A beautiful smile can be a real asset. However, not everyone is blessed with perfect teeth. For people who are self-conscious about their smiles, dental veneers may be the answer.
If you’re among one of the many who are considering dental veneers, it’s likely because you’re experiencing some tooth problems that you’d like to address. Veneers can help you deal with a number of different dental issues, from chips and cracks to discolouration and uneven teeth.
Many people each year choose this popular treatment option. But what are veneers, and what can they do for your teeth? What dental issues do veneers address? Keep reading to find out!
Contents Navigation
- What Are Dental Veneers?
- Common Dental Problems That Veneers Can Address
- Benefits Of Veneers
- How Many Veneers Do I Need?
- Does The Procedure For Getting Veneers Hurt?
- Are Veneers Worth It?
- How Long Do Veneers Last?
- Am I A Good Candidate for Veneers?
- What Is The Most Common Reason To Have Veneers Replaced?
- Should I Choose Porcelain Veneers Or Composite Veneers?
- Final Thoughts
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are very thin shells of teeth that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth to change their appearance. They are usually applied to the eight front teeth, which are the teeth that show when you smile.
Both composite resin and porcelain are used for these restorations and can be helpful in addressing a wide variety of cosmetic issues.
Veneers are great because they look natural, and people can hardly tell that you’ve had any work done. If you’d like to dramatically change your smile, dental veneers might be the right option.
Common Dental Problems That Veneers Can Address
Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure because they can dramatically improve your smile. If you are considering veneers, you probably have one or more specific dental problems that you would like to address, such as:
- Chipped, Broken Teeth: If you have chipped or broken a tooth, veneers can be used to restore its original shape and size.
- Discoloured Teeth: Teeth whitening treatments can whiten your teeth in several shades. However, if your teeth are significantly stained or discoloured by stain-causing foods and drinks, veneers can be used to cover up stained or yellowed teeth. They are available in various colours, so a dental professional can help find the perfect shade to match your natural tooth colour or create the bright white smile you’ve always wanted.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Gaps between teeth are one of the most common reasons patients seek out veneers. Veneers can be used to close small gaps or to dramatically reshape your smile by creating the illusion of straight, evenly spaced teeth.
- Misaligned, Misshapen Teeth: If your teeth are misshapen, slightly crooked or out of alignment, veneers can give you a straighter, more uniform smile.
- Worn Down Teeth: Veneers are an excellent option for people who have worn down their teeth from clenching or grinding. Worn-down teeth can be a real confidence killer, making you self-conscious about your smile. If your teeth are starting to show signs of wear or you have a weakened tooth, veneers may be a good option.
Benefits Of Veneers
Dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures as they help address a variety of dental issues. Using dental veneers is an excellent way to improve your smile, and they have many benefits.
Benefits of veneers include:
- Durability: Veneers are very strong and durable, and they can last for many years with proper care.
- Stain-Resistant Properties: They are also stain-resistant, so you do not have to worry about them becoming discoloured over time.
- Confidence-Booster: Veneers can give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile that you will be proud to show off.
- Protection: In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of your smile, veneers can also help protect your teeth from further damage.
If you are considering getting dental veneers, talk to your dentist about the benefits and what you can expect out of the procedure.
How Many Veneers Do I Need?
The number of veneers you need will depend on the severity of the damage to your teeth. If there are only selectively stained, you may only need to put veneers on one or two teeth. However, for severely damaged or stained, you may need up to veneer eight teeth.
In addition, the number of veneers you need will also depend on the number of problematic teeth. For example, if you have four problematic front teeth, then you’ll only need four veneers. If 16 of your teeth need dental veneers, then you need to have all 16 made.
Furthermore, the size and shape of your teeth will also play a role in how many veneers you need. For example, if you have large front teeth, you may need more veneers to cover the surface area of the entire tooth.
Ultimately, the number of veneers you need will be determined by your dentist. They will assess the condition of your teeth and make a recommendation based on what will provide the best results.
Does The Procedure For Getting Veneers Hurt?
The procedure for getting veneers does not typically involve much pain or discomfort. However, it is important to remember that everyone experiences pain differently, and some people may be more sensitive than others.
Before the procedure begins, the dentist will numb the teeth and gums with a local anesthetic. This will help to ensure that you feel little to no pain during the procedure.
In some cases, the dentist may also use sedation dentistry to help you relax. This is especially helpful if you have dental anxiety or are nervous about the procedure.
After the numbing agent has been applied, the dentist will begin preparing the teeth for veneers. This involves lightly sanding down the tooth enamel on the front surface. Once the tooth surface has been prepared, the dentist will bond the veneers to the teeth.
