Dental veneers (also called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to enhance your appearance. These shells are glued to the front of the teeth in order to change their color, size, shape, or length.
Dental veneers are usually made from porcelain or resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers generally resist stains better than resin veneers and better resemble the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.
Veneers are popularly used by dentists to give their patients a beautiful look of their teeth and smiles. It is a cosmetic solution in dentistry that has proven to be an excellent option for many people, especially those who do not feel comfortable with their cracked, chipped or stained teeth. Veneers are beneficial for a good number of reasons and these include;
Abnormal space between teeth chipped and stained teeth can be embarrassing to some people while veneers can be used to correct the imperfections. This procedure will also improve your smile and your self-confidence in the long run.
Dental veneers are customized to combine perfectly with your other teeth, as well as to bring the best out of your smile and to create a great natural appearance. They are well-produced to fit your personality and to represent what you really like, including the size, shape, and color of the teeth.
Dental veneers are made of ceramic materials or porcelain that will last longer and not only cover imperfections in your teeth but can also protect teeth that are vulnerable to infection due to chips and cracks in them.
You can take care of your veneers and make it to last longer through regular oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing. The procedure is made to allow you to manage and maintain it with simple steps and this can also be done at home.
Porcelain and composite bonding are the most common veneer materials. Composite veneers are made of a resin that is shaped and bonded to a tooth to enhance the appearance. Porcelain veneers are usually made in a lab and are more resistant to staining, compared to other materials.
A prosthodontic consultation is needed to determine how many veneers are required or if veneers are the best option. It is a good idea to have an even number of veneers. Two, four, eight, ten or twelve veneers give the best aesthetic results.
Brushing two times each day for two minutes, flossing daily, and wearing a bite guard at night are great ways to protect the veneers. It is also beneficial to avoid eating very hard foods.
Veneers are a durable alternative to natural teeth. With that being said, they are not exactly permanent. With proper care, you can expect veneers to last between 10-15 years. It is likely that cosmetic repairs will be required to maintain their beautiful appearance. Natural wear, diet and accidents occur, and these are all repairs that we can gladly perform for you.
Any activity that can damage natural teeth will decrease the lifespan of veneers. Chipping and cracking can occur so refrain from biting into very hard foods or objects. Staining from coffee, wine or tea also affects veneers so it is recommended to use a straw or drink these in moderation.
