When considering your cosmetic dentistry options, weighing the pros and cons of each is important. One popular treatment many people turn to is dental veneers, but what needs to be discussed is if they’re a good idea for preserving the health of your teeth in the long run.
If you’ve been wondering whether or not getting dental veneers can protect and enhance your appearance without putting your dental health at risk, this blog post is for you! Here we’ll look at what dental veneers are exactly and how they might protect your real teeth, so keep reading and learn more about how these easily customisable treatments could be ideal for maintaining both beauty and function in equal measure.
How Do Veneers Work?
First, let’s define what dental veneers are. Veneers are custom-made, ultra-thin shells covering your natural teeth’ front side. They are usually composed of porcelain or composite resin intended to appear and feel like genuine teeth.
So, how do dental veneers work? The process typically involves three appointments with your dental hygienist. During the first appointment, your cosmetic dentistry expert will create a custom plan for your veneers, considering the size, shape, and colour of your natural teeth. They may also need to remove a small amount of tooth enamel from your teeth to make room for the veneers.
At the second appointment, your cosmetic dentistry expert will prepare your teeth for the dental veneer by cleaning and etching the surface of your teeth. They will then use a special adhesive to attach the veneers to your teeth. Finally, a curing light will strengthen the adhesive and bond the veneers to your teeth.
The final appointment with a cosmetic dentist will involve fine-tuning to ensure that your veneers fit perfectly and look natural. Your cosmetic dentistry expert may need to adjust the shape or colour of your veneers to achieve the desired result. Once the veneers are in place, you can enjoy a beautiful, natural smile.
It’s important to note that veneers are not a one-size-fits-all solution. To establish whether veneers suit you, your cosmetic dentist must examine your teeth and discuss your desired outcomes. Additionally, veneers are not a substitute for good oral hygiene practices. You will still need to brush and floss regularly, and you may need to avoid certain foods or habits that can damage your veneers and cause tooth sensitivity.
Types of Dental Veneers
In this blog section, we’ll explore the most common types of dental veneers and their benefits to help you make an informed decision.
1. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most popular and durable type of veneers. The thin, transparent porcelain substance they’re constructed of makes them look just like your own teeth.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit your smile and are durable for up to 15 years with proper maintenance. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and provide a natural-looking smile.
They are also highly resistant to wear and tear, which makes them ideal for patients who grind their teeth and have weakened teeth. However, porcelain veneers are more expensive than other types of veneers.
2. Composite Veneers
Composite veneers comprise tooth-coloured resin material and are also known as dental bonding. They are an affordable and minimally invasive alternative to porcelain veneers.
Composite veneers available at dental veneers market can correct chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth in a single dental appointment. As a result, they may need to be updated more often than porcelain veneers.
Composite veneers can stain over time and may require dental polishing to maintain their appearance.
Procedure for Applying Veneers
The initial step in getting dental veneers is to meet with your dentist. During the consultation, your dentist will inspect your teeth and gums to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for veneers. They’ll also take X-rays and impressions of your teeth to help create your custom-made veneers. Once your dentist has determined that veneers are a good option for you, they’ll schedule an appointment to prepare your teeth.
The second stage of the procedure involves preparing your teeth for the veneers. A little piece of your tooth enamel is removed to create a way for the veneers.
Before removing the enamel, your dentist will numb the region using a local anaesthetic. After the tooth enamel is removed, your dentist will take another impression of your teeth, which will be used to create the veneers.
The next step is to create your custom-made veneers. This involves sending your impressions to a dental laboratory, where a dental technician will make your veneers. The process can take a few weeks, so your dentist will fit you with temporary veneers while you wait for your custom-made ones.
Once your custom-made veneers are ready, your dentist will schedule an appointment to apply them. This involves first removing your temporary veneers and then cleaning and etching the surface of your teeth to help the veneers stick better.
Your dentist will then apply special dental cement to the veneers and carefully place them onto your teeth. Finally, a special light will harden the cement and bond the veneers in place.
After the veneers are applied, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure they fit properly and look natural. You may experience some sensitivity in your natural teeth for a few days after the procedure, but this should subside, and you’ll soon be able to enjoy your beautiful new smile.
Does a Veneer Protect From Tooth Decay and Damage?
Firstly, it’s important to understand that veneers are not a substitute for good oral hygiene habits. Even with a veneer, your tooth is still vulnerable to tooth decay and damage if you don’t care for it properly.
Decaying or diseased teeth may cause discomfort, sensitivity, and tooth loss. So it’s crucial to maintain good dental hygiene.
However, it’s worth noting that a veneer can protect the underlying or crooked teeth. This is because the veneer is bonded to the tooth’s surface, helping reinforce the structure and supporting chipped or broken teeth.
Additionally, veneers are often made from durable materials like porcelain or composite resin, which can help protect the tooth from damage caused by biting down too hard or other trauma.
That being said, veneers are not indestructible and can still be damaged or chipped if you don’t care for them properly. Biting down on hard items like ice or using your teeth to open packages, for example, may damage veneers and weaken teeth. In addition, if you grind or clench your teeth, you may need to wear a nightguard to protect your veneers and underlying teeth from damage or wear.
Conclusion
To summarise, although a veneer may protect your natural teeth, it is important to maintain your dental health and practise excellent oral hygiene to avoid decay and damage. It’s also essential to be mindful of habits that could damage your veneers and to seek treatment if you experience any issues such as pain, sensitivity, or damage. By working with your dentist, you can enjoy the benefits of veneers while maintaining good oral health for years.
Contact our dental clinic today at (02) 9158 6334 to schedule an appointment with our experienced and caring dental professionals.
References
Veneers: What Are Dental Veneers? Cost, Procedure & Advantages
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers
Dental Veneers: Cost, Benefits And Risks | Forbes Health
https://www.forbes.com/health/body/dental-veneers/
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