If you’re not satisfied with your smile, you can improve its look with veneers. This cosmetic dentistry option is popular for whitening, straightening and changing the shape of teeth. Depending on your smile goals, you may want to consider porcelain or composite resin dental veneers. Both offer a fast and cost-effective way to improve your smile, but porcelain is longer-lasting. Composite veneers are a good choice for younger patients who may be hesitant to commit to more permanent treatment, such as porcelain veneers.
The process typically involves three visits to the dentist. The first is a consultation, the second for preparation and building and the third to place the veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic restorations that can match the light-transmitting qualities of your natural enamel. They look very natural and provide a beautiful smile enhancement. They can also mask minor to moderate alignment problems without the need for orthodontics.
Veneers can be used to repair a variety of problems, including permanently discolored teeth that are resistant to whitening treatments, chipped or broken teeth, and misaligned teeth. Veneers are also ideal for covering gaps between teeth.
Composite Veneers
Unlike porcelain veneers, composite ones don’t require removing existing teeth or altering the gum line. In order to get the best results from this less invasive procedure, a cosmetic dentist will need to perform several things including X-rays, dental imaging, and impressions of your teeth and smile.
First, the dentist will etch the surface of your teeth for better adhesion of the composite resin material. They will then apply an adhesive to help the veneers stick and then add very thin layers of the composite resin on top of your teeth. Then, they will “cure” the resin with a light.
To preserve the appearance of your veneers, you will need to maintain a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and limit foods that can stain like red wine, coffee, and candy. You may also want to consider getting a mouth guard if you grind your teeth or play sports. You should also be sure to floss and brush your teeth regularly.
No Prep Veneers
Traditional veneers require around half a millimeter of enamel to be removed from each tooth and some reshaping to be applied. This process is permanent and considered non-reversible, but thankfully there are alternatives that can mask your smile flaws without the need for extensive alteration to the teeth.
Minimal preparation or no prep veneers are a type of porcelain or composite veneer that can be applied directly to the teeth. Unlike traditional veneers that are often opaque, no prep veneers are usually transparent and allow the natural color of the teeth to show through.
No prep veneers are quick to fit and much cheaper than traditional veneers. However, they are also more prone to chipping and may not be as long-lasting. It is important to discuss your options with your dentist before choosing this treatment. For best results, your veneers should be cared for with good oral hygiene and regular dental appointments. You should also avoid biting or chewing hard foods and using your teeth as tools to open packages.
Veneers for Crooked Teeth
Crooked teeth are often considered a cosmetic dental concern, but they can lead to other issues like tooth decay or gum disease. These can damage your oral health and affect your confidence and self-esteem.
Fortunately, there are many treatments available to correct misaligned teeth and veneers can be a great option for some people. However, the best way to determine if they are right for you is to have a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.
They will evaluate your mouth, assess your cosmetic goals and determine the severity of your misalignment to make a recommendation. They may recommend orthodontic treatment instead of veneers in some cases.
Before applying a veneer, the cosmetic dentist will clean the surface and may need to remove some enamel to ensure the veneer is flush with the rest of your teeth. The dentist will then use a grinding tool to roughen the tooth on which the veneer will be applied, which helps it adhere better to the enamel.