Consider using the following educational article at your practice to help inform patients about getting veneers.
The cosmetic dental industry has evolved to offer solutions to almost every problem related to oral hygiene, tooth troubles, and smile aesthetics. And yet, most people may be unaware of the most advanced solution in smile correction today. Dental veneers are designed to conceal damaged, chipped, or deformed teeth to give you a natural but more symmetrical, stain-resistant and brighter smile.
Here’s a deeper look at what veneers are, their benefits, and the procedure to get them.
What are Dental Veneers?
To understand what veneers are, think of a tooth crown or cap you get after a root canal or other dental surgery. It covers and protects your tooth to help you eat normally and avoid further damage.
Dental veneers are similar laminates made of thinly-sheathed tooth-coloured material to cover the surface area of your tooth. They help to protect your teeth and improve their appearance. An orthodontist binds the veneer to your teeth to change their shape, colour, size, and alignment. It is usually a cosmetic procedure, but dentists recommend veneers for those who need protection and support for damaged or injured teeth.
Procedure for Getting Veneers
After the first consultation, the procedure involved in installing veneers is typically divided into three appointments. Here’s how it works:
Appointment 1 – The doctor inspects your teeth, understands your dental history, and checks for any bite problems. They talk to you about your smile aesthetics and the goals you want to achieve with veneering.
Appointment 2 – The doctor will prepare your teeth for the veneer in this sitting. It involves taking moulds and trimming off the enamel to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. Once they have taken an impression of your teeth, it is sent to a dental lab to prepare the veneer.
Appointment 3 – The veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth using dental cement during the final visit.
6 Reasons to Consider Getting Veneers
There are several benefits to getting veneers. They offer strength and support to weak teeth, giving your smile a brighter and more symmetrical look. Here is a look at the top six reasons why you should consider getting veneers:
1. The Procedure is Quick and Pain-Free
Doctors usually administer a numbing agent to the mouth to make the procedure of installing veneers as pain-free as possible. Depending on your teeth, the time needed for the procedure may vary. Usually, it is completed within 30 minutes to an hour.
2. Reshape Your Teeth & Get Perfect Symmetry
Inconsistencies in your smile may be the first thing people notice about you. It can make you feel self-conscious and less confident. Veneers can help you reshape your smile and get the perfect symmetry for a Hollywood smile.
3. Hiding Permanent Stains
Teeth whitening, including bleaching treatments, may not clear away years of staining. Dental veneers can help conceal your teeth to create a radiant smile if your teeth are stained.
4. Fewer Cavities
Veneers cannot help fix decay or damage in your teeth. It is advisable to get your tooth decay completely treated before installing veneers. Once installed, veneers will protect your teeth from further damage and decay. They can help you conceal chipped, broken, or damaged teeth.
5. Filling in the Missing Gaps
If you have gaps between two or more teeth, veneers can help fill them in. One way of fixing gaps in teeth is bonding. But veneering is also an effective way to fix gap teeth and get a flawless smile.
6. Longevity
Porcelain veneers are strong and damage resistant. They are designed to last for a long time. Your dental veneers can last up to twenty or twenty-five years with proper care and maintenance. Only when your veneers start to show discolouration or cracks will you need to get them replaced.
Benefits of Veneers
Apart from the reasons described above, dental veneers have various benefits. If you consider getting veneers on your teeth, you should know that the procedure will have many advantages.
- Quick procedure – takes two or three visits at the most.
- Veneers are strong and durable; they are made to be compatible with your gums.
- Veneers can be customized as needed.
- They are resistant to damage and stains.
It is easy to get confused between veneers and bonding. If you don’t have the complete information, you may not know which of the two procedures is best for you. Talk to your dentist to understand the advantages of dental veneers and if they are suitable for you.
About the Author
Shen Chao is part of Dr. Joshua Hong’s Smile Clinic. While working for the Smile Clinic, he’s gained first-hand experience with dental patients’ questions and concerns. He has been writing to inform people about various dental topics to help his readers improve their oral health. You can find him on a hiking trail with his dog or having a Sunday cookout with friends when he is not working.
