What You Need to Know About Dental Veneers

If you are looking to improve your smile, dental veneers may be the answer. They can be a great way to get a natural-looking smile without needing metal or tooth-colored fillings. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about dental veneers, including the types, benefits, placing process, and how to care for them.

Types of dental veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin materials placed over the front of one’s natural teeth to improve appearance and function. There are three types of dental veneers: porcelain, composite resin, and no prep veneers.

Porcelain veneers

These veneers consist of porcelain fired in a kiln at high temperatures. The dentist then shapes and polishes the material until it is smooth and shiny. Dentists use porcelain because it does not stain or discolor like other materials. Also, dental veneers are customized to the patient’s natural tooth color or a few shades brighter.

Composite resin veneers

Composite resin veneers consist of high-strength plastic and glass fiber materials that are melted together under high heat before being shaped into the patient’s desired look using a molding machine.

No prep veneers

No prep veneers require minimal preparation of the patient’s natural teeth to place. In addition, these types of veneers require no drilling into the natural tooth structure because they bond to the front surface of the existing crowns.

Dental veneer installation process

It is important to note that dental veneers, no matter the type, are considered cosmetic procedures and do not treat underlying health conditions, such as decay, gum disease, or infection. Therefore, a patient experiencing these conditions must receive treatment before veneer installation.

It will take two appointments to receive dental veneers. The first will consist of taking an impression of the patient’s mouth and then sending the mold to an outside lab. The lab will then create the veneers based on the mold provided; this process will take approximately two weeks. In the meantime, the patient will be fitted with temporary veneers. The second appointment will consist of the actual veneers being bonded to the front of the teeth and cleaned up (if necessary) by the dentist to ensure they provide a natural look and fit.

Benefits of dental veneers

Dental veneers are a great option for those who want to make minor adjustments to their smile without undergoing invasive procedures or treatment plans, like braces, dental implants, or laser treatments performed on their gums or jawbone. Additionally, suppose a patient has healthy natural teeth but is experiencing stained teeth, gaps, chipped, misproportioned teeth, or teeth with noticeably various shapes. In that case, dental veneers are the ideal smile makeover option.

Caring for dental veneers

Dental veneers are durable and can last well over a decade if cared for properly. The longevity of the dental veneers also depends on the type of material used in the fabrication process. Patients should care for the veneers as they would their natural teeth:

• Brush twice a day
• Floss a minimum of once a day
• Use an approved alcohol-free mouth rinse to prevent bacteria buildup

Though all materials used for dental veneers are durable, patients should be careful with the objects they bite down on. Do not bite or chew ice, pens, nails, etc. In addition, if they have poor dental habits, such as teeth grinding, we recommend trying to stop this altogether; such habits can wear the veneers down prematurely.