Dental veneers help to improve your confidence and smile. They are popular with people who want to make their teeth look whiter and brighter. They can also close small gaps between teeth, make crooked teeth look straighter, and improve the shape of worn or damaged teeth.
It is vital to have realistic expectations about dental veneers. Here is a list of things you can do to maximise the outcome of getting dental veneers:
- First, make sure you choose a good dentist with a lot of veneers experience.
- Take your time deciding on the veneers’ shape and colour.
- Be prepared for some minor maintenance routines after they are fitted.
- Finally, follow a good oral care routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you want to improve the look and appeal of your teeth, this article is for you. It highlights all the essential information you need to know about dental veneers.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells custom-made to fit over your teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, cracked, stained, or crooked. In addition, veneers can close small gaps between teeth.
The process of getting dental veneers usually involves two appointments. At the first appointment, the dentist will remove a small amount of tooth enamel to make place for the veneers. They will then take impressions of your teeth and send them to a lab. The lab will use the impressions to create custom-made veneers that fit over your teeth like a glove.
What Are the Popular Types of Veneers?
There are three common types of dental veneers. They are:
- Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain veneers are made of porcelain and most durable. They also look the most realistic and have a natural tooth-like translucency. In addition, they are resistant to staining and last for many years with proper care.
- Composite Veneers – Composite veneers are made of plastic resin material and are the least expensive type. They can usually be completed in one visit to the dentist and can fix minor cosmetic problems such as chips or cracks in your teeth.
- Ceramic Veneers – Ceramic dental veneers are popular because they’re strong and can match the colour of your teeth, but they’re not as translucent as porcelain veneers.
You can read Everything you need to know about Dental Veneers also.
Who Need Veneers?
Anyone who wants to improve their smile can benefit from veneers. They are a versatile cosmetic treatment that can correct a variety of smile flaws, including:
- Uneven teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Worn down teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Teeth that are stained or discoloured
- Gapped teeth
- Misaligned teeth
- Teeth that are worn down from grinding or clenching jaw
Significant Benefits of Getting Veneers
Dental veneers are ideal for people who want to improve their smile but don’t want to undergo traditional orthodontic treatment. Veneers are typically less expensive and require less time for treatment than braces. In addition, veneers are reversible and can be removed if you decide you no longer want them.
There are many benefits to dental veneers. Some of the most common benefits include:
- A beautiful, natural-looking smile
- Improved self-confidence
- Less wear on your natural teeth
- Protection against further damage to your teeth
- No more sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or food
- Improved oral health overall
Dental Veneers Process
There are different dental veneers processes, but the most common one is the following:
- First, a thin layer of tooth enamel is removed from the surface of your teeth.
- Next, a mould or impression of your teeth is taken.
- A temporary veneer is placed on your teeth while a dental lab fabricates your permanent veneers.
- You return to the dentist’s office and remove the temporary veneers.
- The dentist cleans your teeth and applies a bonding agent to their surfaces.
- The dental lab sends the permanent veneers back to the dentist’s office, which are applied to your teeth using solid adhesive cement.
The dental veneer process usually takes two appointments. At the first appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth and take x-rays to determine if you are a candidate for veneers. If you are a candidate, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. Then, they will use it to create a model of your teeth that can be used to make your veneers.
Once the model is made, your dentist will select the colour of the veneers that will best match your natural teeth. The veneers will then be sent to a dental lab, where they will be made using high-quality materials.
When they are ready, your dentist will call you in for the second appointment. They will remove old dental work on top of your natural teeth and then attach the veneers using special glue or cement. Once the veneers are attached, the dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure they fit correctly and look natural.
How to Care for Your Veneers
There are certain things you can do to take care of your veneers and help them last as long as possible. Here are a few tips:
- First, avoid biting into tough objects like ice or nuts.
- Avoid using your teeth to open bottles or pull apart tight packaging.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly (at least twice daily).
- Avoid eating sticky foods that could damage your veneers.
- If you drink coffee or tea, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards to avoid staining the veneers.
- Rinse your mouth with water after eating to remove any food particles that may have accumulated.
- See your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. They can help ensure that your veneers remain in good condition.
Schedule An Appointment
Dental veneers can be a fantastic option if you aren’t happy with the appearance of your teeth. Getting dental veneers involves straightforward, affordable, and fast processes. It can be your No. 1 choice for quality dental veneers in Melbourne and nearby areas. We have a team with decades of experience in cosmetic dentistry.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to improving the beauty of your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The cost of dental veneers can vary. It depends on several factors, including your dentist’s experience, office location, the material used etc. The higher end of the price range is usually for more complex cases. In addition, many dentists offer financing plans to help patients afford the treatment.
The process of getting dental veneers usually takes two appointments. At the first appointment, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a lab. You will also choose the colour of your veneers. At the second appointment, the dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from your teeth to prepare the dental veneers and then attach them using bonding cement.
Getting several quotes before committing to any treatment is crucial, as prices can vary significantly.
How long dental veneers last depends on the material used, how well they are taken care of, and how strong your natural teeth are. Porcelain dental veneers can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, while composite resin veneers may only last 2 to 5 years. Overall, the average lifespan of veneers is around 10 years.
To ensure your dental veneers last as long as possible, brush and floss regularly, avoid biting down on hard objects, and see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. If your veneers are starting to chip or peel, contact your dentist immediately for repair or replacement.
One reason veneers may not last as long as expected is that people can start to grind their teeth at night (bruxism), which can wear down the veneers. Therefore, wearing a mouth guard at night is essential to grind your teeth and visit your dentist for regular cleanings.
No. You typically don’t need any preparation for getting dental veneers. Instead, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental lab, where the veneers will be custom-made to fit your teeth.
When you go in for your appointment to have the veneers bonded to your teeth, the dentist will remove a minimal amount of enamel so that the veneers will fit snugly against them. Don’t worry, though–the dentist won’t remove enough enamel to affect the health of your teeth.
However, you should consult your dentist to see if you are a good candidate for dental veneers. If you are, your dentist may need to do some preparation work on your teeth to make them ready for the veneers. It’s essential to have this pre-treatment done so that the dental veneers look natural and stay in place for a long time.
Benefits of getting dental veneers include:
- Getting your teeth whitened – Veneers can cover up any staining on your teeth, making them look brighter and whiter.
- Fixing chips or cracks in your teeth – If you have any chips or cracks, veneers can hide them and make your teeth look perfect again.
- Make minor adjustments to the shape or size of your teeth – If you’re not happy with how your teeth are shaped or sized, veneers can be used to adjust them.
- Making your teeth look straighter – Veneers can be used to straighten crooked teeth without needing braces therapy.
Dental veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth by making them look whiter, straighter, and more uniform. They can also protect your teeth from further damage by covering up any cracks or chips.
If you are considering getting dental veneers, consult a qualified cosmetic dentist to find out if they are right for you.
Yes, it is possible to get veneers without closing your gap. However, if your gap is too wide, the veneers may not fit well and look unnatural. In addition, if your gap is too large, keeping your veneers clean and free of plaque and bacteria may be more challenging. It is, therefore, essential to consult with a dentist to determine whether veneers are a suitable option for you and whether closing your gap is necessary.
Some people close their gaps with braces to get better results with their veneers, while others are happy to have the veneers placed on their teeth.
It depends on the severity of the gap and what you hope to achieve with your veneers. In some cases, it may be possible to adjust the size or shape of your veneers to better camouflage the gap, but this is best to discuss with your dentist.
