What Are Dental Veneers? Dental veneers are thin laminations which are tooth-colored shells that are seated over the front surface of the teeth which helps in improving the esthetics of the teeth. These dental veneers are bonded to the tooth to help in changing the tooth size, shape, color, and also its length. They are used mostly for concerns that people have about esthetics that include chipped or broken teeth, tooth discoloration, and if there is any other anomaly in the teeth such as they are smaller than normal in size. Who Can Get Dental Veneers? Everyone is eligible to get dental veneers and it is up to the patient if they want dental veneers for the whole arch or only for a single tooth. The upper front eight teeth are the most common to have dental veneers applied. Reasons For Getting Dental Veneers There are many reasons to get dental veneers, but most patients want them due to aesthetic concerns. Some of the reasons for getting dental veneers are as follows: -Teeth that are worn out due to a process called attrition -Chipped or broken teeth -Spacing present between the teeth -Misalignment of the teeth -Teeth that have anomalies like craters or pitting on the surface -Discoloration of the tooth after root canal treatment -Dental fluorosis -Stains from tetracycline intake -Teeth having large cavity fillings

Types Of Dental Veneers Among the options available for dental veneers the three top choices are the following: 1. Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are strong and resilient, A veneer is like a thin cap that is directly placed on top including the sides of the tooth. They are placed first by shaving the enamel and then placing the porcelain veneer. They have the same color as the teeth. 2. Resin-based composite veneers: These veneers are almost similar to porcelain veneers. They are cost-effective and require less enamel removal. If they are damaged, replacement is done easily. 3. No-prep veneers: These dental veneers include Lumineers. Application time is less and it requires less invasive procedures. Procedure For Getting Dental Veneers For the placement of dental veneers on a patient’s teeth, many steps are involved. They are as follows: Step 1 (Diagnosis and treatment planning) During the first visit to the dental office, the dentist will first examine the teeth of the patient and see if dental veneers are the right choice for them or not. The dentist will then go over the options available to the patient and explain the steps involved in the procedure. Also in this visit, an X-ray of the patient is taken along with the impression of the teeth and oral cavity. Step 2 (Preparation) For the preparation of a tooth for dental veneer placement, the dentist must reshape the tooth surface so that the thickness of the dental veneer that is to be placed has been removed. A local anesthetic is injected to numb the area for the preparation of removal of the enamel. Secondly, the dentist takes an impression of the teeth of the patient. The impression or model is sent to the dental laboratory where the technician makes the required size of the dental veneer. This process takes about 2 to 4 weeks for the dental veneer to be ready and sent over to the dentist for checking. In the meantime, temporary veneers are applied. Step 3 (Bonding of the dental veneers) After receiving the dental veneers, the dentist will place them over the patient's teeth to check for their fit and color and make adjustments if required by trimming. Secondly, the tooth receiving the dental veneer is prepared which includes the cleaning of the tooth surface, polishing, and etching. Etching roughens the tooth surface which allows for strong adhesion with the dental veneer. A special cement is applied to the dental veneer before placing it on the tooth. After finally positioning the dental veneer, the dentist shines a special UV light on the veneer to activate the chemicals in the cement, which causes it to harden very quickly. The final steps involve the removal of excess cement, checking the occlusion, and making final adjustments.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Veneers? Every dental prosthesis has its advantages and disadvantages. They are as follows: Pros Of Dental Veneers 1. Natural appearance: One of the features of porcelain veneers that contributes to their rising popularity is their optic properties. Porcelain veneers appear natural and realistic. 2. Stain-resistance: Dental veneers are somewhat ‘glass-like’. Their surface is quite smooth and impervious, making them resistant to permanent and nasty stains. 3. Durability: Dental veneers are long-lasting and they may last up to 15 years in comparison to composite veneers which only last for 7 years. 4. Color versatility: The color of dental veneers can be selected such that it makes dark teeth appear whiter. 5. Ease of shaping: Compared to dental crowns, dental veneers do not require extensive shaping before the procedure. Ultra-thin veneers often need no shaping of the teeth. 6. Improved appearance and restored confidence: Dental veneers can help individuals with dental flaws such as teeth that are crooked, discolored, or have small gaps between them. Veneers dramatically change a person’s smile and, in the process, help boost self-confidence. Cons Of Dental Veneers 1. Artificiality: Although they look realistic, dental veneers are artificial teeth, which may be a problem for those desiring a more natural solution to their dental problem. 2. High cost: Dental veneers, especially porcelain veneers, are expensive. The cost of veneering each tooth adds to the total payment making it much more costly. 3. Fragility: Although dental veneers are relatively tough, they are not impervious to any chipping or breaking when exposed to excessive impact or force, such as teeth grinding, eating hard foods, and the like. Repairing or replacing veneers can become quite expensive. 4. Teeth sensitivity: Since the veneering procedure requires the removal of enamel, the tooth may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages. FAQs How long do veneers last on your teeth? This depends on which kind of veneers are being used. Porcelain veneers have a longer life that is up to 15 years while composite veneers only last for 7 years. Are veneers suitable for everyone? Not everyone is a candidate for getting dental veneers. Those who have cavities, broken teeth, or have gingivitis are not recommended dental veneers. The dentist does not place veneers when gums are not healthy.