Are you satisfied with your smile?
Do gaps between your teeth distract and bother you?
Are you tired of putting up with slightly crooked teeth, or teeth that are misshapen or too small?
Do your teeth refuse to get as bright and white as you’d like them to be?
Do you have a chipped front tooth?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be a candidate for dental veneers.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or composite resin that cover your teeth’s front surfaces.
Veneers can address such issues as discoloration, chipped or worn edges, cracks, gaps, and misalignment. Your dentist will tailor your veneers to match your existing teeth’s color and shape, ensuring a seamless blend.
And how long do veneers last? With proper care and depending upon the material used, between five and 15 years.
Veneers can significantly improve your smile and restore your confidence in it.
Veneers vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference?
Veneers and crowns serve different purposes and involve different levels of tooth alteration.
Again, veneers are thin shells, typically about 1 millimeter thick, covering only the tooth’s front surface. They require minimal alteration to the natural tooth structure.
In contrast, dental crowns are thicker caps, about 2 millimeters. They encase the whole tooth, strengthening and protecting significantly compromised or damaged teeth.
While veneers are great for cosmetic enhancements, crowns are often more suitable for extensive restorative needs. Consult your dentist to determine which option is best for you.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Veneers?
Your dentist has the expertise to determine whether veneers make sense for your smile and, if so, which kind will work best.
Porcelain Veneers
Made from tooth-colored ceramic, porcelain veneers are known for their durability and natural appearance. They are stain-resistant, biocompatible, and minimally invasive.
Porcelain veneers not only improve your teeth’s functionality but also elevate your smile’s aesthetics. By masking such imperfections as stains, chips, and misalignments, they create a smooth and luminous dental surface.
Composite Resin Veneers
Made from the same blend of organic and inorganic materials used in dental bonding, composite resin veneers offer functional and beautiful smile enhancement.
Dentists apply resin veneers directly to the teeth, allowing for quicker adjustments and repairs. While they may not last as long as porcelain veneers, resin veneers generally have a lower price point.
What’s Involved in Getting Dental Veneers?
Here’s a step-by-step overview of what to expect when getting veneers:
Initial Consultation
During your initial appointment, you’ll discuss your smile goals, any concerns about your teeth, and whether veneers are the right solution. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and take X-rays if needed.
Treatment Planning
Once you and your dentist decide on your veneer option, the next step is deciding on the shape and shade of veneers to best enhance your smile.
If you get porcelain veneers, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory. Technicians there will use them to make your custom veneers.
Tooth Preparation
To ensure a seamless fit, your dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel from the front surface of the teeth receiving veneers, typically around 0.5 millimeters. Removing this enamel allows for a natural fit and alignment of the veneers while preserving the underlying tooth structure.
No-prep veneers may be an option. They require less removal of enamel, making placement less invasive and faster. However, even no-prep veneers require some enamel removal.
Temporary Veneers (if necessary)
In some cases, your dentist may provide temporary veneers while waiting for your custom veneers. Temporary veneers help protect your prepared teeth and give you a preview of your new smile.
Final Fitting and Bonding
Once your custom veneers are ready, your dentist will carefully place each one on your teeth to evaluate fit, color, and overall appearance. Your dentist may make adjustments to achieve an optimal match.
Your dentist will then use a special dental adhesive to secure the veneers in place and apply a curing light to harden the bond.
Post-Placement Care Instructions
Follow any post-care instructions you receive. They will include advice on maintaining good oral hygiene, as well as tips on foods to avoid to ensure veneers’ longevity.
Regular preventative dental visits will also help maximize the veneers’ lifespan and keep your smile radiant.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Dental Veneers?
In consultation with your dental professional, consider all the pros and cons before deciding whether veneers are right for you.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
- Enhanced Aesthetics
Veneers can improve your teeth’s appearance. Their stain-resistant qualities mean they maintain a natural, vibrant appearance over time. - Minimally Invasive
The application process is minimally invasive, preserving most of the tooth structure and maintaining its integrity. - Durability
Veneers can withstand daily wear and can last up to 15 years with proper care.
- Easy Maintenance
Dental veneers require only the same care as natural teeth, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
- Strengthening Weak Teeth
For patients with fragile teeth, veneers can help prevent chipping and breaking.
Risks of Dental Veneers
- Irreversibility
Getting veneers involves permanently removing small amounts of enamel. You cannot get your natural tooth structure back.
- Potential for Damage
Veneers are durable but not indestructible. Excessive force from grinding teeth or biting on hard substances can cause them to chip or crack. Patients with a history of bruxism (teeth grinding) may be at higher risk for damage.
- Sensitivity
Some patients experience increased tooth sensitivity after enamel removal or immediately after veneer placement. This sensitivity typically subsides in a few days but can be uncomfortable.
- Color-Matching Challenges
Changes in the color of your surrounding natural teeth due to staining, teeth whitening, or aging may lead to mismatches with your veneers’ color over time.
- Cost
Dental veneers are a long-term investment in your mouth’s appearance. Because they are a cosmetic procedure, many dental insurance plans do not cover veneers.
A thorough consultation with your dentist can help you weigh these factors and determine your best course of action.
Trust Penn Dental Family Practice for Your Veneers
The experts at Penn Dental Family Practice can help you get the beautiful smile you want.
Our state-of-the-art materials and techniques deliver custom veneers that not only enhance your smile but also benefit your oral health. We customize our care to keep you as comfortable as possible during the process. And we’ll work with you to make your investment one that fits your budget.
Ready to start your smile makeover? Schedule your consultation online now or call us at 215-898-PDFP (7337).
