Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry treatment used to improve the appearance of teeth. Preparation for veneers begins with the preparation of teeth, where your dentist lightly etches away a thin layer of tooth enamel – this allows for a more secure bond between your natural tooth and porcelain veneer. Once the tooth has been prepared, a temporary dental veneer will be placed to protect the area while you wait for the permanent custom porcelain veneers to be crafted in a lab. Porcelain laminate veneers can also be made in-office with composite resin and are called “temporary” veneers. Traditional porcelain veneers are usually made of medical-grade ceramic and held securely in place with dental cement. For an individual looking to modify their existing teeth, porcelain veneer procedures provide an efficient and cost-effective way to restore them to perfect health. The porcelain veneer procedure can vary in complexity, depending on how many teeth need restoration, but overall it is considered one of the most transformative treatments available in cosmetic dentistry.
How Can Veneers Improve the Appearance of Teeth?
Veneers are an excellent option for those wishing to improve their teeth’ appearance. Before veneers can be placed, teeth must be prepared by removing a small bit of tooth enamel from the tooth’s surface. This allows the porcelain veneer, a thin piece of custom-made porcelain specially created to match existing teeth’ size, shape, and colour, to be bonded on top. Veneers offer both cosmetic and functional advantages, with little to no removal of any tooth structure needed. There are two types of veneers, composite resin veneers and traditional porcelain veneers. Composite veneers require less preparation than traditional ones and cost less but tend to last less long.
In contrast, conventional porcelain laminate veneers will last 10-20 years and look more natural. However, they come at a higher cost. Porcelain veneer placement requires special tools and training to look aesthetically pleasing in its final form after it has been adhered to with strong dental cement. Ultimately, with their ability to restore or improve smile aesthetics quickly, porcelain veneers have become one of the most popular treatments for cosmetic dentistry today.
Dental Evaluation
Before you can even consider getting veneers, it is important to have a comprehensive dental evaluation. This evaluation will help your dentist determine whether or not you are a good candidate for veneers and what the best course of treatment is for you. Let’s examine why this evaluation is important and what factors may impact your veneer candidacy.
What Is a Dental Evaluation?
A dental evaluation is an in-depth examination of your teeth and mouth conducted by your dentist or orthodontist.
During the review, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, and any existing cavities will be filled. Your dentist may also take X-rays or CT scans to assess the condition of your teeth and mouth accurately.
After this initial assessment, your dentist can decide whether you are a good candidate for veneers or if other treatments should be considered first.
Factors That May Impact Candidacy for Veneers
Many factors may impact whether or not you are eligible for veneers. For example, people with gum disease, decay, or weakened enamel may not be suitable candidates for veneers because they cannot adequately protect their underlying teeth from further damage. Additionally, some individuals may need orthodontic treatment before getting veneers since misalignment can prevent the veneer from fitting correctly onto the tooth surface. Finally, individuals who clench or grind their teeth may need to wear a night guard before getting veneers since these habits can cause premature wear on the restorations over time.
Porcelain and Composite Veneers
Porcelain and composite veneers are two popular cosmetic dentistry procedures that can improve the appearance of teeth. Veneers can help correct dental problems, including discoloured, crooked, cracked, chipped, or misshapen teeth.
One significant difference between porcelain and composite veneers is the preparation of the teeth. Preparing the teeth for porcelain veneers is more invasive than composite veneers. The dentist must remove a thin enamel layer from the teeth to accommodate the veneers. This process requires local anaesthesia to numb the area, preventing pain and discomfort. On the other hand, preparing the teeth for composite veneers is minimally invasive and does not require anaesthesia in most cases. The dentist must only roughen the tooth’s surface to ensure the composite veneer can adhere correctly.
Both porcelain and composite veneers provide excellent protection to the teeth, especially if they are prone to wear and tear. Once the veneers are in place, they help protect the teeth from further damage by adding a layer of durable material. Porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains and usually last longer than composite veneers. They are also an excellent choice for those who want a more natural-looking smile. Composite veneers, on the other hand, are less durable but easier to repair in case of damage.
