What Are Dental Veneers? A Guide From the Experts

Nov 5, 2021

benefits of teeth whitening

Did you know that poor posture during the day can lead to grinding teeth problems at night? With more people working from home because of COVID-19, it’s no surprise that many are dealing with cracks from grinding the teeth.

Of course, fixing your posture is one solution, but what if the teeth grinding issue is too far gone? A person with cracked or chipped death can benefit from receiving dental veneers.

What are dental veneers and are they right for you? Keep reading to find out.

What Are Dental Veneers?

So, what are dental veneers? Veneers might be a solution for achieving the look you desire. Those with gapped teeth, misshapen teeth, and chipped teeth often look at dental veneers as an option.

Dental veneers are thin coverings placed over the visible part of the tooth and are designed to look like natural teeth.

Dental veneers can correct the following dental issues:

  • Stained teeth that won’t whiten through other solutions
  • Worn or chipped teeth
  • Misshapen or crooked teeth
  • Large gaps and uneven spaces between teeth

Veneers can be made of different materials, either composite resin or porcelain. When you opt for dental services at Toothologie: A Smile Studio, you’ll gain advice on which material is best for you.

Composite Resin Veneers

When receiving dental care for veneers, you’ll have the option of picking composite resin veneers. This material is made from a tooth-colored filling that bonds to the teeth.

Compared to crowns and porcelain veneers, less tooth enamel needs to be removed for composite resin veneers. Plus, the cost is less than porcelain veneers.

In some cases, it only takes one visit to the dentist to get these veneers. However, the number of appointments will depend on the individual among other factors.

Composite resin veneers aren’t as strong or wear-resistant as porcelain veneers, but they are easier to fix if they get damaged.

How do veneers work with this material type? Here are the steps a dentist will take:

  1. Prepare or reshape the teeth
  2. Bond and sculpt composite material using the color that suits you
  3. Harden the composite with a special light and bond it to your teeth
  4. Smooth and polish the veneers to look natural

If you feel that your bite does not seem right once the veneer has been placed, let your dentist know before you leave the office. They can fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit on the tooth or teeth. Although the shell is thin, they are long-lasting and strong.

Those with porcelain veneers can benefit from a natural-looking surface that does not easily stain.

When compared to a crown or cap, there is less enamel removal. To prepare the teeth, a dentist will remove enamel from the sides and front of the teeth. This helps your teeth look more natural by making room for the veneers.

Getting porcelain veneers takes longer because a mold is made of your prepared teeth. Once the dentist decides on the shade for your smile, they will send the impression to a dental lab that will custom make your veneers.

You might receive temporary veneers to wear while you wait for the lab as it can take several days to complete.

During your next visit, the dentist will place the veneers on the teeth checking the shape and fit. Adjustments are completed if necessary.

After the teeth are cleaned and ready, the dentist will bond the veneers to the tooth. You might need to make additional changes during your next appointment.

Qualifying for Dental Veneers

Knowing who needs dental veneers is simple, but not everyone who can benefit from them should get them.

For example, those with unhealthy gums aren’t the best patients to receive veneers. However, your dentist might be willing to treat decay or disease so that you can get veneers.

If you don’t keep up with oral health and end up with unhealthy gums again, you might have issues with your veneers.

Someone who grinds or clenches their teeth can benefit from veneers, but to avoid cracking and breakage, you should wear a nightguard. This is a custom piece that you can get from your dentist as well.

Before you get veneers it is important to know that the removal of tooth enamel cannot be undone so the process must continue on.

Caring for Dental Veneers

The best way to care for this form of cosmetic dentistry is by following the instructions of your dentist.

As always, you should continue making regular dentist appointments to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Dental care also includes brushing and flossing each day.

Keep in mind that veneers can loosen up over time so you might need new ones. Under pressure, veneers can chip and break. Avoid things like biting your nails and chewing on hard objects like ice.

No matter which veneer material you choose, it might take a few days to get used to the feel of them. If the problem persists, ask your dentist to help with a solution.

You should discuss the specifics of your treatment and expectations with your dentist before opting for dental veneers.

Are Dental Veneers Right for You?

If you have chips, gaps, stains, or misshapen teeth, you might be interested in getting dental veneers.

What are dental veneers exactly? They are thin coverings placed over your teeth to help you fall in love with your smile again by hiding imperfections.

Since there are different materials to choose from, check with your dentist to see which option is right for you or if you qualify for dental veneers at all.

If our guide helped you decide to get dental veneers, contact us today to schedule a consultation.