Dental Veneers: Procedure, Types, and Benefits

Cosmetic dentistry has evolved to provide us with effective solutions for chipped, damaged or uneven teeth. Cosmetic dental veneers are one of such solutions which can improve the appearance of our teeth and boost our confidence. They require very little preparation and time. These are thin covers for the front of the teeth which also provide some protection for the teeth.

What are dental veneers?

These are a cosmetic solution made from either Porcelain or Resin-composite materials. These are bonded to the teeth permanently using cement. The veneers are thin and provide a restoration which appears natural with tooth-coloured shells. These are most often used for the top front eight teeth.

Advantages of dental veneers

•  The procedure to place veneers is less invasive compared to crowns and implants.
•   They are low maintenance and the procedure requires only a few visits
•  Veneers are both cosmetic as well as protective in nature.
• They improve your smile and boost confidence
• They provide a natural looking restoration
• They can last for years

Moreover, They can be used for correcting:

1.  Chipped teeth

2.  Broken or pointed teeth

3.  Irregular or smaller than other teeth

4.  To fill the gaps

5.  Discolored teeth which can’t be corrected otherwise

The different types of cosmetic dental veneers

The two main types of veneers are Porcelain veneers and Composite veneers. Another type of less frequently used veneer is a no-prep veneer.

Preparation and procedure for the application of veneers

The basic preparation for Porcelain and Composite veneers includes a thorough assessment by an experienced dentist. This is followed by preparing your teeth. The front surface of the tooth is grinded down to create a rough surface for a stronger bonding. It also makes the appearance less bulky after placing the veneers. Some surface of the tooth even below the enamel may be grinded down in case of a porcelain-based veneer. For Resin-composite veneers, minimal enamel is removed. A local anaesthetic is given to make it comfortable and pain-free for the patient.

What are Porcelain dental veneers?

As the name suggests, these veneers are made of porcelain. After a thorough assessment, preparation for the veneers is done. After that, an impression of the tooth or teeth is made to create a mould. The mould is sent to the lab where the custom sized veneer is made with a shade closely matching your teeth. 

Sometimes a dentist can make the veneer in the office using CAD/CAM technology. You will be given a temporary veneer till the customized veneer is made. On the next visit, which will be after one to two weeks, porcelain veneers are placed on your teeth after cleaning. The veneers are bonded with the help of a cement and the fit is checked. Adjustments if needed may be made in another visit.

 What are Resin-based composite veneers

The name suggests that these veneers are made of resin-composite material which is a tooth-coloured filling substance. These are different from Porcelain dental veneers but these are also a semi-permanent solution. 

The dentist will etch the tooth surface first. This is followed by application of a thin layer of composite material to the prepared tooth. It is sculpted to mimic the natural shape of your teeth. The dentist may use additional thin layers of the composite material until the desired look is created. 

After this, curing of the composite is carried out with a special light which hardens the veneer. This is followed by smoothening.

 No prep Veneers- There are specific brands of these veneers which are less frequently used compared to the other two types. These no-prep veneers only require a little enamel removal. Thus, they are not as invasive and can be applied sooner. These are made of ceramic material. These are expensive veneers.

Composite vs Porcelain Veneers- A summarized comparison

These are the two main types of veneers placed on teeth. Though both are semi-permanent solutions, there are certain differences based on the cost, time, lifespan, appearance, etc. Let’s see some of the main differences.

Cost- Porcelain based veneers are more expensive than Composite veneers.

Time- Porcelain veneers require 2-3 dental visits while Resin-composite veneers can be placed in a single visit.

Lifespan- Although more costly initially, Porcelain dental veneers can last from 10 to 20 years making them cost effective while the composite veneers have a lifespan of 5-7 years.

Durability– Veneers made from porcelain are more resistant to staining, wear and tear, chipping, etc compared to the composite veneers.

Appearance- Veneers made out of porcelain may look more natural while composite veneers can be repaired for minor cracks.

Ease of application and preparation- Veneers made from porcelain need more expertise compared to the other. Also, the amount of preparation of the tooth is more for Porcelain veneers.

The type of veneers a patient chooses will depend on needs, tooth health, budget, and other things.

No matter which veneers you choose for your teeth, you require the expertise of experienced dentists. Only an expert can give you a natural looking smile with lasting results for both types of veneers. Reach out to our experts at Morgan Hill Dentistry, which is an emergency dental climic. You can trust for a comfortable and satisfactory experience.

How long do dental veneers last?

Veneers, when cared for, can last for a decade or longer. These are a wonderful way to restore your smile with minimal discomfort and minimal costs. Even the no-prep veneers last long.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

These are meant to last for at least ten years. Sometimes, they can last for even 20 years. It all depends on the expertise of your dentist, your dental care practices and your health status.

How long do composite veneers last?

Composite veneers can easily last for 5-7 years and sometimes ten. You should take care of your veneers and natural teeth to make them last longer.

Aftercare for your veneers- Make them last longer with simple measures

Before placing veneers, a good dentist will treat any underlying dental issues. Recovery process for dental veneers is short and uneventful. You should wait for the anesthetic to wear off before eating so that you don’t injure your mouth.

Veneers can feel rough and different but this is temporary. You soon get used to them and the additional cement wears down over a period of a few days. The veneers then become smooth.

There are certain oral hygiene instructions and precautions which should be followed even for natural teeth. Following these will extend the lifespan of your cosmetic dental veneers too. 

Here are the instructions and recommendations 

● Avoid biting and chewing hard objects and hard foods.

● Avoid chewing harder foods with the front teeth.

● Use mouthguards for high impact activities.

● Use night splints or dental guards if you clench your teeth while sleeping.

● Never tear packages or tapes with your teeth.

● Avoid foods which can stain the teeth or veneers.

● Avoid sticky foods.

● Brush using a proper technique and with a soft bristled brush twice a day. Floss regularly.

● Visit your dentist regularly and never ignore any issue.

If you are looking for veneers or other tooth restoration options, contact us today. We at Morgan Hill Dentistry believe in providing only the best services to our patients and are committed to maintain their oral health in the most efficient way possible.

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