Dental Veneers have been around for quite some time. Veneers, just like other dental procedures, have developed over time and now have become one of the most chosen cosmetic dental procedures out there if you want to have the perfect smile. Before you go ahead with the procedure, here are some very important facts that you should be aware of concerning this sought-after dental work.
Chapter Overview
1- They are Irreversible
If you are looking for a temporary fix for your tooth problem, then veneers are not for you. People often confuse veneers as being temporary. The procedure is irreversible because it is not just a simple temporary covering for your tooth. During the procedure, a layer of your enamel is filed down completely to make room for them. This means that you can never stop having veneers. All you can do is continue to replace them as and when required over the years. Luckily if you take good care of your teeth, you will not have to deal with new ones except after a long time from now.
2- They Can Look Quite Natural
Contrary to popular belief, veneers can actually look quite natural. In fact, specialists make it a point to create veneers that work best for your skin complexion. New dental veneers in the market are also known to have a translucent look to mimic real teeth and make your smile look as natural as possible. You can choose for yourself whether you want ultra-white veneers that blind anyone who sees your smile, or you want natural-looking ones that are more subtle.
3- Lasts for Decades
Cosmetic dental procedures can be very expensive, especially given the fact that most health insurance plans do not cover cosmetic dental work; at least not completely. Luckily, veneers are well-worth their initial cost. Although you pay a considerable amount of money upfront, dental veneers can last up to two decades if you take care of them. Because of their high cost, it is important to find out whether you are even eligible for getting veneers or if there are other options that would work better for you.
4- There are different types
Over the years, different materials have been used to create veneers for dental patients. If you want an affordable type that does not require a long procedure, then you should consider getting a composite resin one. This type of veneer is done by using resin that sets when exposed to UV light. The dentist proceeds to place layers of resin on the teeth and shape them until the desired look is reached. A UV light is used to set the resin in place. The more popular and best choice for veneers nowadays is porcelain. Porcelain lasts much longer than resin. It also does not stain as much as resin does. Your dentist will provide you with both options and help you choose which will work better.
5- Long Multi-step Procedure
While they are basically considered coverings for your teeth that act as enamel, getting this kind of dental work done requires time. It is a long multi-step procedure that starts with your dentist trimming the enamel of your teeth to make space for your soon-to-be-placed veneers. After that, the dentist uses their dental shade guide to find out which shade is most suitable as per your complexion. If you are only getting a veneer for one tooth, then your dentist will use the nearby teeth as a reference to decide which shade works best.
After the veneer is fabricated from an impression your dentist makes, he or she will have to try out different bonding cement colors to ensure that the final result is perfect. This is the most essential step because if you do not object before the actual bonding cement is used, it will be too late.
6- Visit an Experienced Dentist
While most regular dental procedures do not need much experience, dental veneers are best done by someone who is very experienced and familiar with the process. The process is very precise, and any misstep may lead to an awkward look that you certainly did not sign up for. Cosmetic dental procedures in general are extremely dependent on precision and accuracy, which is why not all dentists practice in this field.
You will have to do some research to find someone qualified and well-trusted to do the procedure, but generally speaking, if you want some evidence of experience, then you should ask the dentist in question to provide before and after photos of their previous procedures done on patients.
7- They act as a fix for multiple issues
If you are wondering why you would want to consider getting a veneer, then you’ve come to the right place. Veneers are a great solution for a multitude of dental issues. First and foremost, they are mostly used to fix crooked teeth. However, this is not the only issue they can resolve. If you suffer from chipped teeth, teeth that are irregularly shaped or discolored then you might be a great candidate for this type of dental work.
8- Requires proper aftercare
Veneers need to be treated exactly like regular teeth. This means that you need to regularly brush them and take care of them to avoid any issues from cropping up. Not taking proper care of your porcelain dental coverings can lead to chipping or discoloration. While they can be replaced if this occurs, you should still be careful and avoid unnecessary risks such as smoking and chewing ice chips. You will also need to have regular checkups with your dentist to ensure that everything is going smoothly and you can live your life without having to worry about a bad-looking smile again.
With the evident success rate of this type of dental work, it is no wonder that more people are considering it as an option. Being aware of all these facts is a great way to find out for yourself whether this dental procedure is the right option for you or not. Remember that it is an irreversible process, so it is best to gather as much information about it as possible before committing to it.