Dental veneers are generally prescribed by cosmetic dentists to improve the appearance of teeth when they are discolored, chipped, or cracked. They can also cover up if there is any gap between teeth.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are paper-thin, custom-made, tooth-colored shells that are placed on the front surface of teeth to improve appearance of the tooth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth with dental cement. They alter the color, shape, size, or length of teeth. Though also be made out of other materials like composite resin and ceramic, but porcelain veneers has a longer shelf life.
Why do you require dental veneers?
Regular usage of the teeth causes wear and tear due to grinding, erosion, and other factors. Veneers protect teeth especially if treatment is carried out by experienced cosmetic dentists.
Veneers are a popular choice for those with chipped teeth, a gap between teeth, or crooked teeth. They help alter the look of the tooth to give the smile and look you desire. Dental veneers are thin covers that adhere to teeth to give teeth a more classically shaped look. Some conditions for which your cosmetic dentist may prescribe dental veneers:
- Gap between teeth
- Discolored teeth (due to dental decay, stains of food or tetracycline)
- Crooked teeth
- Trauma to teeth in the form of chipped, cracked, or worn-out teeth
What are the types of dental veneers?
Veneers improve the smile of a person and help preserve teeth. Types of dental veneers include:
- Porcelain veneers
- Composite veneers
- Lumineers
Porcelain Veneers
Also called traditional veneers, porcelain veneers are customized thin shell-like covering made to fit teeth according to their flaws. Benefits of porcelain veneers include:
- Porcelain Veneers look natural- no one can identify them as veneers
- They are long-lasting and strong
- Porcelain veneers are easily cleaned as they do not retain stains from food or tobacco products.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are applied directly by the dentist and do not require a dental lab preparation as in the case of porcelain veneers. They are resin-based materials that are pasted on to the patient’s teeth chair-side and can be done in a single visit to the dental hospital. Composite veneers do offer good cosmetic outcomes in terms of natural-colored teeth. They are also strong and long-lasting; however not as strong compared to porcelain veneers.
Lumineers
Lumineers are ultra-thin veneers that are strong and offer very good cosmetic results in terms of natural-looking teeth. This type of veneer does not require any tooth preparation. It means that there is no tooth size reduction, and no enamel removal. Lumineers are known to last as much as 20 years.
When it comes to the choice of dental veneers, a cosmetic dentist will help you choose the material that is best for you.
What is the shelf life of dental veneers?
On an average, dental veneers last about 10 years. As porcelain becomes stronger and more durable, the lifespan increases significantly. Veneers, like natural teeth, are also susceptible to wear and tear and damage.
How do veneers help in restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry involves restoring the tooth to original healthy condition. Veneers help in sculpting the tooth by removing only the absolutely damaged bit and putting a ‘veneer’ on it to so that a natural look is retained. In conservative dentistry, veneers conserve a tooth by forming a paper thin protective covering on the tooth reducing the risk of further damage. Dental veneers treatment is provided by cosmetic dentists and orthodontists.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front of the tooth to look like and enhance the natural look of the teeth. Veneers can also correct a wide range of dental flaws like:
- Stained teeth –some teeth are heavily stained because of substance abuse and can’t be whitened by bleaching
- Chipped or worn teeth- such teeth cause chewing problems and can affect the digestive or overall health of a person
- Crooked or misshapen teeth – such teeth have problems with food accumulation and oral hygiene
- Uneven spaces or a large gap between the upper front teeth- can affect speech, and accumulate bacteria causing food
- In case a crown or cap needs to be placed on the tooth, the veneer saves a lot of enamel which may need to be removed for the purpose of fitting a crown or cap
Apollo Dental has a wide range of dental veneers to suit every type of tooth. With an expert panel of dentists and orthodontists Apollo Dental can provide treatment for every kind of dental issue.
Contact us on 18001-02-02-88
