Whether you are appearing for a job interview or simply smiling for a photo, the appearance of your teeth can make all the difference. Dull-looking teeth can cost you more than you think. Now-a-days, there are plenty of modern treatment options available to improve your smile aesthetics. Veneers are one of them. But many of us still wonder, “what are dental veneers?”.
This blog by Innova Dental aims to break down the important aspects associated with this modern treatment. Before learning about “what are dental veneers?”, it is crucial to understand why you need them.
Tired Of Tooth Cracks, Chips, Or Discolouration?
Teeth are often one of the most overlooked parts of our overall health, until something changes. It’s usually only when a tooth is lost, or when discoloured or damaged teeth begin to affect how your smile looks, that their importance really becomes clear. These changes can dull the appearance of your smile and impact how you feel when you see yourself in the mirror.
Chain smokers may find stains on their teeth, while tooth decay can result in damaged teeth. At times, individuals have broken or chipped teeth caused by accidents. Spacing is another less-talked about issue which makes a key impact on your self-esteem. But is there any solution that can address all these problems at once?
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are custom-made, ultra-thin shells which are used to cover the front surface of your tooth. These can be made from materials like porcelain, composite resin, or a hybrid of both. These shells are bonded to the teeth to hide their imperfections such as stains or cracks.
The dental veneers process involves several steps, including an initial consultation, tooth preparation, a temporary veneers phase that allows you to trial your smile, followed by bonding and final adjustments. While veneers are designed to look natural, it’s important to note that porcelain veneers are considered a permanent treatment option.
Veneers are durable dental devices; however, if a veneer develops even a small crack, it cannot be repaired. For this reason, proper care and maintenance are essential to support their longevity. Now, let’s take a closer look at how veneers function.
Different Types Of Dental Veneers
Based on material, there are two types of veneers, that are,
- Porcelain veneers
- Resin-based composite veneers
- Hybrid veneers
If you are looking for a stable and lasting outcome, porcelain veneers are right for you. However, if you have budget constraints, require a prompt fix, go with the resin-based composite ones. There are also no-prep veneers where minimal or no enamel is removed.
The porcelain veneers are more common as they last for years (even up to 20 years with proper care), and don’t stain or crack. This saves your dental expenses in the long run, making it an affordable option.
How Do Veneers Work?
Dental veneers work wonders when it comes to concealing the flaws of your tooth. The custom-made shells are placed in front of your teeth so that any chips, or stains are not visible. In other words, veneers can change the shape and colour of your teeth, thereby altering the overall appearance of the dental arch.
During the bonding stage, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the front dental surface before attaching the veneers with a special cement. With thorough care and maintenance, these can last up to 15 years. Let’s find out who should opt for veneers.
Who Can Benefit From Dental Veneers?
Veneers can change your life for good. Especially for the individuals with:
- Discoloured tooth or dental stains
- Chipped or cracked teeth caused from accidents
- Gaps between consecutive teeth
- Tooth decay caused from old age
- An urge to enhance their smile
Dental Veneers Vs Braces Vs Teeth Whitening
For similar dental problems, there are alternative treatment options like braces and teeth whitening. Which one will fit you? Let’s look at the distinguishing features.
| Dental Veneers | Braces | Teeth Whitening |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Thin, custom-made shells that are bonded with the front surface of teeth. | 1. Orthodontic device that puts mild pressure to the teeth to position them correctly. | 1. A chemical process which includes bleaching the tooth enamel. |
| 2. Colour and shape correction. | 2. Position correction. | 2. Colour correction. |
| 3. Treatment duration: 2-4 weeks (moderate) | 3. Treatment duration: 1 year+ (long) | 3. Treatment duration: Up to 1-2 weeks (short) |
| 4. Highest fee out of the three options | 4. Moderate cost. | 4. Least expensive among three options. |
| 5. Some amount of enamel may need to be removed as part of tooth preparation. | 5. The tooth remains untouched. | 5. The tooth remains untouched. |
| 8. Veneers need to be cared for to prevent damage to them | 8. Likely to feel discomfort. | 8. There can be tooth sensitivity. |
| 9. Primarily used for aesthetics and to support fuction. | 9. Improves function and aesthetics. | 9. Supports aesthetics. |
| 10. No specific dietary restrictions, but mindful eating is necessary for longevity. | 10. Requires extensive diet changes for a prolonged time. | 10. Temporary dietary restrictions to be followed for initial 24 to 48 hours. |
| 11. Good oral hygiene and use of non-abrasive toothpaste are key care tips. | 11. Retainer wear is important to maintain results | 11. Easy to maintain. |
Can Children Opt for Dental Veneers?
Veneers are generally not recommended for children. Baby teeth are not suitable for this treatment, as veneers require the removal of tooth enamel, and enamel in developing teeth has not yet fully matured. For these reasons, veneers are typically not appropriate during childhood.
In certain limited circumstances, veneers may be considered for teenagers once dental development is more advanced. Our dentists at Innova Dental will take the time to assess each individual case and help you make an informed decision about whether this treatment is appropriate.
Conclusion
Dental veneers can be used to address concerns such as stains, cracks, chips, or discolouration, helping to improve the overall appearance of your teeth. For many patients, these changes can also influence how they feel about their smile in everyday life.
The longevity and success of veneers depend greatly on careful planning and the experience of the dentist providing your care. At Innova Dental, our team takes a considered approach to aesthetic dentistry, working with you to select the most suitable veneer option based on your oral health, preferences, and long-term needs.
If you’re considering veneers and would like to explore whether they’re right for you, we invite you to book a consultation with our team to discuss your options.