second appointment to have them fitted permanently. Our dentist will place the dental veneers on your teeth to see if they match in terms of colour and shape. If necessary, the edges of the veneers may need to be trimmed or rounded off; this can be done while you wait. If you’re not satisfied with the results, the colour can be changed. Keep in mind that these types of changes cannot be made after the porcelain veneers are glued on.
Veneers are placed by etching the teeth with acid to create a rougher surface for the porcelain veneer material to stick to. A high-density light is used to solidify the cement. And there you have it – a beautiful smile!
Composite veneers
Composite dental veneers don’t require removing any tooth enamel, so the procedure can be undone, which porcelain veneers can’t. We apply composite resin to your tooth in multiple layers and mould it to the appearance you desire. We then harden and polish it until it shines – just like natural teeth!
How to maintain your veneers after they’re applied?
The recovery process for veneers is significantly shorter than other dental procedures; once the veneers are cemented on, and any anaesthesia wears off, you can chew and eat as normal. Once the anaesthetic starts to wear off, avoid biting your tongue or cheeks.
Veneers may feel rough after application, but this usually resolves itself shortly. Usually, the rough spots come from extra cement that’s left on the veneer. They go away after a few days of normal teeth brushing and eating. If they don’t disappear, our dentist can fix them quickly.
Conventional porcelain veneers can last up to 10 years. Taking a few precautions can help extend your veneers’ lifespan and keep them looking their best. These include:
- You should get a retainer or mouth guard if you clench or grind your teeth.
- You should wear a mouthguard if you engage in any sport.
- You should only chew harder foods with your back teeth and avoid chewing with your front teeth whenever possible.
- You should not open the packaging with your teeth.
- You should refrain from chewing on hard objects like your fingernails, ice, and pens.
What are the benefits of dental veneers?
Veneers are long-lasting
Veneers aren’t just for looks; they offer added protection to your teeth against staining and decay. Your dental veneers will last 10-15 years if taken care of properly. Although porcelain veneers are tough and can resist staining, you should still take care of them as diligently as you would your natural teeth.
Veneers are easy to maintain
Just as you brush and floss your natural teeth, do the same for your new porcelain veneers. In addition, be sure to schedule dental checkups at our dental clinic every few months.
By following this routine, you can help preserve the initial whiteness in your veneers and protect your smile.
Veneers are natural-looking
Porcelain veneers are so natural-looking that most people can’t tell them apart from regular teeth.
Veneers need very little enamel removal
Dental veneers are a fantastic dental treatment because you don’t have to lose your natural teeth to get them! All you need is a short enamel removal procedure so they can be attached to the front of your teeth.
Who is a candidate for dental veneers?
1. You have good overall dental health
Make sure you have healthy gums and teeth before getting any cosmetic dentistry procedures. Although you may require restorative treatments first, veneers are still an option.
2. You have minor cosmetic problems
Veneers are a great way to fix several issues at one time. For example, veneers can serve as the perfect solution if you have multiple stained teeth, slightly crooked teeth, or even just a single chipped tooth. By utilising this treatment, you will save money by only needing to invest in one procedure instead of three. Also, it’s worth knowing that cracks, chips or enamel loss result in teeth that are more susceptible to decay and sensitivity.
3. Your teeth are severely stained
Modern teeth whitening treatments are most effective against mild to moderate discolouration; however, these products won’t lighten darker stains. The beauty of porcelain veneers is that they can cover up any external and internal stains caused by decay or old fillings.
Get a new smile with veneers
After reading about how dental veneers are done, you may be wondering if they’re right for you. Schedule an appointment with Beyond Infinity Dental so one of our dentists can help you make a decision.
Call us at (02) 8806 3799 to schedule a consultation.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Dental Veneers
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1
The Success of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design and Material Type
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311473/
