Dental Veneers: An Overview of Their Role

Dental veneers are generally shells which are thin and tooth-colored attached to the surface of a tooth to improve an individual’s appearance. Usually, they are tailor made in resonance to the contour of one’s teeth and are usually bonded to the original enamel of a tooth. The Need for Veneers They are less intrusive in comparison to braces or crowns. Usually, their need is for the purpose of fixing the problems below: Worn down teeth Broken or chipped teeth Irregularly shaped, uneven, or misaligned teeth, an example is teeth that have bulges or craters in them Teeth with gaps with the goal of closing the shape between the teeth Discolored teeth either due to stains from drugs such as tetracycline, due to root canal treatment, excessive intake of fluoride, or due to presence of large fillings of resin that have since caused discoloration Improving the position or shape of one’s teeth Lightening one’s front teeth Bringing into line a tooth that is out of position with the others Correcting chips or fractures

Porcelain Veneers These are the most common type of resins. Usually, they are wafer-thin shells that are custom-made to fit in a tooth with one of the defects highlighted above. Below are the benefits associated with them: Long-lasting and relatively strong In comparison to other types, they have a more natural aesthetic They require the removal of less tooth enamel, a factor that allows for their removal in contrast to a cap Do not stain easily Below are the steps for placing them: In preparing a porcelain veneer, a dentist takes out a small amount of enamel from the sides and front of the tooth. This is what offers a natural look to the tooth The dentist then makes a mold or impression of the tooth The mold or impression is taken to the laboratory for the custom making of the porcelain veneer to be fitted on the tooth The tooth is finally cleaned and the veneers are fitted to the tooth Composite Resin Veneers Composite resin veneers are made out of tooth-colored filling material fitted to the tooth. Below are the benefits of composite resin veneers: Demands less tooth enamel removal in comparison to porcelain veneers or crowns Needs fewer appointments with the dentist Are cheaper in comparison to porcelain veneers Easier to fix when damaged, despite being less durable than porcelain veneers Steps for placing composite resin veneers are: After preparation or reshaping of the teeth, the dentist sculpts and bonds composite material that matches the color of one’s choice Special light is applied in hardening and bonding the composite to the teeth The veneers are finally polished and smoothed to take the look of natural teeth

Caring and Maintaining Veneers The process of taking care of veneers is relatively the same to cleaning natural teeth. Usually, it entails flossing and brushing as required of good oral health. One may use a toothpaste of their choice or as recommended by their dentist. Also, arising from the fact that veneers can break or chip under pressure, it is pertinent for one to avoid biting or chewing hard objects such as ice or fingernails. It is also recommended to avoid coffee and other foods that are stain-inducing to maintain the color of veneers. Additionally, one may schedule regular teeth cleanings and ask about products that may be utilized for the specific purpose of protecting one’s veneers. Benefits of Veneers The primary benefit of veneers is in the improvement of one's teeth, as a result giving one a bright or a more appealing smile. Correspondingly, they help in reverting chipped teeth, uneven coloring or discoloration of teeth, fixing gaps in teeth, unusual or pointed shaped teeth, as well as smaller than average teeth. Owing from the fact that they are a durable investment and even longer lasting makes them worthy in improving one’s confidence as ascribed in their smile. Ahead of Placing Veneers It is however advisable for one to ensure that their gums and teeth are healthy ahead of getting veneers. This is owing to the fact that they can have a negative impact on the placed veneers. Equally, it is not advisable to place veneers on patients who regularly grind or clench their teeth because they may break or chip. It is also important to discuss treatment options and expectations in concert with placing veneers with the dentist in order to get informed advice.