What are veneers made of?
The two major materials used to create dental veneers are porcelain and composite resin; each requiring extensive preparation work. However, there are alternative options available such as no-prep veneers, that can be applied using a different technique.
When traditional dental veneers are applied, it is common to trim down the tooth structure, extending even beyond the enamel. This method ensures that the veneer is placed correctly, but it is permanent and can result in discomfort for the patient, thereby necessitating the administration of a local anesthetic.
The extent of tooth reduction is contingent upon your particular dental needs and the amount of teeth treated.
Alternatively, no-prep veneers may require minor tooth preparation or modifications; however, the extent of these changes is minimal.
Porcelain veneers
Initially, certain dental practitioners may start by reducing the size of the teeth followed and take an impression for the formation of a cast. Subsequently, the cast will be sent to a specialized laboratory to manufacture the porcelain veneer.
After veneer preparation, your dentist can bond and secure the veneers onto the natural teeth that is prepared. Temporary ones may be utilized while the permanent porcelain veneers are being manufactured in a lab. Alternatively, dental professionals may opt to employ CAD/CAM technology where a computer system designs the veneer to be used. It is possible for your dentist to fabricate the veneer on-site within the dental office.
Composite resin veneers
When opting for composite resin veneers, the dentist will initiate the process by etching the surface of the concerned tooth, followed by applying a delicate layer of composite material onto it in order to prep the tooth.
In order to attain your desired appearance, it may be essential to apply further composite layers. The final stage involves the use of a specialized light by your dentist to cure and solidify the composite veneers.
No-prep veneers
Other alternatives are available, such as Lumineers and Vivaneers, which are distinctive porcelain veneer brands. These options require minimal time and produce less disruption in the application procedure.
No-prep veneers are an innovative solution that focuses solely on the enamel instead of eliminating layers of tooth. These veneers typically don’t necessitate either local anesthetics or temporary veneers, making them a sought-after alternative for many individuals.
What are the benefits of dental veneers?
Veneers offer significant advantages in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your teeth, resulting in a more radiant and uniform smile. These dental prosthetics are frequently provided to address the following cosmetic conditions:
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Intractable discoloration or inconsistent pigmentation that cannot be remedied through whitening
- Gaps in the teeth
- Smaller-than-average teeth
- Pointed or unusually shaped teeth
Opting for veneers is a prudent decision as they have a prolonged lifespan of over ten years. They serve as a semi-permanent investment that can enhance your self-assurance with respect to your smile.
Taking care of your veneers after they’re placed
Compared to other dental procedures, the recovery period for veneers is relatively short. Once the veneers are securely cemented in place and the effects of any anesthetics have subsided, you can resume your regular eating and chewing habits without delay. During this time frame, it is important to avoid inadvertently biting the insides of your cheeks or tongue.
Following the application of veneers, some individuals may experience slight roughness on the surface of their teeth. The roughness is often caused by excess adhesive that adheres to the veneer. This issue typically resolves itself within a few days following regular tooth brushing and eating habits. If the rough spots persist, it is advisable to visit your dentist who can promptly address the matter by smoothing them out.
Traditional porcelain veneers have a lifespan of approximately 10 years (although certain studies indicate that they may persist for up to 20 years). On the other hand, no-prep veneers have an estimated durability of around 5 to 7 years. In order to maximize their lifespan, it is essential to adopt certain preventive measures. These measures encompass:
- Avoid biting or gnawing on firm items such as pencils, ice cubes, or your own nails.
- Refrain from using your teeth for opening packaging.
- It is advisable to avoid using your front teeth while chewing. Instead, reserve your back teeth for consuming harder foods. To facilitate this, it is recommended that you slice hard foods into manageable pieces.
- To safeguard your veneers, in the event that you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping, it is recommended to obtain a splint or retainer.
- Wear a mouth guard while playing sports.
- In the event that you habitually grind or clench your teeth, it is advisable to acquire a night guard.