In conclusion, both porcelain and composite veneers are effective cosmetic dentistry procedures that can improve the appearance of teeth. Porcelain veneers require more invasive preparation but are more durable and natural-looking. Composite veneers are minimally invasive but less durable than porcelain veneers. Regardless of the type of veneers, proper care is essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Veneers can provide a long-lasting and beautiful smile with good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
Preparation Procedure
Explanation of Tooth Reduction and Shaping
Once you and your dentist have discussed the details of your veneer treatment plan and decided it’s right for you, they’ll begin by creating a mould of your teeth. This will be used to create customised veneers that fit perfectly in your mouth. Then, your dentist will reduce and shape your existing teeth to ensure the new veneers fit snugly over them. This is done using an electric dental drill or laser, which is used to remove a small amount of enamel from each tooth. The amount of enamel that needs to be removed depends on factors such as how deep or shallow each tooth is. This process should take at most 30 minutes per tooth.
Local Anaesthesia and Sedation Options
Since removing enamel can be uncomfortable, it is important to note that local anaesthesia or sedation may be offered during this preparation stage. Local anaesthesia numbs the area around your tooth so that you don’t feel any pain during prep work or placement of the veneer.
Sedation options are available if you are feeling particularly anxious about having a dental job done; these range from oral sedatives (taken by mouth) to IV sedatives (administered intravenously). Talk with your dentist about which option would be best for you before moving forward with treatment.
Final Veneers Placement
The final placement occurs after patients have had their veneers created and fitted in a laboratory or dental office. The dentist will bond the veneer to each tooth with special resin cement. This cement is then hardened with a curing light or laser beam so that it seals around the edges of the tooth and holds it firmly in place. Once the curing is complete, any excess cement is removed, and surface imperfections are smoothed using dental instruments. The dentist may also add protective coatings or sealants to protect against staining and discolouration over time. Finally, they will examine your mouth for proper fit and alignment before giving instructions on how best to care for your permanent veneers.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Veneers
When caring for permanent veneers, there are several things you should keep in mind:
Brush gently twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste; avoid brushing too hard, as this can damage the enamel on your natural teeth or cause chipping or cracking of the veneer itself.
Floss at least once daily; use an interdental brush to remove trapped food particles between teeth or gums.
Avoid eating sticky foods that could pull off or damage your veneer; limit consumption of acidic foods such as citrus fruits or juices, which can erode enamel over time if consumed in excess.
Visit your dentist regularly—at least twice per year—for checkups and cleanings; this will help ensure your veneer remains healthy and intact over time.
Like all dental restoration procedures, practising good oral hygiene and following up with regular checkups is important to maintain your beautiful new veneers. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your veneers.
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, you should consider some special considerations when caring for your veneers. Avoid using your teeth as tools—no opening bottles or packages with them! You should also avoid biting down on hard objects like ice cubes or fingernails because this can cause the edges of the veneer to chip or crack over time. Finally, be sure to use non-abrasive cleaners when cleaning around the edges of the veneer, as abrasive cleaners can damage the material.
Conclusion
Concluding our discussion on the virtues of veneers, these protective coverings are a great choice if you want to give your teeth an additional layer of protection against wear and tear while improving their overall aesthetics. Whether it be chips, discolouration, or minor misalignment, you are looking to correct; veneers are very well the answer. That said, each person’s dental needs and preferences differ from the next, and it is important to consult with a dentist who can assess your situation and develop a plan customised just for you. Ultimately, we encourage you to consider seriously adding this level of protection to your smile. With improved appearance and durability at no cost to your oral health, veneers can make all the difference in achieving that beautiful smile you have been hoping for! Our skilled team at Sydney Dental Group has helped many patients regain their smiles with exquisitely crafted veneers. Contact us today at (02) 9158 6135 to make your first appointment!
References
Porcelain for veneers https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9893514/
Fracture strength of different veneers on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) frameworks in implant-supported single crowns https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35986930/