Taking the plunge and beginning your own smile makeover with custom-crafted veneers is easier than you think! You can be on your way to a stunning new look in just several visits to the dentist.
Let’s dive deeper into this process.
With the wide range of veneers to choose from, it can be daunting when trying to decide which one is right for you. Porcelain is often preferred due to its durability and longevity; however, if your needs require something different, composite resin or enamel are two other viable options.
Types of dental veneers
Porcelain Veneers
If you’re seeking a restorative solution that is aesthetically pleasing and offers superior strength, custom porcelain veneers are a perfect choice.
Not only do they look beautiful, but this biocompatible material rarely causes any discomfort or injury when placed on the teeth. Plus, their long-lasting durability will enhance your smile for years to come.
During the porcelain veneer procedure, there may be some slight tooth shaving required before placement of the veneer due to its permanent nature. Still, it’s worth considering this quick procedure if you want an easy way to restore your confidence in your smile.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite veneers are meticulously crafted from a blend of natural and synthetic components, such as an initiator, resin, coupling agent and filler.
The bonding material used to produce composite veneers is comparable to tooth-coloured dental fillings; however, they don’t have the same strength as porcelain ones. Despite this fact, these stunning composites can still give you that desired look without any difficulty.
Composite veneers can be a more cost-effective choice than porcelain and resin veneers and usually matches the natural tooth shade fairly well. Nonetheless, they are prone to stains with time and tend to last around 5-7 years before needing replacement.
A small amount of teeth filing is required for the installation process itself.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a revolutionary form of veneer composed of ultra-thin porcelain laminates that barely need to be prepped before application. Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, Lumineers require almost no removal of natural enamel and no alteration of natural tooth structure when placed. With their smooth facade and perfect shape, these designer veneers provide immediate aesthetic improvement by covering any discolouration or unevenly shaped teeth while still feeling like your own.
Removable veneers (Temporary veneers)
There are two kinds of removable veneers: instant and custom-made clip-on. The former can be easily put on by warming a malleable material to make it supple enough for application. However, one should bear in mind that temporary solutions like these are not meant as permanent or extensive replacements for dental practice over time.
Custom snap-on veneers are the epitome of quality removable veneers. They begin with a mould created from an impression of your teeth and then sent to a dental laboratory for crafting – specifically tailored just for you. When they arrive at your doorstep, these stunning customised pieces will be ready to use in no time.
While temporary solutions such as snap-in dentures may provide a perfect fit tailored to each individual’s unique smile line, they pale in comparison to permanent dental options. Dentists often advise against them due to their lack of longevity and diminishing aesthetic appeal over time.
The procedure of getting dental veneers
The two-step journey to achieving your ideal smile with veneers is surprisingly easy.
In the first appointment, we take imprints of your mouth and create custom-made veneers.
On the second visit, you get to show off that dazzling new smile. We understand that some patients may feel apprehensive about potential pain or sensitivity during treatment; our numbing injection ensures a completely comfortable experience for everyone.
The first visit
During your first visit, the foundation of your veneer procedure will be established. An exhaustive inspection of our mouth will take place to identify any individual needs and areas that need special attention. Now let’s explore what you can anticipate when getting veneers during this introductory appointment.
Discussion: During your consultation with the dentist, it is imperative to have an honest dialogue about any medical conditions or allergies you may have, as well as bad habits such as smoking and teeth-grinding. Above all else, though, be candid when speaking of what type of outcome you would like from the veneer’s treatment plan. Having a comprehensive conversation between both parties before going through with the procedure will ensure that everyone’s expectations are met in terms of results.
The visit: Prior to beginning the process of acquiring veneers, your dentist will evaluate your oral health and check for any cavities or decay. Once they have deemed everything is healthy, you can choose to whiten your teeth if you desire a gleaming smile with brighter-looking veneers.
Preparation of veneer placement: Your dentist will begin grinding the outer layer of your teeth, removing a thin part of enamel – about 0.5mm to 0.7mm from every side and edge – forming an indentation for secure placement of porcelain veneers without any pain or discomfort. For those seeking extra calming effects, numbing can also be administered beforehand if requested.
The mould: Once your dentist has finished removing the outer layer of your teeth, he will create a custom-fitted mould and send it off to the laboratory for production. Together with your dentist, you must decide which colour veneers best suit you; while ideally matching surrounding teeth in hue, lighter shades might be more aesthetically pleasing to you so that everything is tailored according to preference and convenience.
