Dental veneers have grown in popularity in recent years because to their dazzling, stunning appearance and simplicity of application. Cosmetic dentists execute this operation on a regular basis as more and more patients learn that a bright, beautiful smile is within their reach.
Several years ago, dental veneers had a negative reputation because they were artificial and were sometimes too lengthy or dazzling to match natural teeth.
Dental veneers have changed and improved with aesthetic dentistry. They are now made of a translucent ceramic material that is brilliant and natural, and they may be moulded to suit nicely with natural teeth.
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Who Can Benefit from Veneers?
Veneers are used to cover teeth that are beyond repair because they are worn, fractured, dulled, or uneven. They are not suitable in all circumstances since the process for bonding the veneer to the native tooth permanently destroys it. As a result, it is not advised for individuals who could whiten their teeth, have orthodontic alignment procedures performed, or cracks repaired with composite white resin filling and achieve satisfactory results.
Veneers cannot be utilised on teeth that are badly fractured or damaged since a strong link between the tooth and the veneer is required. As a result, crowns are preferable for severely damaged teeth.
Veneer placement is ideal for persons who have:
- Enamel worn beyond repair – Dietary choices, genetics, and drugs can all degrade the hard enamel tooth layer. Veneers are an excellent alternative if the damage or discoloration is so severe that laser whitening will not restore the tooth to its natural beauty.
- Uneven or misaligned teeth – Uneven teeth can cause humiliation and low self-esteem in some people. Braces can be used to correct teeth, although they are not appropriate in all circumstances. Your cosmetic dentist will advise you on whether orthodontic alignment or veneers are a better option for you.
- Chipped teeth – Veneers work well on chipped or extensively cracked teeth. The strong layer on the veneer can actually protect the tooth from additional damage.
- Teeth spreading – As we age, genetics causes the spacing between our teeth to grow wider. This can result in unsightly gaps between the teeth. Because the veneer is placed over the original tooth, it is frequently a good alternative that eliminates the need for more invasive procedures such dental implants.
Veneers can help with a variety of cosmetic issues.
Whether you have a problem with spacing, chipped teeth, or discoloration (or a combination of these issues), veneers can swiftly and easily conceal the unattractive damaged teeth. They seem natural and attractive because they may be shaped and coloured to match your existing teeth.
Depending on your budget and the advice of your cosmetic dentist, you have two options: porcelain or composite resin veneers. Composite veneers can be made within your mouth at the dentist’s office and have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years. Porcelain veneers are more expensive, but they endure between 10 and 15 years. They are created by a dental technician after your natural teeth have been prepared by the cosmetic dentist and an impression or mould has been taken for the technician to work from.
Where Can I Get Dental Veneers?
Look for a cosmetic dentist in the phone book or ask friends and family for recommendations. Always ask for references or to see samples of your dentist’s work. Check to see whether they guarantee the procedure – a reputable cosmetic dentist will not claim to conduct work that they cannot guarantee and will correct any mistakes they make.
Once you’ve identified a cosmetic dentist who is skilled in the application of veneers, you’ll meet with them to see if they’re a good answer for your dental concerns. In order to guarantee that you understand the technique and the type of results you might expect, ask questions.
The cosmetic dentist will shave a fine layer, around 0.5mm thick, off your natural tooth enamel during the preparation appointment. This provides a good bonding surface for the veneer. Your dentist takes an impression of your teeth and may apply temporary veneers until the final ones are ready. This can take between one and two weeks.
When the custom-made veneers are finished, they are attached to the teeth with a special glue. Because they are so thin and were created precisely for your mouth, they usually require very little reshaping. The results are immediate; your new, natural-looking grin is complete after the fitting appointment!
Keep Your Veneers Shiny
The longevity of your veneers is heavily dependent on how well you care for your teeth and gums. Drinking coffee, smoking, and participating in contact sports can all harm and shorten the life of your veneers.
Brush your teeth for two minutes, three times a day, and floss on a regular basis. Every six months, visit your dentist for a check-up and cleaning. If you drink coffee, tea, or soda, use a straw to avoid staining your lovely (and costly!) veneers. To avoid chipping, avoid particularly hard foods such as confectionery.
When participating in sports, wear a mouthguard to avoid chipping or breaking. If you see any damage or cracking, make an appointment with your cosmetic dentist right once to examine if the veneer can be fixed or replaced.
Veneers – Your Money’s Worth It?
Dental veneers range in price from £200 to £1200 per tooth, depending on the material used and the dentist who applies them. If this seems excessive, consider combining veneers with other treatments. For example, laser whitening may be able to brighten several of your teeth, requiring only one or two veneers for highly stained teeth. If you are young and may need to replace your veneers multiple times over your life, you may find that dental implants are a more cost-effective solution.
Consult your cosmetic dentist to develop a teeth whitening, implant, and veneer treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs, budget, and lifestyle. Many cosmetic dentists now provide financing and payment options to patients who have needs that exceed their budgets. Given the humiliation and low self-esteem that many people experience as a result of their oral health concerns, cosmetic dentistry is a smart investment!
The next revolution in dental care is about to begin. You can take better care of your teeth with our easy-to-use dental resources. From whitening and bonding to crowns and implants, you’ll find a wealth of information at your fingertips and the dentist near me, who cares about your dental and overall health.