Porcelain veneers are one of the best and widely popular dental treatments available in the field of cosmetic dentistry. However, many people still have many questions in their minds when considering dental veneers for treating their dental issues. One of the commonly asked questions about porcelain veneers is if they harm your teeth. The answer is no. Porcelain veneers don’t do any harm to your teeth. In this blog, we will discuss porcelain veneers to clear all the doubts that people usually have regarding this popular dental treatment option.
What do you understand by Porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers, also known as dental veneers are very thin, custom-built sheets made of porcelain (tooth-colored) material that are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. These veneers help to enhance the appearance of your teeth and overall smile. These sheets are mainly designed for the front of the teeth to change their shape, color, size, or length. With proper care, these porcelain sheets can last for up to 10 years.
It is important to note that veneers are available in different types. Other than porcelain material, veneers are also available in resin composite materials. If we compare the two, porcelain veneers are better in resisting stains than resin veneers. Also, porcelain veneers are excellent in imitating the look and feel of natural teeth. However, when it comes to choosing between porcelain veneers and resin veneers, you can consult with your dentist as he will be able to suggest you the best veneers based on your requirements.
What dental problems can fix with dental veneers?
Many dentists routinely use veneers to fix issues like:
- Discolored teeth due to: Stains caused by tetracycline or other drugs, root canal treatment, the use of excessive fluoride, large resin fillings, etc.
- Worn-down teeth
- chipped or broken teeth
- Misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped teeth
- Gaps between the teeth
What is the procedure of dental veneer?
Well, to get the veneers, you first need to consult the best dentist who has enough experience in performing these kinds of dental procedures. During the consultation, make sure to tell your dentist the results that you are accepting from the treatment. The dentist will examine your teeth first and based on that he will decide whether veneers are right for you or not. If you are eligible for this treatment, he will explain to you the entire procedure along with its limitations. They may also require taking x-rays to examine the teeth condition.
For veneers, you may need to make at least two visits to the dental clinic. You can get veneers at one tooth or many teeth at the same time as per your requirement. To make your tooth or teeth ready f or veneers, your dentist will restructure the tooth surface to make it equivalent to the thickness of the veneer to add the tooth surface. It is up to you and your dentist to decide whether to numb the area before trimming off the enamel preparation or not. Next, they will take impressions of your mouth and teeth. This impression will be sent out to a dental laboratory that will make the veneer for you. It may take a few weeks for the final veneers to get ready. Meanwhile, your dentist will set temporary veneers for you.
As soon as the final veneers get ready, your dentist will place the veneer on your tooth to look at its finish, fitting, and color. A mild trimming may require in the veneer to achieve the best fit before permanently cementing it to your tooth. Before cementing the veneers, the dentist will clean, polish, and etch your tooth. Etching is required to roughen the tooth surface so that it can prepare for strong bonding. A special kind of cement is used to fix the veneer on your tooth. Once done with fixing the veneer, your dentist will apply a light beam on it to stimulate chemicals present in the cement, to allow it to toughen fast.
The final steps in the veneers procedure usually involve removing any excess cement, checking the patient’s bite, and making any required adjustments. Your dentist may also require you to come back for a follow-up process to check your gums and the veneer’s placement.
What are the benefits of veneers?
There are several advantages of choosing dental veneers
- Veneers offer a natural tooth like presence
- Gums can easily handle porcelain veneers
- Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, thus remain as it is for a long time
- You can choose a color to make your dark teeth appear whiter
- Veneers usually do not need as much shaping as dental crowns require
- Veneers are not only very strong but look good as well
Are there any risks associated with veneers?
Though veneers are very useful, there are some downsides to veneers as well, like:
- The process cannot be reversed or undone
- Porcelain veneers are quite costlier than composite resin bonding
- Chipped or cracked veneers cannot be fixed
- As veneers procedure require removal of enamel, your tooth may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods items
- Sometimes, veneers may fail to match the exact color of your other teeth
- The color of the veneer cannot be changed once it is fixed
- If proper care is not taken, veneers can dislocate and fall off
- Teeth having veneers may still experience decay
- Veneers are not the best solution for people with unhealthy teeth and for those who don’t have adequate existing enamel on their tooth surface
- ● People who have the habit of grinding or clenching their teeth are generally poor candidates for porcelain veneers
Conclusion:
On the whole, dental veneersdon’t harm your teeth in any way. You just need to choose a qualified cosmetic dentist to perform the treatment. Also, make sure to follow all his instructions and maintain proper hygiene and dental care to keep your teeth healthy and free from any issues.
