Introduction
Having beautiful teeth can make us feel more confident since the smile is usually our letter of introduction to the world. Dental veneers are an excellent option to improve the color or position of the teeth, improving the smile’s appearance in a fast, painless, and long-lasting way.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are porcelain prostheses that are firmly attached to the front of each tooth. In this way, the aim is to improve aesthetic aspects such as the color, position of the teeth, or the shape and size of the tooth. In the case of the tooth’s shape, these can be enlarged when the patient has a very small or short tooth. They can also be used to cover teeth that are broken or that have lost their quality with age.
Three types of dental veneers are the most common:
- Composite veneers: The material is based on acrylic resin mixed with ceramic. These are placed on top of the tooth, and later the dentist proceeds to give them the shape and size required. Finally, ultraviolet light is used to harden the piece when the desired aesthetic result has been achieved. This type of veneer has some advantages. They are less expensive, and the processing time is faster because they generally do not need to be created in an external laboratory. If they are fractured or suffer any damage, they are easier and quicker to repair. Among the disadvantages, we can mention that they have a shorter duration (between 5 and 10 years), change color over time, and be periodically maintained by the dentist.
- Porcelain veneers: They consist of a glass-ceramic that is reinforced with other materials such as leucite. This makes it a more resistant product of longer duration and a more remarkable similarity to the original quality of the teeth. They are made in a dental laboratory, so the process generally takes more days. This process requires taking measurements of the teeth and then designing the custom veneers in the laboratory. Finally, they are placed on the tooth with a powerful adhesive. Among the advantages we can mention that they are more durable (between 10 and 15 years), their appearance looks more natural, and the color does not vary despite the years. It is a material that does not need to be periodically reviewed and maintained by the dentist due to the good quality. Among the disadvantages, we can mention its higher price compared to the composite veneer. Also, in case it breaks, another complete piece must be made in the laboratory. Finally, before placing it on the tooth, it will be necessary to file the original tooth, which can cause tooth sensitivity.
- Lumineers veneers: They are a great advance in dental aesthetics since they have a minimum thickness and adapt to the teeth giving the most suitable shape and color for each case. These veneers have a long life since they are made with a very resistant material. Its main advantage is that it is unnecessary to lower the tooth to proceed with its placement since they are fragile. Also, the results are very natural.
Who is a candidate for a dental veneer placement?
A dental veneer is placed in all those who want to improve some aesthetic aspect of their tooth or enjoy a smile design. Also, it can be done in those cases in which it is not desired to use orthodontics to improve the position of the teeth. Also, in all those who do not have the procedure contraindicated due to other oropharyngeal problems that will not improve with the placement of dental veneers.
It is important to note that to undergo the treatment of cosmetic veneers, it is necessary to have good oral health, say the professionals.
How do I find my dentist?
It is always recommended to choose an experienced dentist. It is a treatment that requires great precision and knowledge of the subject. Therefore, you should go to a dentist with studies in dental aesthetics.
Although all dentists can put dental veneers, those who have taken courses in dental aesthetics can achieve higher quality work and more natural results. Apart from the professional, the clinic must have the appropriate facilities, and you must feel comfortable, understood, and in good hands. Sometimes it may be necessary to visit multiple clinics to compare and see what options they offer you. Remember that you should not base your decision solely on price.
What happens during the first consultation?
Initially, the professional will perform a medical history and dental, physical examination. When talking about dental veneers, the anatomy of the person, the smile, the bite, or chewing will be taken into account. Also, before undergoing the treatment, it must be ensured that the patient does not have other dental problems that must be solved first. For example, if the teeth are very misaligned, braces will likely be recommended first. The patient’s budget and the number of veneers required should be discussed. “Before performing a dental aesthetic treatment, it is essential to have the first appointment to see if there are any oral problems. During this visit, we perform a dental CT scan and also a complete study to detect any abnormality”, say professionals.
In some cases, some choose to have all the upper teeth have done or who only require four veneers to create a balanced smile. You should also select the color you want and that, in turn, favors the person. Finally, before performing the treatment, molds, X-rays, and photographs should be taken. Once all of the above issues have been defined, the patient is ready for the procedure.
What is aftercare like?
After the procedure, the patient can return to their daily activities so it is not necessary to rest. The dentist will recommend that you follow some aftercare so that the dental veneers are in good condition:
- Maintain proper oral hygiene, brushing your teeth three times a day and flossing
- Go to the annual visits with the dentist to have a dental cleaning thus avoid the appearance of dental cavities
- Avoid friction or bruxism of the teeth so as not to wear the veneers
- In the case of frequent contact sports, the use of a mouth guard is recommended to prevent a blow from breaking the veneers
Results
The results will be a constant smile, with a suitable color and teeth of a size conforming to the contour of the face. Also, in most cases, it will improve patients’ self-esteem and safety. According to Dentists, patients will obtain perfect white teeth without anesthesia, without damaging the teeth, and killing any nerves.
Veneer treatment offers an incredible feeling of dental aesthetics while at the same time maintaining the naturalness of the smile. For these reasons, it is one of the dental treatments most used by celebrities (artists, actors, etc.) and teeth whitening., the crowns and the covers indicate the professionals.
Risks and side effects
As it is a minimally invasive procedure, it does not usually present risks for the patient. The effects occur if the person does not have the necessary care to maintain the composite veneers properly. Some of the effects are as follows:
- Color changes if you frequently consume products such as coffee, red wine, dark chocolate, among others.
- Changes to yellow color with the use of tobacco. As well as if they do not have a routine of oral hygiene.
- Risk of falling or breaking if you bite down on something with great force.
Frequent questions
- At what age can dental veneers be placed? The specialists in Dental Aesthetics recommend using composite veneers in those under 18 years of age as they are reversible and can be removed more easily than porcelain-based veneers. Thus, when the patient reaches adulthood and wishes to have a porcelain veneer placed, the previous veneer can be easily removed without major problems. But it must be taken into account that regular visits to the specialist must be maintained to maintain the color and quality of the composite veneers.
- How long does it take to make porcelain veneers? And the composite ones? If the use of pieces made in the laboratory is not required, such as in the direct technique based on composite veneers, the result is immediate. In contrast, composite veneers made in the laboratory take about three weeks, versus porcelain veneers take a month to perform in the laboratory.
- Can you lead a normal life after the placement of the veneers? Yes, the patient can resume their normal activities. They will have to follow some guidelines at home to ensure that the veneers last and do not break or change color.
- Can teeth whitening treatments be performed while using composite veneers? To perform a teeth whitening treatment, the veneers must first be removed. Once the whitening is done, they make new veneers with the right shade.
- What are the benefits of lumineers veneers? They are very durable, and it is unnecessary to lower the tooth to proceed with its placement, say, professionals.
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