The temporary veneers: The dentist will craft comfortable temporary acrylic veneers for the patient and place them on their teeth, making sure that they are securely protected in the meantime, as well as keeping a gorgeous smile. Afterwards, permanent veneers can be ready to fit within 4-7 days’ time.
Subsequent to having dental veneers applied, the patient’s consultation closes with counsel and direction from their dentist on how best to manage their teeth and provisional veneers until they arrive for a secondary meeting.
After your initial appointment, you have taken a significant step towards achieving that perfect smile. To avoid any unnecessary side effects, simply abstain from hard foods and hot or cold food items, refrain from chewing on inedible objects and follow the instructions given by the doctor.
The second visit
Now that your veneers have been crafted, it’s time for you to go back to the dentist. But what does the second stage of this process involve? Let’s explore together and learn how effortless installation can be.
Step 1: To begin, your temporary veneers will be exchanged for permanent ones. After evaluating the fit and shade of your new veneers in comparison with that of neighbouring natural teeth, you can confidently move ahead with this process if everything looks great.
Step 2: To protect your gums against bacteria that can cause dental decay, it is essential to receive a thorough cleaning. Your dentist will use an exclusive disinfectant solution designed solely for natural teeth and gums.
Step 3: To ensure that your veneers remain in place for a lasting bond, the dentist will utilise dental cement to secure them to areas of the removed enamel. Once applied, an ultraviolet light beam is then used to quickly strengthen and harden it, giving you confidence knowing that there won’t be any issues with it getting loose or easily dislodged.
Step 4: Your dental restoration is now complete. Revel in your sparkling veneers paired with a brilliant smile that you truly worked hard for.
Why are porcelain veneers more popular than other types of veneers?
Porcelain veneers are often rated as better than other types of veneers because of their durability, natural appearance and versatility. Here are some reasons why:
Durability: Porcelain veneers are highly durable and can last 10-15 years or more with proper care. This makes them a worthwhile investment for patients looking for a long-lasting solution to their dental issues.
Natural appearance: Porcelain veneers are made from a material that closely resembles the look and feel of natural teeth. They are highly customizable and can be matched to the exact shade and shape of a patient’s teeth, ensuring a natural-looking smile.
Versatility: Porcelain veneers can address a wide range of dental issues, such as chips, cracks, gaps, stains, and more. This versatility makes them a highly popular choice for patients looking to improve the overall appearance of their smile.
Non-invasive approach: Porcelain veneers can be applied to the front surface of the teeth with minimal removal of tooth structure. This non-invasive approach makes them an attractive option for patients who are concerned about preserving their natural teeth.
Overall, porcelain veneers are rated as better than other types of veneers because they offer a highly durable, natural-looking and versatile solution to a wide range of dental issues. As a result, they have become a highly popular option for patients seeking to enhance their smile.
Is the process of getting veneers painful?
People often wonder if the process of getting veneers is painful. The fact is, the procedure itself is relatively painless. Generally speaking, veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth and dental adhesive is used to make sure they stay in place. Some people may feel a slight pressure during the process, but most find that it’s quite tolerable.
Additionally, many dentists offer numbing agents such as lidocaine or novocaine that can be applied to reduce discomfort. Ultimately, the experience will vary based on individual sensitivity, and you should discuss with your dentist ahead of time for more information about what you can expect.
How to take care of dental veneers?
Taking care of your dental veneers is important for ensuring that you can maintain your beautiful, natural-looking smile. Here are some tips on how to take care of your dental veneers:
- Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste to remove plaque and food particles from the surface of the teeth.
- Floss between the teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food accumulation not reached by brushing alone. Avoid using regular floss, as it can scratch or chip the porcelain surface of the veneer.
- Be gentle on the veneers when eating hard or crunchy foods to avoid damaging them accidentally.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups so that any problems with the veneer can be detected early and addressed quickly.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid abrasive cleaners, as they may wear away at the material of the veneer over time.
How can veneers be replaced?
Veneers may last up to a decade but could potentially break or fall off before then. In the event of this happening, it is necessary to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The veneer will need to be remoulded and replaced using the same steps from when they were first applied. To protect it until completion, temporary dental veneers will be given to you in its place.
If you have inquiries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experts at Advanced Dental Care in Dubbo. Our talented and welcoming dental team is more than eager to answer all your questions. Contact us at (02) 6188 7103 or book a free consultation online.
References
Dental Veneers
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1
What to know about dental veneers?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-veneers
