Dental veneers are a great way to improve your smile by covering discolored, chipped or misshapen teeth. They can also help correct gaps and lengthen short teeth.
Typically, the dentist will numb your tooth or teeth so there should be no pain during the process. After the tooth or teeth are prepared and sculpted, it is bonded with unique cement for permanent application.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are thin porcelain coverings that bond with the enamel of natural teeth. Because they are translucent, they allow light to pass through them and reflect it in the same way that tooth enamel does. As a result, the restorations are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. They can close spaces between teeth, lengthen teeth that have become shortened through wear, fill black triangles between teeth caused by gum recession, and correct the color, shape and symmetry of your smile.
Your dentist will begin by evaluating your candidacy for this cosmetic treatment. He or she may take X-rays and/or a dental impression of your mouth to help with the preparation process. Your natural teeth will be lightly shaved (prepared) for the placement of your dental veneers.
Your dentist will choose a shade for your veneers that complements your other teeth and skin tone. Your dentist may also consider your lifestyle and personal tastes to determine which color will look the most natural for you. Many people want their veneers to be bright white, but the best smile is one that looks natural for you.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite veneers use a tooth-shaded resin material to reshape the teeth and fix minor cosmetic dental issues. The veneers are applied in a single appointment and match the surrounding teeth for a natural appearance. The treatment can fix crooked teeth, close gaps, and cover chips in the teeth. It can also be used to mask discoloration and staining.
To prepare for the procedure, the dentist will examine the tooth and take dental X-rays. They will also color-match the resin to the rest of the tooth for a seamless look. The dentist will then apply the composite material directly to the teeth and sculpt it in place. A high-intensity light will harden the resin. Then, the dentist will polish the veneers for a smooth finish and to achieve a more natural tooth-like appearance.
The resin can stain and discolor over time, so the smile must be maintained with regular cleanings. This includes avoiding foods and beverages that stain the teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. The smile should also be brushed twice daily and flossed once per day to keep the tooth and gums healthy.
No-Prep Veneers
Compared to traditional veneers, which require that dentists grind off a portion of the tooth’s surface and do some reshaping, no-prep veneers don’t have this kind of significant impact on the teeth. Because of this, they’re a better choice for patients who want a less invasive cosmetic dentistry solution.
No-prep veneers, also known as minimal preparation veneers, are very thin (usually about half a millimeter thick) and can be used to correct minor dental issues like discoloration and fill in gaps or chips. The lack of prep work means that this is a quicker procedure, and sometimes, it can even be done in one appointment.
As with other veneers, the no-prep variety isn’t covered by dental insurance, but many dental practices offer payment plans and third-party financing. It’s important to speak with a cosmetic dentist about these options, as they can help you choose the right veneers for your needs and provide a treatment plan that will give you the best results.
Bonding
Although it does not last as long as veneers, dental bonding is a quicker and more budget-friendly option for people who need to mask just one or two cosmetic problems. During treatment, the dentist will use a composite resin, which is colored to match the tooth and hardened with a special light.
The procedure is painless and usually takes just one appointment. After the procedure, your dentist will check your bite, remove any extra cement and reshape the tooth if necessary. You will be encouraged to avoid foods and beverages that can stain the bonding material, as it is not as durable as porcelain.
The main disadvantage of bonding is that it will not correct any underlying issues, such as decay or chipping. It is also not as strong as veneers, so the results are likely to lessen over time. However, the dentist can reapply the bonding resin to restore it to its original appearance. Ultimately, it will still need to be replaced after about 10 years. During your consultation, your dentist will discuss all your options to help you make an informed decision.
Lamination
Veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment that can improve the look of a person’s smile. They can correct a number of different issues, including chipped teeth, discolored or worn down teeth, crooked teeth, spaces between teeth, and teeth that are uneven in size or shape. However, before a person chooses to get veneers, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of this type of cosmetic procedure.
If a person chooses porcelain veneers, they will need to make at least three trips to the dentist – one for a consultation, one for preparation and construction of the veneers, and the final visit to apply them. During the initial visit, a dentist will examine a person’s teeth to make sure veneers are the best option and then take X-rays or impressions of the outer front surfaces of the teeth.
During the preparation process, a dentist will remove some enamel from the tooth surface. They may also numb the area to ensure a comfortable experience. They will then make a model of the tooth or teeth and send it to a dental laboratory, which will fabricate custom-fitted veneers for the teeth.