Evaluating Your Smile for Veneers
Many people desire a perfect smile but are dissatisfied with the natural appearance of their teeth. Factors like spacing, discoloration, cracking, and chipping can make someone feel self-conscious. Modern dentistry offers many solutions to transform smiles, with one popular option being dental veneers.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are customized to fit over the visible surface of teeth. They can:
- Mask spaced, stained, or misshapen teeth
- Close small gaps between teeth
- Replace old fillings
- Improve teeth cracked from grinding
Veneers provide an appealing uniform look, while conserving more of the natural tooth structure compared to crowns. But veneers aren't suitable for all patients desiring a smile makeover.
Initial Smile Evaluation
In a consultation, a dentist first listens to your goals and expectations, followed by a clinical exam of your teeth both visually and using x-rays. Factors assessed include:
- Tooth integrity - amount of natural tooth remaining, degree of decay or damage
- Jaw alignment issues causing poor tooth positioning
- Adequacy of space for veneers without affecting bite
- Health of nerves inside teeth and gums
- Presence of grinding, clenching or TMJ problems
This information guides development of a treatment plan catered to your unique smile.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Veneers?
While modern bonding techniques allow veneers to be placed on almost any teeth, best results occur for individuals with:
Mostly Healthy Teeth
Teeth receiving veneers should be intact enough to properly bond thin veneer material. Additional reconstruction may be needed first for decayed, fractured or worn teeth.
Gum Disease Under Control
Inflamed gums do not provide an optimal foundation for long-lasting veneers. Gum surgery or non-surgical treatment may be required beforehand.
Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Careful brushing and flossing protects veneer longevity. Patients unwilling to commit to excellent home care risk compromising results.
Limited Grinding and Clenching
These habits place excess forces on teeth. Custom mouthguards or bite adjustment may supplement veneer treatment.
Realistic Expectations
Veneers beautifully enhance smiles but have limits regarding durability and mimicry of natural teeth. Discussing desired outcomes and options prevents disappointment.
Teeth Preparation for Veneers
Placement involves conservative reshaping of natural teeth to accommodate veneer shells. Preparation steps include:
Numbing
Most patients receive local anesthetic shots for a painless experience.
Tooth Trimming
Using a precision drill, a tiny amount of enamel is removed from the front and edge of each tooth slated for a veneer. This minimizes tooth reduction for thinner veneers.
Impressions
Molds of prepared teeth help guide design and fabrication of custom veneers.
Temporary Veneers
A dentist places plastic or resin veneers the same day to protect teeth and maintain the position of gum tissue while permanent veneers are made.
The Veneer Placement Process
It takes approximately 2-3 weeks to manufacture permanent veneers matched to your natural tooth shade, shape and fit. At placement visits, the dentist:
Adjusts Veneers
Veneers may be trimmed as needed to smoothly integrate with adjacent teeth.
Cleans and Etches Teeth
Teeth are freshly cleaned and mildly etched to roughen surfaces for better bonding.
Applies Bonding Agent
A liquid bonding material prepares the attachment site before applying adhesive cement.
Cures Cement with Light
A curing light quickly hardens cement placed between veneer and tooth.
Refines Bite
Slight adjustments ensure veneers meet correctly without interfering with comfortable biting and chewing.
Placement usually takes just 2-3 dental visits. Some temporary sensitivity commonly occurs initially as you adjust to veneers.
Caring for Dental Veneers
Like natural teeth, veneers must be well cared for. Necessary habits include:
Excellent Oral Hygiene
Brush gently using circular motions and floss daily to prevent decay and gum disease underneath veneers.
Diet Modification
Avoid biting/chewing hard objects. Cut up harder foods first. Use straws to prevent staining from drinks.
Protect from Damage
Wear mouthguards during contact sports. Avoid chewing ice, pens, nails or other objects that could crack veneers.
Regular Dental Visits
See your dentist periodically to inspect veneers and address any underlying concerns like small cavities early.
The Pros and Cons of Veneers
Consider key advantages and disadvantages when deciding if veneers suit your needs.
Benefits
- Dramatic esthetic improvement - Veneers create brighter, perfectly shaped white smiles.
- Stain resistance - Porcelain blocks absorption of coffee, tea and other colorants.
- Quick treatment timeline - Most patients complete treatment in about a month.
- Minimally invasive option - Veneers preserve more natural tooth than crowns.
- Strong and long-lasting - Bonded properly on suitable teeth, veneers resist fractures and typically last 10-15 years or more.
Disadvantages
- Higher cost - Ranging $925-$2,500 per tooth, veneers are an investment.
- Irreversible tooth modification - Altering natural tooth structure is permanent.
- Periodic replacement needed - Veneers thin over decades of use, requiring replacement.
- Meticulous oral care required - Veneers fail quicker without excellent daily habits.
Thoughtfully weighing benefits against drawbacks helps determine if veneers offer the right solution for you.
The Takeaway
Dental veneers allow custom remodeling of smiles using conservative preparation of natural teeth. While an elective treatment, veneers provide esthetic and functional enhancement for many years when properly made and cared for. Discuss goals thoroughly with your dentist before pursuing veneers.
FAQs
What kind of teeth are best suited for veneers?
Teeth receiving veneers should be intact enough for bonding thin material, with healthy gums and room in the bite to accommodate veneer thickness. Limited tooth grinding/clenching and good oral hygiene are also important.
How long does the veneer process take?
It takes 2-3 dental appointments over about a month. First teeth are conservatively reshaped and molds taken. After custom veneers are made in a lab, they are tried in the mouth, adjusted and bonded in place.
Are there alternatives to dental veneers?
Depending on aesthetic concerns, alternatives like teeth whitening, enamel reshaping, crowns or orthodontics may be options. Discuss goals thoroughly with your dentist when planning smile enhancement.
How long do dental veneers last?
With proper care like gentle daily cleaning, avoiding biting hard objects, and visiting your dentist, veneers typically last 10-15 years or longer before needing replacement as they gradually thin over time.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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