What Are Dental Veneers? Pros, Cons & Benefits Explained

What are Dental Veneers? 

Dental veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They’re usually made from porcelain or composite resin and look like natural teeth. These shells are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth, such as correcting discolouration, closing gaps between teeth, or repairing chips or cracks in the tooth enamel. 

How do Dental Veneers Work? 

Getting dental veneers is a two-step process. First, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel so that the veneer can be attached later on. Then, an impression of your tooth will be taken and sent to a lab where the custom-made veneer will be created. Once it’s ready, it will be cemented onto the front surface of your tooth and polished to match its colour with the rest of your teeth. 

Types of Dental Veneers

There are three main types of dental veneers—porcelain, composite, and temporary—each with advantages and disadvantages. Read on to learn more about each type and which is right for you. 

Porcelain Veneers 

Porcelain veneers are undoubtedly the most widely sought-after form of dental restorations because they look so natural and last longer than other veneers. Porcelain veneers are made from a thin layer of porcelain customised to fit your teeth perfectly. Not only are they incredibly durable, but their stain-resistant qualities ensure that these fabrics will retain their vibrant colours for years to come. However, porcelain veneers require more tooth preparation than other types, so they can be more invasive and take longer to apply. 

Composite Veneers 

Composite veneers are often called “resin” or “composite resin” veneers because they are made from a mixture of acrylic resin and other materials such as glass, quartz, or silicate particles. Composite veneers offer a less invasive alternative to porcelain because they require less tooth preparation than porcelain; however, they can be less durable than porcelain and may not last as long. They also tend to be more susceptible to staining over time than porcelain. 

Temporary Dental Veneers 

Temporary veneers are a great option if you want an immediate solution for minor cosmetic issues such as chips or discolouration but aren’t ready for a permanent solution such as porcelain or composite resin veneers yet. Temporary dental veneers are made from a thin sheet of plastic applied directly onto the teeth with an adhesive and can be easily removed at any time; however, these types of veneers will not last nearly as long as long permanent options like porcelain or composite. 

 How do ceramic dental veneers compare to porcelain ones?

Both materials can improve the appearance of your teeth and achieve a beautiful smile. Ceramic veneers are made of a type of dental porcelain that is a mixture of glass particles and synthetic resin.

Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are crafted completely from porcelain. While both types of veneers offer similar benefits, there are some differences between the two materials.

For instance, ceramic veneers are thinner and require less tooth enamel to be removed, while porcelain veneers are more durable and stain-resistant.

Choosing the right material for your veneers largely depends on your unique dental needs and preferences, and your dentist can help you make the best decision for your smile.

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Veneers? 

 Let’s look at what makes veneers attractive for those wanting to enhance their smile. 

Appearance Improvement 

Veneers can help you achieve that perfect smile. They can correct discoloured, chipped, and misshapen teeth and close gaps between your front teeth. With veneers, you can get the straight white teeth you’ve always dreamed of without going through orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign—something that would require months or even years of treatment and visits to the dentist. 

Durability 

Dental veneers are made of porcelain material which is stain-resistant and durable. Your dentist will bond them directly onto your existing tooth structure using strong adhesive cement so they won’t chip or break easily. That means they can last up to 10–15 years with proper care and maintenance! 

 Cost Effective 

The cost of getting dental veneers may seem high compared to other cosmetic dentistry options like whitening strips or fillings, but in the long run, these treatments are more inexpensive as they typically do not need to be replaced as frequently compared to other options. Plus, when it comes to improving your smile, Investing in something that offers continual, long-term results is an invaluable investment.

Who Would Opt for Dental Veneers Treatment?

For those desiring to transform their smile and make minor corrections, they are the perfect solution. They are especially beneficial for:

1. Individuals with large gaps between their teeth.
2. People with severely discoloured or stained teeth.
3. Those with chips, cracks, and uneven surfaces on their teeth.
4. People whose tooth enamel has eroded over time.
5. People who have misaligned, misshapen, or irregularly sized teeth.
6. Individuals with worn-down teeth from excessive grinding or clenching habits.

Who Doesn’t Qualify For Dental Veneer Treatment?

Veneers are not recommended for people who:

1. Have severely worn down or decayed teeth.
2. Are suffering from periodontal disease or any other gum diseases.
3. Have very weak teeth that can’t support the veneer adhesion process.
4. Are not willing to commit to a long-term treatment plan, as veneers require extra care and maintenance.
5. Do not have enough healthy tooth enamel for the placement of veneers.

How Quickly Can I Receive My Veneers?

Getting veneers is a great way to improve the appearance and strength of your teeth, but it’s important to understand how long you can expect the dental veneer procedure to take. 

The time it takes to get veneers depends on the type:

 Traditional porcelain veneers generally require multiple trips over 2-3 weeks, while less-invasive composite resin treatments may take just one visit lasting about an hour.

Ultimately, you should plan for several weeks when considering how long it takes to get veneers, but that investment is well worth considering how great your smile will look!

