In this blog on dental veneers, we will address the following:
- Understanding Dental Veneers and Their Benefits
- The Process of Getting Dental Veneers
- Are There Different Types of Veneers?
- The Longevity and Care of Dental Veneers
- Dental Veneers FAQ
Understanding Dental Veneers and Their Benefits
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made tooth covers designed to cover your natural tooth and look like the real thing. They correct dental problems such as staining, chipped or cracked teeth, and uneven spacing. People with natural teeth gaps, misalignment, or bruxism (teeth grinding) can benefit from these cosmetic devices.
The Process of Getting Dental Veneers
Your dentist will evaluate your teeth to determine whether you’re a candidate for dental veneers and the types of veneers that will suit you. For patients who require a complete set, the dentist will recommend between six or eight teeth rather than an entire arch. Veneers are mainly cosmetic, so covering hidden teeth such as molars is unnecessary.
Before your veneers are placed, your dentist will ensure your natural teeth are cleaned, polished, and etched to ensure they’re plaque-free and prepared for the bonding process. During this preparation process, around ½ to 1mm of your natural teeth enamel must be removed from its front surface (very minimal), roughly equal to the thickness of the veneer. Once your teeth are ready, your dentist will apply the veneers.
Customizing Your Veneers
Veneers are custom-shaped to each patient’s teeth and gums to fit comfortably. To create your veneers, your dentist will remove a bit of enamel from your teeth to determine the correct shape and size. Likewise, not every patient has the same shade of white teeth, and this sample will allow your dentist to choose the right shade for you.
Are There Different Types of Veneers?
The two primary veneer types are porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are thin caps that cover the front of your teeth surface. They help fix discoloration, chips, or cracks in teeth and provide many benefits, including a natural appearance, high durability, and stain resistance.
Composite resin veneers give your teeth a natural tooth-colored appearance and shape. That said, they’re typically more affordable than porcelain due to being more prone to staining and wear over time. Your dentist will help you determine whether porcelain or composite resin veneers are the best option based on your needs and preferences.
The Longevity and Care of Dental Veneers
Veneers are an excellent choice for dental health because they’re long-lasting and provide a natural appearance. Like natural teeth, it’s essential to care for your veneers. Your veneers are meant to function like your natural teeth, so taking care of them is very similar. This includes practicing proper oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled brush, flossing once daily, and attending regular dental visits.
Schedule a Consultation for Dental Veneers Today
At AZ Family Dental, we provide our patients with top-quality, customized veneers that renew your smile for years to come. Contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic procedures and how to get started.
Dental Veneers FAQ
Good oral hygiene prevents bacteria and decay from building up beneath your veneers. At your regularly scheduled dental checkups, your dentist will look at your veneers and natural teeth and make sure no issues need to be addressed.
A full veneer set is placed over six to eight teeth rather than the entire arch. This is because veneers are primarily for appearance, and your back teeth aren’t visible when you smile, talk, or eat.
Veneers are caps designed to be placed over your teeth, not to replace missing teeth. Because of this, patients with no teeth will have to consider other options like dental implants.
No, veneers only cover the front surface of your teeth, seeing that they’re designed for appearance.