What are Veneers?
Dental veneers, which are also called " aesthetic veneers " are thin layers of ceramic (or porcelain) that are applied over the teeth, coating them, and thus covering any defects present on their surface, both relative to an imperfect shape or size, but also to spots of color or even camouflaging a slightly unbalanced position.
Precisely for this reason, they are widely used by actors, sportsmen and other personalities of the show as a solution to obtain a perfect smile without resorting to a real operation: it is possible to apply them without anesthesia, always without causing any pain to the patient and without damaging the enamel of the teeth, provided of course that all the rules on safety and dental hygiene are followed.
Advantages of using dental veneers
The dental veneers are applied with a particular completely invisible glue which guarantees maximum adhesion to the tooth surface, masking precisely the imperfections. In addition to the immediate aesthetic benefits on the dentition, the veneers ensure an overall improvement in the appearance of the face, thanks to a more harmonious smile, and therefore potentially also an improvement in the patient's self-esteem and safety in himself and his appearance.
The application of the veneers guarantees in particular whiter and shiny teeth and the total coverage of permanent stains and discolorations: the aesthetic result of this treatment is therefore remarkable even if the conductor wire always remains the health of the tooth.
The other advantages of this treatment are related to the resolution of some problems related to chipped, eroded or worn teeth due, for example, to bruxism, or the limitation of the discomforts related to periodontia or, again, the correction of some diastemas (spacing between the teeth).
These new procedures not only improve the patient's treatment and, subsequently, his smile, but also the preliminary stages of the intervention, thanks to the introduction of the "mock-up", a system that allows you to have a preview of the final result before proceeding, to immediately identify the most suitable solution according to the various needs.
Veneers: types
Dentists distinguish between four different types of veneers. The choice of procedure depends on the condition of the teeth. The types differ according to strength, attachment, and material. Depending on the procedure, the price varies.
Conventional veneers:
These are made of ceramic and are up to 1 mm thick. The tooth shape is adjusted in the laboratory. When attaching, the outer surface of the tooth (under local anesthesia) is ground down minimally. Gluing takes about half an hour for each procedure.
Non-prep veneers (e.g. Lumineers):
The veneers are only about 0.3 mm thick and therefore significantly thinner than conventional veneers. No preparation is necessary for the attachment. The impression is taken without pre-processing the teeth and the shells are made with it. This means that the tooth substance is not attacked and anesthesia is not necessary. The method is considered painless. Here too, the veneers are permanently fixed on the tooth using a special adhesive.
Veneers-to-Go (instant veneers):
These consist of either all-ceramic or a mixture of plastic and ceramic. The attachment to the tooth can be carried out with little or no substance removal. Veneers-to-go is adapted and glued to the shape of the tooth directly. The immediate procedure is the cheapest because the entire procedure extends over a single treatment session, made possible by standardized veneer templates. The costs of custom-made laboratories are eliminated.
Composite veneers:
They consist of dental plastics and are attached to the tooth in a direct process like instant veneers. However, these are temporary veneers that are used to bridge the time until the conventional veneers are delivered from the laboratory.
In which cases are veneers suitable?
Veneers are wafer-thin ceramic shells and are mostly used in the visible tooth area. As a rule, they are only 0.5 to 0.7 millimeters thick, sometimes only 0.3 millimeters. They can be used for slight misalignments, teeth that are too short, or uneven tooth spacing. It can also cover superficial enamel damage or severe discoloration that cannot be remedied otherwise. Advantage: Unlike a crown, the tooth does not need to be ground extensively, so more tooth substance is retained.
Veneers are not suitable for:
- Gnashing of teeth
- Chewing nails
- Martial arts or ball sports where there is a risk of tooth damage
- Large fillings
What are veneers' durability and risks?
Veneers have been a scientifically recognized restoration for many years. They usually last for ten to 15 years. Good care and regular follow-ups are important. However, parts of the thin shells may break off or caries may form around the edges.
The veneers must be replaced if damaged or if caries has developed in the marginal area. If the ceramic bowl was glued to the enamel, it usually has to be ground down. The tooth substance is injured again.
Conclusion
Correcting unsightly teeth without sacrificing tooth substance or receiving orthodontic treatment is a common wish of many patients. The use of veneers, using the latest technology and materials, makes this quite possible.