We all want to look our best. Whether it’s for a special event, to attract someone we’re interested in, or just because we feel better when we look good, there is always something to be said for having beautiful teeth.
Veneers are cosmetic dental procedures that involve essentially covering up chips, cracks, and other flaws in your teeth with new material like porcelain. This can make your teeth look their best and help you feel more confident – no matter what your age or smile situation might be. Read on to see what veneer options are available for you.
Explaining Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the surface of your teeth. They help to smooth out small flaws with your natural teeth and provide a more attractive look. They are made to fit over the top of your natural tooth structure, and are then bonded to the existing structure using a material called “porcelain.”
- Porcelain is a translucent material that is made by fusing layers of ceramic, a mineral, and plastic. This is then bonded together to form a composite material that has the desired shape and form.
- Veneers are lighter than natural teeth, which allows them to be placed over them without causing any damage to your tooth structure. They can be made from white porcelain, as well as porcelain with color in it.
- Veneers can be used to correct small imperfections on the surface of your teeth. They are placed in thin layers over your natural teeth to create the correction you need. They can be used to cover gaps between your teeth, cover chips or cracks on your teeth, and even cover cavities. The surface of the tooth where they are placed is then smoothed out and shaped by the bonding material.
- Veneers can last for many years if they are taken care of properly and if they are not damaged by accidents or unnecessary behaviors like biting on a pencil or chewing gum. They also need routine cleaning and can be removed if dentures are no longer needed.
What Is The Purpose Of Veneers?
Veneers are used by dental professionals to smooth out minor imperfections with your natural teeth, such as:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Erosion or bumps on the surface of your teeth
- Broken or uneven teeth
What Are The Different Types Of Veneers?
There are three main types of veneers:
- Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the surface of your teeth. They help to smooth out small flaws with your natural teeth and provide a more attractive look. They are made to fit over the top of your natural tooth structure, and are then bonded to the existing structure using a material called “porcelain.” Porcelain is a translucent material that is made by fusing layers of ceramic, a mineral, and plastic. This is then bonded together to form a composite material that has the desired shape and form. Veneers can last for many years if they are taken care of properly and if they are not damaged by accidents or unnecessary behaviors like biting on a pencil or chewing gum. They also need routine cleaning and can be removed if dentures are no longer needed.
- Composite veneers: Composite veneers are made from layers of porcelain, ceramic, and plastic, which is then bonded together to form a composite material that has the desired shape and form. These types of veneers are often used in conjunction with porcelain veneers because they can be used to correct small defects in your tooth structure. They are usually made from white porcelain, as well as porcelain with color in it.
- Stained composite veneers: Stained composite veneers have pigments added to them that make them look like real natural whitening teeth. These types of veneers are used when you want your teeth to look like they have color in them. Stained composite veneers can be light brown or yellowish-brown in color, depending on the type of pigment added.
- Porcelain fused to metal veneers: This type is slightly more complicated because the metal component will require extra steps during the bonding stage. The bonding stage involves applying metal powder onto both sides of the porcelain veneer before it is applied to the tooth cavity. The metallic component will then fuse together with the rest of the process once it has been applied to both sides. This type needs special care because it is susceptible to damage during normal use due to accidental damage by biting on metal items such as coins or keys, chewing gum or food, etc. It needs careful handling when you go to get your veneer bonded because it can crack easily if not handled properly during this step.
- Porcelain fused to porcelain veneers: This type is slightly more complicated because it involves putting porcelain on top of porcelain so that there is no need for further bonding between them at a later stage of treatment. This type needs special care because it is susceptible to damage during normal use due to accidental damage by biting on metal items such as coins or keys, chewing gum or food, etc. It needs careful handling when you go to get your veneer bonded because it can crack easily if not handled properly during this step.
Maintenance And Upkeep Of Veneers
Veneers need routine cleaning and regular checkups by a dentist. You may also need periodic adjustments if you have had them for some time and if they have shifted or changed shape during wear due to normal use. If you have had veneers for a long time, you may need to have them replaced at some point because they may start to chip away or break down due to wear and tear. In some cases, this may require removal and replacement with new ones (porcelain fused with metal), with ceramic only (stained composite), or with ceramic and metal (porcelain fused with porcelain).
- If you have been living with veneers for several years, you may need dental work done on them at some point in the future when they start to chip away or break down due to wear and tear. If this happens, you will need them replaced with new ones (porcelain fused with metal), with ceramic only (stained composite), or with ceramic and metal (porcelain fused with porcelain). You will probably need this done at some point in order for you to keep your preferred appearance once you put on new dentures (the type of dentures you use). If you do not replace them with new ones at this point, you may need to remove one side of them so that dentures fit properly, although this may require additional procedures such as the removal of old fillings or bridges from one side (if they were already present) and/or additional procedures such as rebuilding an existing bridge or filling, etc., before they will fit properly.
- If you have had them for several years, you should consider having your veneers or natural teeth restored, replaced, or repaired because they may start to chip away or break down due to wear and tear. In some cases, this may require removal and replacement with new ones (porcelain fused with metal), with ceramic only (stained composite), or with ceramic and metal (porcelain fused with porcelain). You will probably need this done at some point.
Caring For Your Natural Teeth Beneath The Veneers
It is important to keep in mind that your natural teeth are still there and need to be taken care of if you are going to have veneers placed on them. If you do not take good care of your natural teeth, they may start to deteriorate and/or require more extensive treatment than if they were left alone. For example, if you drink too much alcohol or eat foods that are hard on your teeth, this can cause chipping or even breaking of the enamel on your teeth. It is important to brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for regular checkups so that any problems can be corrected before they become more serious.
If you’re considering cosmetic dental surgery, veneers are a great option to consider. They can substantially change the appearance of your teeth and can be done in a number of different ways.
