What Are Veneers? An In-Depth Overview of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells of tooth-colored materials, which are used for covering the front surface of teeth for cosmetic purposes and are also known as porcelain veneers. Veneers are used to change the color, length, shape or size of teeth and are bonded to the front surface of teeth. Either porcelain or resin composite is the material, which is used for making the veneers. In comparison to resin veneers, stains are better resisted by porcelain veneers and the light-reflecting characteristics of natural teeth are better mimicked by them. Veneers made of resin are thinner and less of the tooth surface needs to be removed to place them. So, when it comes to deciding the best choice, it is better to consult your dentist. What Types of Problems Can Be Fixed with Dental Veneers? Typically, the following problems can be fixed using dental veneers: Broken or chipped teeth Discolored teeth Gaps between teeth Irregular, misaligned or unevenly shaped teeth
Worn down teeth How Are Dental Veneers Applied? You will have to visit your dentist thrice if you want to get dental veneers, one for consultation, the second for making the making the veneers and the third for applying them. Veneers can be applied to one tooth or simultaneously to multiple teeth. Before your dentist prepares your teeth and makes veneers for them, you will have to explain what sort of a result you want to achieve. Your teeth will be examined by your dentist during your first appointment, and your dentist will determine if dental veneers are suitable for you. Your dentist might possible make impressions of your teeth and mouth, and might also take dental X-rays. About 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the surface of your tooth will be removed by your dentist to prepare it for a veneer. Before the enamel is trimmed off, your dentist will decide and even ask you if you want local anesthetic so that the area is numbed. Next, an impression or model of your tooth will be made. The dentist will send out the model to a dental laboratory, where it will be used to construct your veneer. The laboratory will send back the veneer within a week or two. Before permanently cementing the dental veneer to your tooth, your dentist will check if it fits properly and its color is appropriate by temporarily placing it on your tooth. To ensure the veneer fits properly, your dentist might remove and trim it a few times. Your dentist might use the cement to adjust the color of the veneer to match your natural teeth. Next, the dentist will clean, polish and etch your tooth to roughen it so the bonding process is strong. Your dentist will apply special cement to the veneer and will place it on your tooth. After properly positioning the veneer on your tooth, a special light beam will be applied to it, activating the chemicals in the cement as a result of which it will harden quickly. In the final steps, excess cement will be removed; your bite will be evaluated, and any final adjustments to your veneer will be made as necessary. What are the Benefits of Dental Veneers? Getting veneers has the following benefits: A natural appearance is provided to your tooth Porcelain is tolerated quite well by gum tissue Porcelain veneers are resistant to stain
Darker teeth can be made to appear whiter A conservative approach to change the color and shape of a tooth is offered by veneers. The extensive shaping before the procedure that is required by crowns is not required when veneers have to be applied. This makes them a more aesthetic and stronger alternative. Is Special Care Required by Veneers? No special care has to be taken for your new veneers. Simply, the normal good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing should be continued. Even though porcelain is stain-resistant, it is better to avoid foods and beverages that cause stain. How Much Do Veneers Cost? The extent of the procedure and the country you reside in are among the factors that affect the price of dental veneers. Generally, the price of dental veneers starts from $500 to $1300 per tooth. Insurance does not generally cover the cost of veneers.