If you’re looking for a convenient way to achieve your dream smile, dental veneers are an excellent option. Veneers are coverings of porcelain or composite material that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve their functionality and aesthetics.
Minor dental imperfections such as chips, cracks, gaps between teeth, discolouration and even misalignments can be effectively treated with veneers through proper planning.
The advantages of dental veneers
Dental veneers are a versatile treatment that can be used to enhance your smile in multiple ways. Here are some advantages you may enjoy with this transformative cosmetic dental treatment:
- Quick and painless: Placing veneers is relatively quick and painless, as the process can often only involves minimal or no preparation of your teeth.
- Natural look and feel: Porcelain veneers mimic can mimic natural colour and texture of your teeth so you can be sure that the result looks and feels as close to natural teeth as possible.
- Long-term results: Veneers are made of highly durable materials that is a long lasting with proper maintenance and care, making them a great option if you’re looking for long-term aesthetic improvement.
- Low maintenance: Taking care of dental veneers requires very little effort and is similar to taking care of your regular teeth. Regular brushing and flossing, in addition to routine visits to your dentist, are all that is needed to maintain the health and appearance of your veneers.
The disadvantages of dental veneers
While veneers offer many benefits, there are a few considerations before opting for this treatment.
- Cost: The cost of veneers can vary depending on factors such as the number of teeth involved, the complexity of the case and the amount of pre-planning required to achieve the best outcome.
- Irreversible: At times, if teeth are moderately or severely misaligned, we often recommend aligning them to their ideal positions before placing veneers. This approach minimises the amount of preparation needed on your natural teeth. Using veneers on extremely misaligned teeth is generally not advisable due to the biological cost involved in removing large amounts of tooth structure to position cosmetic restorations correctly.
- Potential sensitivity: Sometimes transient sensitivity can occasionally occur with regular bonding procedures. Typically, this sensitivity resolves over time. However, it may also be influenced by the extent of tooth structure preparation, as mentioned previously. Therefore, it’s crucial to receive tailored information regarding your individual situation. This ensures optimal results and preservation of tooth structure whenever possible.
What is the difference between veneers, crowns and implants?
Veneers, crowns and implants are often confused with one another. Veneers are coverings that are bonded to the front surface of your tooth. Crowns on the other hand are like helmets that completely encase a damaged tooth providing strength and aesthetics, while implants involve replacing a missing tooth by attaching a crown or bridge onto fully integrated fixtures.
When choosing between veneers, crowns and implants, it’s important to consider factors such as individual needs, personal preferences and ultimately health of your teeth. Your dentist can help you decide which option is best for you.
Aftercare for dental veneers
To enjoy the long-lasting benefits of dental veneers, it is important to take proper care of them. In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene, always remember anything prosthetic has a life span. If you can chip or damage your natural teeth, the underlying pathological habits or diet may also need to be addressed to ensure they’re long lasting.
It may take a couple of days for you to adjust and get used to the feeling of your veneers. However, if your bite feels off after its placement, you should notify your dentist early to make necessary alterations.
These are just a few things you should keep in mind when considering dental veneers as an option for achieving your beautiful healthy smile. It is important to discuss all of your options with your dentist to make an informed decision that is right for you.