The entire process usually takes two to three hours, and most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during or after the veneer procedure.
Are Veneers Worth It?
This question gets asked a lot, and it’s easy to understand why. After all, veneers don’t come cheap. When you’re considering making such a significant investment in your appearance, you want to be sure that it will be worth it.
Are veneers worth the cost? The answer depends on your individual needs and goals. If you’re looking for a quick way to improve your appearance, veneers may be the right choice. They can be used to address a wide variety of dental problems. Veneers are also durable and long-lasting, with most patients enjoying their new smiles for many years.
However, veneers are not suitable for everyone. The procedure is irreversible, so it’s important to be sure that you know what to expect before you commit. In addition, veneers can be expensive, so it’s important to weigh the cost against the benefits.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
While veneers are made to be durable and long-lasting, they are not indestructible. On average, veneers will last between 7 and 15 years before they need to be replaced.
Veneers can chip or crack if you bite or chew hard objects or use your teeth to open things. Additionally, veneers can become stained or may change in colour over time, just like your natural teeth. However, with proper care of veneers, they could last even longer.
To help extend the life of your veneers, be sure to brush and floss regularly, avoid chewing on hard objects, and see your dentist for regular checkups. If you take good care of your veneers, they will help you enjoy a beautiful smile for many years to come.
Am I A Good Candidate for Veneers?
While they are a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that can give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile, not everyone is a good candidate for veneers. If you’re considering veneers, it’s important to consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist to find out if you’re a suitable candidate.
Several factors can make someone a good candidate for veneers. These include:
- Having Healthy Teeth And Gums: A potential candidate for veneers should have healthy teeth and gums. Veneers are placed over the front surface of your teeth, so if your teeth are damaged or decaying, veneers may not be the best option.
- Teeth Aren’t Extremely Damaged: Your teeth should be evenly shaped and spaced. If your teeth are severely crooked or have large tooth gaps between them, veneers may not give you the results you’re looking for. Additionally, if your tooth suffered trauma and probably has a big chip or crack reaching the pulp, veneers will not be a good option.
- Having Good Oral Hygiene: You should be willing to take good care of your veneers. Veneers require the same daily care as your natural teeth, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. If you’re not willing to commit to good oral hygiene, veneers may not be right for you. If you have any existing dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease, these must be addressed before getting veneers. If you are a good candidate for veneers, the dentist will work with you to design a custom treatment plan.
What Is The Most Common Reason To Have Veneers Replaced?
There are several reasons why veneers need to be replaced. Here are some of them:
- Change In Colour: Veneers made from porcelain are designed to be stain-resistant. However, they are still susceptible to staining and discolouration over time. This can be caused by a number of factors, including smoking, drinking coffee or red wine, and eating certain foods.
- Changes In Teeth Shape: In some cases, veneers may also need to be replaced due to changes in the shape of the teeth. For example, if the teeth shift or become crooked, the veneers may no longer fit properly.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease, such as periodontitis, can cause veneers to fall off, thereby necessitating replacement after addressing the gum problem.
- Tooth Decay: Tooth decay can occur under the veneers if teeth aren’t properly cared for. Proper oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and flossing regularly will help to prevent this problem from occurring.
- Wear And Tear: Veneers are generally made from extremely strong and durable material, but they are not invincible.Just like your natural teeth, veneers can become chipped or cracked over time from use. It’s important to be gentle with your veneers and avoid using them to bite hard objects like ice or hard candy.
Should I Choose Porcelain Veneers Or Composite Veneers?
Your choice of veneer material depends on a range of different factors. By carefully weighing the pros and cons of each type of dental veneer, you may be able to make an informed decision.
Comparing the two types of veneers is easier with the following table:
Composite Veneers | Porcelain Veneers |
---|---|
Less expensive option | More expensive |
Requires one dentist visit | Needs at least two dentist appointments |
Some are reversible | Irreversible |
It May easily break or fall off | More durable |
Directly applied to teeth | Custom-made in a laboratory |
More susceptible to stains | Stain-resistant |
Final Thoughts
Veneers can help correct a number of dental issues, from crooked teeth to discolouration. If you’re dealing with any of the issues we mentioned earlier or simply want to improve your smile, veneers may be an excellent option for you. Our skilled dentists at Magical Smiles are experienced in providing quality dental care. Our dental team would love to help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve.
If you are interested in learning more about veneers or would like to schedule a dental appointment with an experienced dentist, please book online or call our office at (03) 8386 7004. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Disclaimer – Use At Your Own Risk:- The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. Any action you take upon the information on these blogs is strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs.