The fine shells that are applied over the teeth in order to enhance their look are called dental veneers. These veneers also play a great role to safeguard the teeth from any harm and ultimately result in a dazzling and healthy-looking smile. These fine shells covering your teeth have the colour of your tooth and adhere to your teeth, causing them to change length, size, colour, form, and function.
Veneers are thin shells that are applied to the front of teeth to improve their look, protect them from harm, and produce a beautiful smile. The tooth-colored shells adhere to your teeth, causing them to change length, size, colour, form, and function. Veneers are a type of cosmetic dental treatment since they are optional and are used for cosmetic purposes. They are also referred to as “smile makeovers.”
Veneers were the third most prevalent dental treatment amongst patients in 2013, according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) (41 percent). Participants in the survey were to pick as many dental treatments as they wanted.
The majority of patients choose veneers to beautify their aesthetics, but they also serve restorative purposes by protecting the tooth’s surface from harm. They are an excellent choice for people with tooth gaps, chipping, or discoloration. The technique is brief and almost noninvasive. The shells come in a variety of colours to match your tooth colour and desired effect.
5 different types of veneers for your teeth
- Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain is the most popular material used for veneers. They are tooth-colored, adaptable, entirely personalised, and have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
Porcelain veneers, which are comprised of ceramic materials, are more stain-resistant than composite veneers. When porcelain veneers were first developed, the major benefit was the procedure’s conservative and less invasive nature.
This is due to the fact that effective shell implantation requires very little preparation. This is not the case for major restorative operations like dental crowns, which is why veneers are a preferred alternative.
Your dentist will colour adjust and contour the remaining healthy tooth structure by 0.5-mm or more prior to the porcelain veneer process. The native tooth is then replaced with a bonding material and a porcelain shell. If the tooth has particularly dark discolorations, opaque may be utilised. A patient can select from more than 15 distinct porcelain hues.
- Composite veneers
Composite resin veneers are a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to porcelain veneers. They’re constructed of the same material as tooth-colored cavity fillings. Porcelain veneers are somewhat more expensive than composite veneers. They are often made fast, making them a same-day therapy option. Direct composite veneers (composite bonding) are created directly on the teeth instead of in a dental laboratory.
Composite veneers, like porcelain veneers, need tooth recontouring before installation. Composite veneers can also be used on uncut enamel. They normally remain 5 to 7 years, but porcelain veneers can remain up to 15 years.
Composite veneers are more conservative as compared to porcelain veneers. If the composite veneer gets chipped the chipped region can be restored. However, this kind of restoration isn’t possible in the case of porcelain veneers. If the porcelain chips, the entire veneer needs to be replaced.
- Palatal veneers (Palatal Onlays)
Onlays are primarily used to repair teeth at the back of the mouth. Palatal veneers, on the other hand, are a form of onlay that is utilised to treat anterior
teeth. Deep bite, bruxism, and dental erosion are all causes of palatal injury to anterior teeth. Frequent vomiting and intense acid reflux can also cause erosion. Palatal onlays are an excellent way to heal only the damaged section of the tooth while leaving the rest of the teeth undamaged.
- Lumineers
Lumineers are a kind of ultra-fine (0.2 mm) and transparent veneers. They are more like real tooth enamel in form and colour than porcelain veneers. Since Lumineers are so thin, they do not need tooth reduction or recontouring. They can endure for more than 20 years, as opposed to 10 to 15 years for porcelain veneers. Though they are more practical, however at the same time they are more prone to chipping than regular veneers and thus last for a shorter period.
- Removable (Non-Permanent) Veneers
Removable veneers (customised snap-ons) are less intrusive, non-permanent, and less expensive than regular veneers. Upper and lower moulds are formed from a patient’s teeth and can be taken out at any time, just like clear aligners.
Despite the fact that composite and porcelain veneers have good longevity, they are not ensured to last 5 to 15 years. Permanent veneers are permanent since they require dentists to remove a portion of the tooth’s enamel. Snap-on veneers do not need to undergo a tooth reduction process.
