Do you have chipped, cracked or misshapen teeth? Do you feel insecure whenever you try to smile, hoping no one notices your damaged teeth? Well, worry no more! There is a solution that is effective, trusted and will not break your bank. If you are looking to get a smile makeover, then dental veneers are one of your best choices to achieve that.
What are veneers?
Dental veneers, or veneers for short, are special, thin shells of a certain material that is bonded to the front surface of your teeth to give it a better appearance, as well as fix some common dental issues like a cracked or discolored tooth. Depending on the material used, dental veneers can either be a permanent dental fixture or a reversible one in case you don’t like how they look compared to before you got them.
A person may opt to get a single veneer if they only have a problem with a singular tooth, or multiple at the same time to deal with more teeth. The usual is to get an even number of veneers to preserve symmetry of the appearance of your teeth, and the top front teeth are the most common ones to have veneers attached.
Are there different types of veneers?
Dental veneers are usually classified into two types based on the material used – porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are made of a strong porcelain material that is specially sculpted to fit the overall makeup of your teeth. Composite veneers, on the other hand, are made from a composite resin material, where a thin layer of the composite is applied on the surface of the tooth.
Porcelain veneers are typically more popular and more expensive compared to other types of veneers. In preparing these veneers, the dentist will first grind down your teeth and form a mold of them. This mold is then sent to a laboratory to produce a unique porcelain veneer that is tailored to fit the shape of your teeth. One distinct advantage of porcelain veneers is that they are stain-resistant and cannot be stained by the things that usually stain your teeth. Porcelain veneers are also permanent and are much more durable compared to composite veneers, which lets them last for up to 15 years.
Composite veneers, on the other hand, are prepared by applying the composite resin directly onto the tooth. The dentist will adjust the amount of material applied depending on your desired result. Composite veneers are more affordable than porcelain veneers and are reversible.
The type of veneer you choose will be mostly based on your preference, however your dentist can offer you advice depending on your desired results. It is vital to consider several factors like cost, durability, longevity and the overall appearance of the veneers before you choose a type.
What dental problems can be fixed by dental veneers?
Dental veneers are mostly a cosmetic treatment and are recommended for people who want to improve the appearance of their teeth and/or have the following dental problems:
- cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- tooth gaps
- teeth that are small in size
- extreme tooth discoloration
- misshapen teeth
How does the procedure of getting dental veneers go?
The first step when getting dental veneers is an initial consultation with your dentist. During this consultation, you will need to communicate to your dentist what results you want to achieve, as well as any deciding factors that may influence your decision, such as cost, recovery time, longevity of results, etc.
Your dentist will then examine your teeth and the specific ones that need veneers. He/she will also check for any other dental issues that may affect the treatment plan. The dentist will also discuss to you the basic procedure and what you need to do to prepare for it. A photo of your teeth as well as an X-ray scan of it will be taken by your dentist for reference.
At your second visit to the dentist, preparations for producing your veneers will be done. Your dentist will prepare your teeth by first reshaping the surface of the tooth and removing an amount that’s almost as thick as the veneer. He/she will then create a mold of your tooth which is sent to the lab for production. While you are waiting for your permanent veneers to be finished, your dentist will fit you with some temporary ones to not only improve appearance but to also protect the tooth enamel. It should take about 15 to 30 days for the laboratory to finish producing your veneers.
Once your veneers are ready, you can finally have your dental veneers installed. Your dentist will first examine your tooth and try to fit the veneers over it. He/she will then make some adjustments on the veneer so that it can fit properly on your tooth. After this, your tooth will be cleaned and polished to prepare it for the veneer. Once everything is ready, the dentist will then apply a special dental cement onto the veneer, which is subsequently placed on your tooth. A few adjustments will then be made to ensure that your veneer doesn’t look out of place, after which a special lighting device is shone over the cement to activate it, permanently bonding the veneer.
After the veneer has fully bonded, your dentist will go over a few things before you can go. This includes checking your bite and removing any extra cement. You will be called for a follow-up check-up after a few weeks to see how you are adjusting to the veneers.
How long do results last?
Porcelain veneers usually last for 10 to 15 years, but can also last longer depending on your dental habits. Composite veneers, on the other hand, may last for up to 3 years, after which you may have them replaced or removed. Overall, dental veneers are one of the most sought-after dental procedures due to the minimally invasive procedure as well as the longevity of their results.
Dennis Tan Dental
The Arcade
11 Collyer Quay #03-28
Singapore 049317
Phone: +6564385622
Fax: +654385625
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