This section of our cosmetic
dentistry information site provides you with some background
into dental veneers, both composite veneers and porcelain veneers.
Dental veneers, sometimes called tooth veneers, can be used
to correct both colour and shape problems.
Teeth enamel discolouration
can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth.
Some of the more common causes of teeth discolouration are medications,
coffee, tea or cigarettes. People who drink significant amounts
of cola soft drinks can experience similar staining.
Aside from staining,
there are other factors that can affect the colour of an individual's
teeth. Genetics can play a role. Some people have naturally
brighter enamel than others. Disease can also be a factor and
certain medications can cause a discolouration of the teeth.
If you suspect that there is an underlying medical cause for
your teeth discolouration, be sure to inform your cosmetic dentist.
Veneers, porcelain or
plastic, are placed over the front teeth to change colour shape
of the teeth. Veneers are ideal for teeth that are too small,
too big, or have uneven surfaces. It is very common for people
to have imperfect teeth, either oddly shaped teeth, chipped
teeth, crooked teeth, teeth with small holes in them, or an
inappropriate sized tooth or teeth that have an odd appearance.
Veneers solve such irregularities and create a durable and pleasing
smile.
Often an alternative
to crowns, veneers are very thin pieces of specially-shaped
porcelain or plastic that are glued over the front of your teeth
with little or no anesthesia needed. They are the cure for teeth
that are severely discoloured, chipped, have small holes or
pits, misshapen or crooked, or for the correction of unwanted
or uneven spaces. Unlike crowns, veneers won't require the dentist
to remove much of the tooth itself in most cases. It is important
to ask your cosmetic dentist how much tooth will be removed.
In some cases more tooth will need to be removed, which may
increase the risk of trauma to the tooth. Veneers are created
from an impression taken in your cosmetic dentist's office.
Your custom veneer is then glued directly onto your tooth. Typically
costing less than crowns, veneers won't stain, making veneers
a very popular solution for many people seeking that perfect
smile. Strong and very durable, veneers last from ten to fifteen
years, and come in colours that will brighten dark teeth without
the worry of them changing colour.
In your first appointment,
it is important to initially discuss with your cosmetic dentist
that you will want to "try in" your veneers with temporary
cement that is the same colour cement as will be used for the
permanent attachment. During this "try-in" phase,
be sure to look at your veneers in natural light in addition
to the office light. Teeth are prepared for veneers by lightly
buffing to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer.
Veneers are thin like contact lenses, and will usually only
need tooth reduction of 0.5mm to 1.0mm. If a drastic change
is being made for the result you want, reduction may be 1.0mm
to 2.0mm. A mold is taken of the teeth, from which the veneers
are modeled after. Temporary veneers will be placed and worn
until your permanent veneers are ready. While wearing the temporary
veneers, advise your cosmetic dentist of any adjustments or
changes you would like made, such as in shape or size. These
changes will be translated into your permanent veneers, so good
communication between you and your dentist is important in achieving
your new smile.
Your dentist places the
veneers with water or glycerin on the teeth to verify their
perfect fit and the shade or colour. The colour cannot be changed
after the veneers are adhered to your teeth. The tooth is then
cleansed with chemicals to achieve a durable bond. Once the
glue is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used
to harden the glue/cement.
There are two tooth veneers
procedures available that correct discolouration of the teeth
by removing the brown and yellow staining. While each work effectively,
there are advantages and disadvantages to each procedure dependent
upon your objectives and commitment to the processes. The type
of procedures available should be discussed with your cosmetic
dentist, and a they will recommend the most appropriate tooth
veneers procedure for you.
Composite Veneer
Procedure:
Composite (direct) veneers
are usually performed in a single visit to your cosmetic dentist.
The procedure is an application of a bond and enamel directly
to the tooth's surface.
Porcelain Veneer
Procedure:
Porcelain (indirect)
veneers are a very thin porcelain material. Usually porcelain
veneers require two visits and also require a dental laboratory
to create the final tooth restoration piece.
Pros
and Cons of Traditional Porcelain Tooth Veneers
Advantages:
Porcelain veneers are
common in creating new smiles and smile makeovers. With porcelain
veneers, you can have the smile of your dreams in a very short
period of time. Typically veneers are difficult to stain, making
veneers a very popular solution for many people seeking that
perfect smile. Strong and very durable, veneers last from ten
to fifteen years, and come in colours that will brighten dark
teeth without the worry of them changing colour. Veneers are
typically done in only two one and a half hour long appointments,
and can actually strengthen your tooth.
There is no additional
maintenance, other than a follow-up visit to your cosmetic dentist
and proper brushing and flossing on a daily basis.
Finally, a whiter smile
gives people to whom you are speaking a place to focus on and
gives you a friendlier appearance.
Disadvantages:
It takes roughly a week
or two of a period of adjustment to get used to your teeth that
have been changed in colour, size, spacing and shape. While
very little tooth is removed in most cases, there are situations
where more tooth must be removed which increases the risk of
trauma to the tooth. The amount of tooth to be removed for the
veneers should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist beforehand.
It is common to have
minor sensitivity after your teeth have been prepared for your
veneers while wearing the temporary veneers. Some people can
experience a difference in speech, usually pronouncing "s"
and "f" sounds. This is corrected through minor adjustments
your cosmetic dentist can make to your veneers. Veneers are
very reasonable facsimiles of natural teeth, but not perfect
replacements for natural teeth. It's common to see slight variations
in the colour of veneers upon very close inspection, as with
natural teeth. It can take up to a month or two before your
new smile feels a part of you.
If you suffer from bruxism,
clenching or grinding of your teeth, veneers can be damaged,
chipped or cracked from this. If you suffer from bruxism, speak
with your cosmetic dentist about wearing a mouth guard at night
to protect your new smile.
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