Are you looking for a quick, effective way to cover chipped, crooked, or damaged teeth? Has your dentist suggested the possibility of opting for veneers? If that’s the case, it may be a good idea to learn a bit more about veneers and their benefits.
Depending on your type of dental issue, your dentist may recommend dental crowns or veneers to rectify simple problems. It’s common knowledge that a dental crown is a better option for teeth that have a large filling, show signs of tooth decay, or are cracked. However, what is a veneer and when is the better option for your tooth issue? Keep reading to find out.
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What are Veneers?
Essentially, a veneer is a layer of tooth-coloured composite resin or porcelain that is placed over a variety of minor cosmetic issues. These can include the following:
- Chips
- Gaps
- Cracks
- Misalignment
- Discoloration
Veneers are typically bonded to the tooth’s enamel and mimic your teeth’ size, shape, and colour to look as natural as possible. Some dentists may also offer removable veneers. If they are looked after, porcelain veneers typically last about 12 years, while composite veneers may need replacement after only four years. Veneers are generally cheaper than crowns, which is why they may be a good option for anyone on a budget.
A Simpler and More Convenient Option
There are many benefits to opting for veneers rather than crowns. If you’re not sure if this is the right option for you, our list of benefits will help you make a more informed decision.
1. A Much Less Invasive Procedure
Since the process of adding veneers focuses on preserving natural teeth, they’re often regarded as a more effective option than other dental options. The process involves removing a piece of enamel so that the veneers can attach to the original teeth.
Unlike some other dental procedures, there’s no need for surgery, drilling, or even anesthesia. There’s also no selling or pain to contend with afterward. The simplicity of the process makes it a common choice for simple tooth repairs.
2. So Easy to Maintain
Many dental procedures require a significant amount of additional after-care and maintenance. Veneers can easily be kept healthy by simple brushing and flossing. Of all the dental procedures, veneers are the simplest to maintain, making them a top first choice.
3. Excellent for Minor Aesthetic Problems
Veneers are used to cover up minor flaws such as cracks, gaps, and chips. The bonding process of adhering resin to the tooth includes painting the tooth face with tooth-colored resin and building it up to look like the other teeth. The porcelain used in the bonding process is typically more resilient than resin and very rarely needs to be adjusted or touched up.
4. Easily Whiten Teeth
Many people opt for regular teeth whitening treatments to ensure they maintain their attractive smiles. These treatments involve bleaching procedures and may have to be repeated every few months.
Veneers have been designed to be much more stain-resistant than regular bleaching options. This means that your veneers won’t have to be bleached as they’re less likely to yellow the way natural teeth do.
5. Results are Instant
Another aspect that makes veneers so appealing is that the results are instant. Unlike many other dental procedures, veneers aren’t time-consuming and don’t require multiple visits to complete the procedure.
The lack of multiple applications means that you don’t have to avoid certain foods or deal with pain while you wait between procedures. Since veneers can be applied quickly, the results are instant and don’t threaten your oral health or ability to eat, smile, or speak. Depending on the number of teeth you want to have veneered, your dentist will most likely complete everything in one appointment.
6. Gives You Back Your Smile
As your teeth age, chip, or turn yellow, you may find yourself becoming less confident about your smile. This issue can easily be remedied by adding veneers to all the minor teeth flaws you may have developed over the years. Combined with a whitening procedure for your other teeth, you’ll have your original, bright smile back in no time.
7. Function Like Natural Teeth
Veneers are moulded to suit the unique shape and size of the teeth in your mouth. This means that you won’t be left with a smile that looks unnatural or loose. Your veneers will fit snugly over your teeth and since they’re designed to blend in with your existing teeth, no one will know that you have veneers. Additionally, veneers also allow you to eat normally and since staining is minimal, you can still enjoy your favorite foods and drinks.
Final Thoughts
Depending on the severity of your dental issue, it may be a good idea to opt for veneers to solve the problem. Veneers can easily significantly enhance the overall appearance of your smile. They’re designed to blend in with your natural teeth, don’t require additional maintenance after installation, and even resist staining better than natural tooth enamel.
