Veneers are shell-like restorations bonded to your existing teeth. Unlike dental crowns, dental veneers do not require an overall change in the original tooth's shape. Instead, veneers only cover the visible side of the tooth.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells. The front of the teeth is then covered with these shells to provide a uniform, attractive appearance. The primary purpose of veneers is to hide imperfections on a tooth, such as streaking, slight chipping, or discoloration.

Dental veneers can vary in width, length, shape, and color.

They are made either from resin composite material or porcelain. Compared to porcelain veneers, resin veneers are less expensive, last four to eight years, and are thinner. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, reflect light more naturally and repel stains. They also last longer, typically 15 to 25 years.

What Do They Do?

Veneers enhance the tooth's shape, color, size, and length and fix dental problems like teeth discoloration, worn-down teeth, broken or chipped teeth, and irregularly shaped teeth.

What Happens When You Get Veneers?

Getting dental veneers involves three stages: the examination and planning of treatment, preparation, and the placement of the veneer.

Examination And Treatment Planning

The patient discusses their goals with their dentist. The dentist next conducts a thorough evaluation to determine whether the patient qualifies for veneers. If so, the dentist will suggest it to the patient.

Preparation

The second step of the treatment involves scraping off around 0.5 millimeters of enamel from the tooth surface. After taking impressions, a dental laboratory receives them. The lab delivers the veneer back to the dentist in two to four weeks. During this waiting period, temporary dental veneers will be used to protect the teeth.

Placement

Bonding is the last step in the dental veneer process. Before securely bonding the veneer to the tooth, the dentist will check its fit and color match. Trimming and color adjustments may be necessary to get the ideal fit and color.

The tooth will then be cleaned, polished, and etched to ensure a solid bond. The veneer will then be affixed to the tooth surface using specialized cement. After applying the dental veneer with a specialized light beam, the cement's chemicals will be activated. The activation will harden and cure the adhesive quickly.

A review of your bite will follow the removal of extra cement. There will also be any necessary final adjustments.

It could be necessary to schedule a follow-up consultation to assess the treatment's progress and the veneer's impact on the gums and oral cavity.

Veneers are unrepairable, so avoid subjecting your teeth to hard food and objects.

How Can I Maintain My Dental Veneers?

Fortunately, veneers are easy to maintain. Veneers only need daily flossing, proper brushing at least twice daily, and a follow-up appointment with a cosmetic dentist. Porcelain veneers are also easier to care for and maintain because they are more stain-resistant.

What Are The Problems With Dental Veneers?

While veneers come with many advantages, there is a period of adjustment before adapting to their new teeth. Apart from the application of the veneer, the tooth requiring a veneer must be reshaped.

Following the teeth' preparation for the veneers, a minimal sensitivity is normal. However, some patients may also experience a slight lisp during or after veneer treatment. The cosmetic dentist may correct this by performing adjustments if necessary.

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