Understanding The Dental Veneers Process: A Closer Look

Understanding the Dental Veneers Process: A Closer Look

Are you happy with your smile? If the answer is not entirely, then you aren’t alone. A recent survey has found that more than half of Americans feel insecure about the appearance of their teeth.

70% of people in the United States say they often feel self-conscious about their teeth and young people especially are often uneasy about laughing due to the appearance of their smile. Spaces between teeth, crookedness, and receding gums contribute to the insecurities many Americans feel when they smile.

If you are seeking to improve the appearance of your teeth, this blog post on the dental veneers process is for you. Here, we will highlight everything you need to know about dental veneers. We will look at the different types of veneers, the process of applying veneers, their benefits, and how to care for them in the long term.

What Exactly Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored wafers that attach to the front of teeth. In the same way that false nails can be applied nails to improve their appearance, dental veneers work to improve the appearance of teeth. They are permanently bonded to the teeth and made from porcelain or resin-composite materials.

Dental veneers are a great option to treat a range of cosmetic concerns. They include:

Chipped teeth
Broken teeth
Discolored teeth
Pointed or unusually sharp teeth
Small than average teeth

Depending on the specific case, an individual may choose to get a single dental veneer or multiple (often between 6 and 8) veneers to create a symmetrical smile.

What Are the Different Types of Veneers?

As noted above, dental veneers are typically made from porcelain or composite-resin materials. There are other options available, known as ‘no prep’ veneers. Let’s take a look at the two main options when it comes to dental veneers.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are the premium choice. They last for considerably longer than composite veneers and are as a more permanent solution. In addition, they are stain-resistant and highly durable while looking more natural.

In preparation for porcelain veneers, the dentist will file down the existing tooth in order to make space for the veneer to be placed on the front surface. An impression of the tooth or teeth will be taken for the creation of a mold, which will be used to create a customized porcelain veneer.

The dentist then places the veneer onto the tooth and cements it into place. A temporary veneer can be used until the proper veneer has been created.

Composite Resin Veneers

Composite veneers last for approximately 5 to 10 years and provide a life-like appearance. They are also less expensive than porcelain veneers.

A thin layer of composite material will be applied to a tooth after the surface has been etched. In order to achieve the intended look, additional layers may be applied. The veneer will then be finished by hardening it with a special light.

Preparing for Dental Veneers

During the preliminary appointment, you will be able to discuss with your dentist your preferred option and the number of veneers you would like.

Your dentist may recommend another type of dental treatment prior to applying dental veneers as well as check your overall oral health. People with gum disease or tooth decay, for example, may not be suitable candidates for dental veneers.

We have highlighted above how the dentist will prepare the individual teeth and apply the veneer. After this action, they will thoroughly clean the teeth to stop bacteria from becoming trapped under the veneer and causing decay.

What are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the aesthetics of the teeth and the smile as a whole. They are a fast, easy, and affordable solution when it comes to fixing teeth. As they are tooth-colored, wafer-thin, and incredibly natural-looking, no one will know that you have dental veneers.

Veneers are also a viable treatment option for enamel loss, which can occur for a number of reasons, including:

Acid reflux disease
Over-ambitious tooth-brushing
Eating highly acidic foods

Dental veneers are also a minimally invasive dental procedure. They are highly durable and easy to maintain (as we will see below).

How to Care for Your Veneers

One of the other benefits of dental veneers is the short recovery time. As soon as the veneers are on and the anesthetic (if applicable) has worn off, you can eat and drink as normal.

By taking a number of precautions, you can increase the lifespan of your dental veneers. These precautions include:

Do not use teeth to open bottles or packaging
Do not chew on objects (such as pens and fingernails)
Use a retainer at night if you grind your teeth
Wear a mouthguard when you play sports
Chew harder foods using your back teeth

With these dental care precautions, you can ensure that your porcelain or composite veneers last for many years without issue.