Veneers

What are Veneers?

Veneers are a kind of cosmetic dentistry wherein a thin shell is placed over the surface of the teeth in order to correct uneven tooth alignment, worn tooth enamel, uneven spacing between teeth, cracks, chips or tooth discolouration. Not only do veneers provide a bright, white smile, but they also protect the surface of the teeth, eliminating the need for extensive dental treatments.
Veneers are primarily made up of composite and porcelain. A composite dental veneer is built on the tooth directly by a professional dentist, or indirectly, outside the mouth, in a dental lab. However, porcelain veneers are only built indirectly. Composite veneers are less aesthetic and less resistant to stains than porcelain veneers.

What Are The Benefits of Veneers?

Veneers, particularly porcelain veneers, offer various benefits that help make the aesthetics of your smile better. Dental veneers last for around 8-12 years. Some of the benefits of dental veneers include:
・ Natural-looking teeth
・ Resistance to stains caused by food
・ Teeth appear whiter if you choose a porcelain color for your teeth

Despite the cause of unattractive smile, veneers can solve a majority of your cosmetic dental problems , including:

・ Wear and tear: As people age, their teeth wear down and become vulnerable to cracks, chips or an uneven appearance.
・ Worn tooth enamel: Over time, your tooth enamel might wear away and become discoloured. Such discolouration and wearing away may be a result of genetic predisposition. But, it usually occurs due to consuming tea or coffee, soft drinks, smoking, or certain medications.
・ Uneven teeth: Wear and tear and tooth clenching or grinding can lead to uneven teeth.
・ Genetics: Some people have abnormal spacing between the teeth naturally, which widens as they age.

When Are Dental Veneers Appropriate?

Veneers might not be the best choice if your teeth are esthetically and functionally adequate. However, in case you’ve severely discoloured or dull teeth,composite or porcelain veneers may be an appropriate option. Veneers provide the benefits of longevity as well as an ability to improve the appearance of your smile, mouth, and other features of your face.

How Should You Take Care Of Dental Veneers?

It should be noted that even though a dental veneer doesn’t decay, the tooth below might get exposed to gum disease and cavities. Therefore, it is very important to take care of your dental veneers by maintaining a good oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene includes brushing the teeth and flossing between dental veneers as well as other teeth.

Although porcelain veneers do not stain due to food, your dentist may advise you to reduce your consumption of some staining foods, like red wine, tea or coffee. Dental veneers have a life of 8 to 12 years, after which, they need to be replaced. It is extremely important to consider the fact that having dental veneers is a treatment option that is irreversible.