Non-permanent veneers, on the other hand, can be painful, do not fit in well with your original teeth, and needs to be updated frequently.
Why should you get your Veneers done?
Veneers account for approximately 26% of all cosmetic operations performed by dentists. Dental veneers may be preferred over other treatments for a variety of reasons. These are some examples:
- To alter the length, colour, and size of one’s teeth
- To repair teeth that have been chipped, fractured, or shattered (from injuries, nail-biting, etc.)
- To repair worn-down teeth (generally due to teeth grinding)
- To remove white spots/streaks from teeth (generally due to excessive fluoride use)
- To conceal stains and discolouration on the teeth (from dark-colored foods, certain drugs, natural aging, etc)
- To conceal discoloured teeth caused by big resin fillings
The procedure of placing Veneer on teeth
In general, the following steps are involved in veneer placement:
- To create a place for the veneer, your dentist will eliminate some enamel from the front and sides of your teeth. This procedure isn’t needed if you are receiving lumineers.
- The prepared tooth structure is then imprinted (moulded) by your dentist.
- You and your dentist will select the ideal veneer tint to fit your smile so that the veneer seems natural.
- Your dentist will transfer the tooth imprint to a dental laboratory, which will personalise the veneer to fit perfectly. This process can take several weeks, and in the meanwhile, your dentist will conceal the teeth with temporary veneers.
- At your next appointment, your dentist will replace the temporary veneers and install the permanent veneers on your teeth to ensure that they fit and look right. Before sealing the veneer, your dentist will carefully clean your teeth.
The Risks included in the Veneer procedure
Traditional veneers, like dental porcelain and composite, are excellent choices for patients who want to enhance their smile fast, safely, and efficiently.
There are dangers associated with this operation, like with any other dental procedure. The dangers are not life-threatening, and they may be prevented with sufficient precautions. The following are some of the most common problems and negative effects of veneers:
Sensitivity of the teeth
Tooth sensitivity is frequent in the first three weeks following veneer implantation. If your sensitivity to chilly or hot drinks lasts longer than 3 to 6 months, you may have a more significant condition. For example, during the surgery, a tooth’s nerve may have become irreparably irritated, resulting in an infection. If the sensitivity persists for an extended period of time, consult your dentist about treatment options.
Tooth decay
Dentin damage is also possible following veneer implantation, but it is less prevalent. It is conceivable that the underlying dentin will be injured during the enamel removal operation. A badly placed veneer might also cause a patient’s bite to shift, resulting in tooth sensitivity, bruxism, or jaw discomfort.
Veneer replacement in the future
People who have unaddressed dental issues prior to veneer application, such as enamel erosion, are more likely to experience veneer rupture. To replace a veneer, other treatments including crowns or aesthetic bonding are frequently advised.
What Is the Price of Veneers?
The cost of veneers is determined by the kind and quantity purchased:
- Porcelain Veneers – $925 to $2,500 (per tooth)
- $250-$1,500 for composite veneers (per tooth)
- Removable veneers — $470-$600 (for both upper and lower teeth impressions)
- $800-$2,000 for Lumineers (per tooth)
- $650-$1,200 for palatal Onlays (per tooth)
Veneers vs. Orthodontic Treatment
When individuals have wide gaps between their teeth or overcrowding, veneers can cure the problem in a few appointment visits. Orthodontic therapy, such as braces or clear aligners, can take up to 18 months to complete, whereas aligners take around 20 weeks. You will also need to visit the office more frequently for check-ups while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
While orthodontic treatment is more time-consuming, it is often the best option for patients, particularly children. This is due to the fact that braces adjust the jaw, correct a patient’s bite, and treat other jaw abnormalities. Veneers are commonly used for aesthetic purposes.
Dental veneers are more costly than braces. Most veneers cost at least $1,000 per tooth, and most people have six to eight veneers. Invisalign costs between $3,500 and $6,000, making treatment less costly than a complete set of veneers.
Clear aligners sold directly to consumers, allow you to align your teeth at home. These clear aligners are less expensive than Invisalign and can provide the same correction effect.