Prolong the Life of Your Veneers with Proper Care and Maintenance! 

Veneers are not indestructible and must be taken care of properly to make them last as long as possible. Here are some tips on how to care for your veneers and make them last longer. 

Performing Daily Oral Hygiene Tasks 

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to uphold the look and feel of your veneers. Twice-daily brushing, once-daily flossing and regular use of mouthwash; are the three pillars that will keep your teeth healthy! All this will help keep your veneer looking great! Furthermore, it’s important that every six months or so, you take time out for a check-up with the dentist as well as a professional cleaning. Not only does this ensure that your veneers remain in pristine condition, but it also safeguards optimal oral health overall.

Avoiding Abrasion 

Veneers are crafted with either porcelain or composite material for a beautiful, natural-looking finish, but it’s slightly more delicate than natural teeth enamel, so avoiding any activities that could cause abrasion or damage to the veneer itself is important. For example, chewing on hard objects such as pens or ice cubes can cause the veneer to chip or crack, so avoiding these activities is important.

Also, grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw can also cause damage, so if you struggle with bruxism (teeth grinding), you should discuss treatment options with your dentist.  

Making Lifestyle Changes 

Certain lifestyle habits, such as smoking and drinking coffee, can discolour the veneer’s surface over time, so it is best to avoid these if possible. If you choose to indulge in these habits, try brushing or rinsing shortly afterwards to prevent staining. Making simple changes, such as quitting smoking or drinking through a straw, can make all the difference in maintaining the appearance of dental veneers over time.  

How to Choose the Right Colour and Shape for Your Veneers?

Choosing the right veneer shape and colour is essential if you want to enhance your smile.

Porcelain and composite veneers are custom-designed, so it’s important to select a shade that will give you the perfect balance between lightening, brightening, and blending with your natural teeth.

To obtain this effect, many dentists recommend temporary veneers during the consultation phase; this allows you to see how different colours look on your teeth before committing to a more permanent solution.

Working with an experienced dental professional can help ensure you choose the right tone for your new smile – one that’ll leave you feeling happy, confident, and joyful.

What are the alternatives to dental veneers procedure?

Compared to other alternatives, such as bonding materials or crowns, dental veneers offer a much more durable solution for fixing crooked or gapped teeth than either option alone.

Bonding materials wear down quickly and must be replaced every few years. In contrast, porcelain veneers last for decades with proper care and maintenance, making them a much longer-lasting investment in your smile’s health and well-being.

Crowns offer a similar level of durability but require much more preparation which can damage the underlying tooth structure beneath it, leaving it vulnerable to decay or infection if not properly cared for afterwards. In contrast, porcelain veneers preserve most of the original tooth structure, making them less invasive while providing excellent aesthetic results.  

Budget Planning for Veneers Cost

With veneer cost being an important part of budget planning, it’s essential to determine what works for the individual. While different factors are at play depending on the type and number of veneers needed, it is worth investing in quality work. 

Finding a reputable dentist and getting a full examination with an accurate estimate will provide all the necessary information to create a realistic budget plan. 

Don’t forget to consider additional items like follow-up exams or additional treatments. A comprehensive look at what needs to be done from beginning to end will help simplify budget planning for veneer cost and be less stressful in the long run.

Commonly Asked Questions about Dental Veneers

Are dental veneers permanent?

Composite veneers are considered semi-permanent solutions, while porcelain veneers are more permanent. With the right attention, porcelain veneers can remain in pristine condition for up to 15 years.

What type of treatments are required before getting dental veneers?

That usually requires a dental exam to determine the current state of your teeth. If you have any underlying issues like decay or gum disease, they will need to be addressed before you can receive veneers. Additional treatments, such as tooth whitening, may also be recommended before getting veneers.

Will I be able to eat as usual with dental veneers?

Yes, you should be able to eat normally with veneers. Porcelain veneers are very strong and can withstand the pressure of normal chewing.

Does getting dental veneers have any impact on my natural teeth?

Yes, there may be some impact on your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers require a small amount of enamel to be removed from the front surface of your tooth for them to fit properly. That is usually minimal and will not affect your tooth’s overall health or strength.

How long is the recovery time after getting dental veneers?

Porcelain veneers usually require two visits to the dentist and a recovery time of around one week. However, there is no downtime associated with composite resin veneers, as they can be completed in a single visit, and you can return to your normal activities immediately.

Conclusion

Dental veneers offer a quick solution that provides long-lasting results, no matter what imperfections you have with your smile— discolouration, gaps between teeth, chips, or cracks. The process is relatively simple while also providing beautiful results with minimal effort on the part of the patient.

At Casey Dentists, we deliver superior dental veneers, with patient satisfaction as our main priority.

Please book your appointment today to discover how we can transform your smile with veneers! Call us at 07 4801 7035

References 

References link #1

https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers

References link #2

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1

References link #3

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-veneers