Your smile is an essential part of a favourable initial impression, so it’s certainly worth investing in. If you’re feeling self-conscious about the state of your teeth, cosmetic veneers could be the solution. However, before making any decisions or investments into getting them done, it would be wise to understand all that comes with this dental procedure first. Read on to find out what you need to know regarding getting veneers.
How do veneers work?
If you’re wanting to enhance your smile, look no further than dental veneers. These custom-made ceramic shells are applied similarly to nail appliques and can last for years with proper upkeep. The porcelain material is then coloured precisely to match the shade of whiteness that compliments your skin tone best. Plus, thanks to recent breakthroughs in technology, these veneers have a similar translucent quality as real teeth, so even brightly-white smiles still seem quite natural.
Veneers are an ideal choice for those who want to keep their original teeth but require more extensive repair than tooth whitening can provide. If you have deep stains, chips or cracks, short or irregularly shaped teeth, or signs of ageing such as wear and tear- veneers may be the perfect solution.
What to expect while getting veneers?
Achieving a beautiful smile with veneers requires several visits and spans over the course of two to three weeks. The journey starts off with an examination at the office of the cosmetic dentist, who will inspect your teeth to determine if you are suitable for this process. If any cavities or implants need correcting, those should be tended to prior to beginning the veneer procedure.
Afterwards, your cosmetic dentist will prepare your teeth for veneers by removing a very thin layer of natural teeth enamel (thinner than the surface of a fingernail) from their fronts. To give you an idea of what they might look like subsequently, they’ll take impressions and build temporary veneers that stay on until permanent ones get there. This trial phase enables you to determine if any modifications should be made in terms of hue or shape –in other words, it is effectively giving you the opportunity to “test drive” your new set of teeth before committing.
Finally, when the veneers have been crafted with precision to match your desired smile, you will come back to see the dentist for their application. The temporary veneers are then removed, and bonding cement is applied to your teeth before they carefully place the permanent ones in their rightful position, revealing a brand-new smile.
Types of veneers
1. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are an incredibly popular choice for those wishing to subtly alter their teeth’s shape, size, and hue. The benefits of porcelain veneers are plentiful: they look exceptionally natural-like when compared to other available options; plus, since no filing down of your original teeth is usually required –you get the win-win scenario here! Porcelain veneers’ lightweight appearance only adds another drawcard – with proper care, these can last up to 15 years. How great is that?
Porcelain veneers can last for many years without losing their natural lustre. However, they are more costly to purchase and require a special polishing paste. Unfortunately, if your porcelain veneer breaks, it is not repairable, and you will have to buy a new one.
2. Ceramic Veneers
Ceramic veneers are among the most common types of dental veneers, gaining traction due to their lifelike aesthetic, ability to resemble natural teeth and durability. The process may take longer compared to other options but rest assured that any temporary sensitivity in your teeth post-procedure will subside shortly after. Investing in ceramic veneers is a great decision for those who desire an improved smile while maintaining the look and feel of real tooth enamel.
3. Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are attractive to many patients because of their affordability and the fact that they can be placed in one treatment, minimising the number of dental visits. Plus, there’s more! Composite veneers require less tooth preparation than other types and cost about half as much as porcelain ones while still looking natural. However, composite veneers don’t last quite as long; with a lifespan of only 5 years, they’re more prone to staining, breaking or chipping compared to porcelain varieties.
Caring for your veneers
Following the procedure, your gums and mouth may feel sore and tender for a few days. It is common to experience sensitivity from the bonding cement, but don’t worry – this discomfort will subside as you heal! To be prepared for any potential discomfort, consider stocking up on ibuprofen before you get started with the treatment.
Daily brushing and flossing, in addition to abstaining from crunchy or hard foods that may cause chipped or broken teeth, will help them maintain their integrity for up to 20 years. It is possible these may need replacing sooner due to ordinary wear and tear; however, the beauty of porcelain veneers is that if only one becomes broken or chipped, you can easily have it replaced without having to replace all of them.
Veneers are an investment
If you plan on getting veneers, make sure that the cost of this procedure is taken into account. Unfortunately, many insurance companies only cover a select few cosmetic procedures and not in full. However, don’t let this deter you, as your dentist will be able to explain various payment plans available if you worry about finances.
Who is not suitable for dental veneers?
When it comes to minimally invasive cosmetic dental procedures, veneers are one of the best options. However, there can be certain conditions that disqualify you from being a good candidate for this procedure. These include teeth grinding/bruxism, significant structural tooth damage; crossbite and/or underbite; active or recurrent gum disease; severe overcrowding of teeth; poor oral hygiene and excessive cavities present in your mouth as well as the labial version of the teeth.
If you’re suffering from any of these conditions, consult with your dentist to determine if veneers are the right solution for you. With a wide range of options available to enhance your smile, pick the one that suits your needs best.
For many years now, the professional team at Beyond Infinity Dental has been working diligently to ensure their patients receive high-quality and affordable dental care. We perform a variety of cosmetic, restorative, and preventative treatments so that you can have the stunning smile of your dreams. If you’re interested in getting veneers or simply want advice about oral health matters -we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us today at (02) 8806 3799 for an appointment, and let’s get started on creating your perfect pearly whites!
References
Dental Veneers
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers
What to know before you get dental veneers
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers
