Cosmetic veneers can make a big difference in the look of your teeth and can make you feel more confident in your smile. Dental veneers can help with several cosmetic concerns, such as chipped, broken, discolored, or small teeth, giving the appearance of a brighter, more symmetrical smile.
They can be applied as singles to improve the look of one tooth that is discoloured or chipped, or as an entire set.
Veneers are very popular, but how are veneers applied?
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are very thin shells that are placed directly over an existing tooth or teeth, to address any cosmetic concerns. Dental veneers are unable to camouflage severe concerns, such as highly crooked teeth or broken teeth.
Dental veneers can also help to strengthen weaker teeth, but any tooth decay, cavity, or gum disease needs to be treated first, as they can only be applied to healthy teeth.
Dental Veneers Look Like Natural Teeth, Only Better
Dental veneers look very realistic – just like natural teeth, but cover any small imperfections on your natural teeth. They do an excellent job of hiding discolouration, and covering slightly crooked teeth, or slightly chipped teeth.
Colour is chosen to make a good match with neighboring teeth. When a set is used for an overall effect, it is usually recommended to go just a couple of shades lighter than your actual teeth.
Types Of Veneers Impact How The Veneers Are Applied
The veneering process will depend on the type of veneer. Your dentist will consult with you about the best type of veneers for your situation. Once decided, the dental veneer procedure can start.
Porcelain Veneers Procedure
To prepare your teeth for porcelain veneers, a thin layer of the tooth surface is removed from the front surface of your teeth. This allows the veneer to be placed properly and firmly secured, but it does mean the procedure is irreversible. A local anesthetic is usually applied for your comfort.
A mould then is made of your teeth, which is sent to a dental laboratory to make a custom porcelain veneer from.
When the porcelain veneers are finished, your cosmetic dentist evaluates them, to make sure it is the proper colour, fit, and shape, and then cements them onto your prepared tooth.
Because of the translucent look of porcelain veneers, these are usually the most natural and attractive veneers, although all veneers are very natural looking and greatly enhance the aesthetics of your smile.
Temporary Veneers
Temporary dental veneers may be given to you to protect your teeth in the meantime, and last until your next appointment, when your porcelain veneers are ready.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite veneers are made of resin composite materials that are moulded onto your teeth. With composite veneers, your dentist etches the front surface of the teeth you are having veneered, to help the resin bond properly. Your dentist next applies a thin coating of the composite material to prepared teeth. Added layers of composite resin are applied as necessary. The liquid composite veneer material is cured onto your teeth with ultraviolet light.
Because composite veneers are applied directly to your existing teeth, this dental veneer procedure can be done in one appointment.
No-prep veneers
Despite the name, most no-prep veneers do require some preparation. However, they take less time and impact your natural teeth less, as it is not necessary to remove any layers of the tooth under the enamel. Local anesthetics or temporary veneers are not usually needed.
There are some veneers that require no tooth preparation, however.
These types of dental veneers are thinner and do not correct cosmetic issues as effectively.
Caring For Dental Veneers
A porcelain or composite resin veneer should last a long time.
The dental cement is very strong; however, a dental veneer can loosen over time. If your dental veneer falls off but does not break, your dentist may be able to reapply it. If not, a new one will have to be affixed.
To take care of your dental veneers, always practice excellent oral hygiene. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open or cut anything, and be careful with hard or chewy foods. A mouth guard can help when playing sports, or while sleeping if you grind your teeth.
Ready For A More Attractive Smile?
If you are ready to cover a stained tooth or broken tooth with a veneer or want a more complete smile makeover, with a full set of veneers, Orchard Park Dental can help you get the beautiful smile you are looking for. We will answer all of your questions, and take the time to get great results for you.
