What are Veneers and When Would I Need Them?
The benefits of a complete set of teeth have been proven time and again by studies. A smile that flashes pearly white teeth exudes confidence, as well as promotes great oral health.
To that end, people are becoming more and more inclined to getting veneer treatments as one of the quickest ways to a beautiful smile. So, what are veneers, how do they work, and why should you consider (or not consider them) it as a treatment for your own teeth? Let’s dive in!
What are dental veneers?
Dental porcelain veneers, also known as dental porcelain laminates, are custom-made, shell-like materials that are wafer-thin and are used to cover the front surface of teeth. It works similarly to how a false fingernail fits over a nail. Veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite, the choice of material depends on your dentist’s recommendation. However, porcelain veneers are more stain resistant than resin ones. Their nature is also more similar to the light-reflecting materials of your teeth.
Why should you get a dental veneer?
According to the Oral Health Foundation, veneers can be used to improve the colour, shape and position of your teeth. Veneers can be colour-matched with the rest of your teeth, make a chipped tooth look whole again, or used to close small gaps when braces aren’t a good option. If you think one or a few of your teeth has a serious flaw in colour, or if it’s been accidentally chipped, veneers can be a good treatment option.
Many people consider getting veneers as it is a less intrusive procedure than braces or crowns, while making your teeth look natural and healthy.
Which veneer type should you choose—porcelain or resin?
Porcelain veneers are considered the industry standard, as they have several advantages over composite resin – they’re extremely durable, have a more natural appearance, are stain-resistant, and less intrusive. Having all these advantages means that they take time and resources to create, affecting its overall cost and making porcelain veneers more expensive. And in the off chance that they get break, porcelain veneers cannot be repaired and must be replaced.
Composite veneers, on the other hand, have the advantage of time as they can be made and applied on the same day, and are therefore cheaper than their porcelain counterparts.
Are your teeth eligible for veneer treatment?
Veneer treatments aren’t for everyone and are not recommended for every tooth – eligibility for this treatment is treated at a case-by-case basis.
Firstly, your oral health must already be in generally good condition before veneers can be applied. If you have unhealthy or weakened teeth, for example, you’ll need to treat these underlying concerns first before you can proceed with veneer treatments. They also require a good amount of tooth enamel to successfully bond to a tooth. Finally, veneers aren’t the best option for those with severe alignment issues, unstable bites, and grinding habits.
Dentists will assess your overall oral health and eligibility for the treatment to ascertain what’s best for you to achieve your best smile.
Are you considering dental veneers?
If you’re considering porcelain veneers, reach out to our dental experts at Primecare Dental today! Our state-of-the-art veneers result in a more natural and attractive smile. If you would like to discuss your options, contact us today!