In today’s world, every aspect of one’s appearance and personality matters – from your clothes, shoes, vehicles, and gadgets to how you walk and talk – people notice everything about you. But, what is most crucial among these things is your smile. People tend to perceive your personality based on your smile and appearance. A survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry showed that people with perfect teeth and beautiful smiles were perceived as more attractive than ones with flawed smiles. So, your teeth and smile are invaluable social assets.
But, what to do if one does not have perfectly aligned, pearly white teeth? Can they still enjoy a Hollywood smile? Of course, they can! Anyone can enjoy a beautiful, picture-perfect smile thanks to cosmetic dentistry and dental veneers. So, what are veneers and how they can help you get rid of your facial flaws? Continue reading this article to find out more.
Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?
The ultimate goal of bonding and dental veneers is the same: to restore the structure of damaged teeth and improve the overall facial aesthetics. But there is a fundamental difference between the two. While bonding refers to placing a tooth-coloured filling material directly on a tooth to restore its function and aesthetics, a veneer is an indirect restoration – prepared in the laboratory – and then bonded to the prepared tooth structure using adhesive.
Now that we understand the difference between bonding and veneers, let us discuss which one to choose for tooth restoration. Dental bonding is suitable for restoring minor tooth defects, while veneers are more durable and stain-resistant. Hence, they are ideal for restoring more extensive tooth restorative or cosmetic defects. So, whenever possible, one should prefer veneers over dental bonding.
How Do Dental Veneers Work?
According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or composites bonded to the front surfaces of crooked or stained teeth to restore their shape, structure, or aesthetics. So, dental veneers work by masking cosmetic tooth defects and restoring optimal tooth shape and function.
What Are The Advantages Of Composite Veneers?
Compared to composite bonded fillings, composite veneers offer various advantages. For example, cosmetic veneers are much more durable than composite fillings. Also, they are more stain-resistant and retain tooth aesthetics for longer than direct tooth-coloured fillings. Another advantage of composite veneers is that they can be easily repaired or replaced if they get cracked or dislodged, respectively.
How Do Dentists Put Veneers On Teeth?
The process of getting veneers is straightforward. First, your dentist will remove a thin layer of the outer enamel from the front surface of the tooth to create space for bonding the veneers. This process is known as tooth preparation. Afterwards, they will make impressions of your teeth and send them to the dental laboratory for fabrication. Your dentist will first try the veneers on your prepared teeth at the next appointment without bonding. Once satisfied with the fit and aesthetics, they will permanently bond the veneers to the teeth using adhesive.
Can Veneers Go Over Existing Crowns?
Both veneers and crowns are indirect restorations, meaning that they are fabricated in the laboratory and bonded to the prepared teeth. So, it is not possible to bond a veneer over an existing crown. Instead, your dentist will first remove the crown and replace it with a veneer. It must be noted that crowns or veneers cannot be removed by patients; they can only be taken off by dentists using special instruments.
Do Veneers Act As A Protective Covering Around The Teeth?
Veneers perform various functions such as aesthetic enhancement, structural restoration, and reinforcement of damaged teeth. So, yes, veneers also provide a protective covering over damaged teeth and prevent them from secondary decay.
Do Composite Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?
It is a common misconception that dental veneers ruin one’s teeth. This is not correct! The fact is that during tooth preparation for veneers, only a thin layer of the outer enamel is removed. Hence, there are minimal chances of permanent damage to the veneered teeth due to secondary decay. However, dentists must ensure optimal bonding of the veneer with the tooth. Otherwise, if space exists between them, it can lead to food impaction and tooth decay. So, the quality of the veneers is also important in ensuring the long-term health of permanent teeth.
Do Composite Veneers Look Natural?
Composite veneers are made of a tooth-coloured, plastic-like material that can be bonded to the tooth structure. A beneficial aspect of composite veneers is that your dentist can easily match the shade and colour of the veneers with the neighbouring natural teeth. Therefore, veneers offer a natural appearance, and the veneered teeth are virtually indisitiguishable from the natural ones. However, dental veneers tend to get stained over time and tend to lose their esthetics. That is why, they need to be replaced or repaired after some time. Maintaining good oral hygiene can slow down the staining process of veneers and enhance their service life.
Dental veneers are an excellent option for restoring damaged or aesthetically-flawed teeth. If you are looking for a reliable and gentle-dental practice in Dublin, Pembroke Dental is the place to go! We offer high-quality general dental and cosmetic dentistry services under one roof at affordable rates. So, book an appointment with us today and begin your journey towards a lasting and healthy smile!
