Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for those looking to restore the look of their smile. They’re custom shells made to fit naturally in your mouth by attaching to the front of a tooth. Many people choose veneers because the tooth problems they want to restore are too minor for a crown, or they want to correct cosmetic issues without modifying the entire tooth.
Depending on the material, your veneers can last 5–10 years or more with proper care and attention. Your veneers will act like your natural teeth, so they still require good oral hygiene and regular check-ups.
What Issues Can Veneers Address?
For many people, small imperfections in their smile can make them feel insecure. Veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth and let your smile shine through. They’re ideal for people with minor issues that don’t quite necessitate a crown or dental implant.
Popular reasons for getting veneers include:
- Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth
- Stained or discoloured teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked or irregularly shaped teeth, including small teeth
- Obvious fillings
Veneers may be right for you if you’re free of cavities and gum disease. They’re a cosmetic treatment that can repair chipped or damaged teeth, but oral health issues should be addressed before veneers are considered.
Types of Veneers
There are two main types of veneers: porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are considered stronger than resin and typically last longer, up to 10 years or more.
It’ll generally take at least 2 visits to apply porcelain veneers. Your dentist will need to remove a thin layer of enamel from the front of your teeth to prepare the surface and make room for the veneers. Because of this, people with little enamel on their teeth might be unable to receive porcelain veneers.
After the enamel is removed, your dentist will get a mould of your teeth to custom-make your veneers. Your dentist may give you temporary veneers in the meantime to protect and replace the removed portion of your tooth.
Your dentist will remove the temporary veneers on your next visit and apply a mild chemical to your teeth. This chemical will roughen the teeth’s surface, helping the veneer stick to your teeth better. The porcelain veneers are then attached to your teeth.
Porcelain veneers are colour-matched to your natural teeth and resistant to staining. They’re a good option for people who want to restore multiple teeth, as they provide a natural look and feel.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite resin veneers are a more affordable option that are also shaped to fit your teeth using a mould. However, they’re more susceptible to staining and wear than porcelain veneers and typically can last up to 5 or more years with good care.
Resin veneers can be easier to fix since they typically only take 1 visit to apply. Your dentist also won’t have to remove as much of the tooth, often making them a better choice for people with less enamel.
The process of applying composite resin veneers is similar to porcelain veneers; it begins by applying a chemical to roughen the front surface of your teeth. Afterward, your dentist will apply composite resin colour-matched to the rest of your teeth layer by layer. Between each layer, a bright light hardens the resin and prepares it for the next layer.
After the final layer of composite resin hardens, your dentist will shape and polish the veneer until it fits naturally and smoothly with the rest of your smile.
Caring For Your Veneers
Regardless of which type of veneer you have, following proper oral hygiene habits helps them last as long as possible. You should use soft-bristled toothbrushes and avoid abrasive whitening products that may scratch your veneers.
Your dentist will take you through how to care for your veneers, but here are some tips you can follow:
- Avoid using your veneers as tools, such as using them to open packages or bite into hard objects.
- Try to use your back teeth to chew harder foods.
- Get oral support if you tend to grind or clench your teeth at night.
- Wear a mouthguard while playing sports.
- Limit your consumption of dark or staining foods and drinks, such as red wine and coffee.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Veneers look and feel like real teeth, and if treated with the same care, they should last you a long time.
Visit Your Trusted Dentist
A smile is the way you greet the world, so it should be something you’re proud of. Veneers can transform your smile to reflect the real you, and One Family Dental is proud to help.
We’re committed to creating a comfortable and educational experience for our patients. If you’re looking to repair or restore your smile and think veneers might be your solution, give us a call. Our trusted dentists can help determine if veneers could be a good option for you.