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Veneers before and after photos are a great way to see what this relatively simple cosmetic dentistry treatment can do to improve your smile and confidence. Getting veneers is a treatment less intrusive than getting dental crowns. But what is a dental veneer, and how does it work? Let’s take a closer look.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers may offer a quick solution to achieving your dream smile and are a popular choice for those with discoloured, chipped or misshaped teeth. Veneers are thin covers applied to the front of teeth to improve their aesthetic.
A simple option to improve your smile
When you’re looking to improve your teeth, dental veneers offer a quick and effective treatment. If you’ve looked at a gallery of veneers before and after pictures, you’ll know what we mean when we say they can dramatically change a smile’s appearance. They look incredibly natural and can correct many dental issues, including teeth that are
- Discoloured and don’t respond to teeth whitening
- Slightly crooked
- Chipped or worn
- Unevenly spaced or with a large gap (diastema) between two teeth
Veneers are made either of composite resin or porcelain. Your dentist will help you decide what’s most suitable for you. Both types of veneers have their benefits.
Composite resin veneers
Composite dental veneers are made from the same tooth coloured resin used for white fillings and bonded to the teeth. They can usually be completed in a single dental visit and cost less than porcelain veneers.
Once the teeth are prepared, the dentist carefully moulds and shapes the resin material using a colour that matches your other teeth. A deep intensity light is used to harden the material and bond it to your teeth. This done, the dental veneers are smoothed and polished to give a natural look.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells custom made to fit on the teeth. Their many benefits include:
- Natural-looking surface
- Long-lasting and durable
- Stain-resistant
Porcelain veneers procedure
The procedure usually requires two dental visits.
1 Visit
The dentist removes a thin layer of tooth enamel to accommodate the veneers. An impression is then taken of the teeth, and a shade of porcelain is chosen that matches your other teeth. The impression is sent to the lab making the custom dental veneers. Meanwhile, the dentist will most likely fit temporary veneers while you wait for your permanent ones to be ready.
2 Visit
The dentist removes the temporary veneers at this visit and places the permanent ones on your teeth to check their shape and fit. The teeth are cleaned and the porcelain veneers are bonded in place following any adjustments.
Who knows, the dentist may showcase your new smile in their gallery of veneers before and after pictures (with your permission, of course).
Before you get dental veneers – things to consider
- Teeth and gums must be healthy to have veneers. Your dentist can treat any decay or gum disease before placing the veneers.
- Although the dentist only removes a thin sliver of enamel it won’t regrow, which means the procedure is permanent, and porcelain veneers will always have to be worn.
- Veneers are not the best choice for those that grind or clench their teeth, as this action could damage or break the veneers. A dentist is likely to recommend a plastic night guard to protect the teeth while a patient sleeps.
- Over time veneers can come loose and may need to be replaced
- As with all dental care, it’s best to discuss your expectations with your dentist and consider all the options. Regular visits to the dentist are a must for healthy teeth and gums.
After getting dental veneers
- It’s likely to take a few days to get accustomed to the feel of veneers. However, if your bite doesn’t feel quite right after placement of the veneers, your dentist can correct it before you leave the clinic.
- Porcelain veneers can chip or crack under pressure so avoid biting hard objects like pen tops and ice or chewing your fingernails.
- Veneers can still get cavities underneath them. It’s vital, therefore, to keep teeth and gums healthy with a good oral routine at home.
How much do veneers cost?
The price of veneers varies depending on how many veneers you need and whether they are composite or porcelain. However, various payment plans on veneers are available at Beyond Dental Care.
Transform your smile with dental veneers
Why not take the next step towards your dream smile by booking an initial consultation with the experienced, friendly team at Beyond Dental Care. We use innovative Digital Smile Design software to show you how your smile will look before we even start treatment. You won’t be able to stop smiling once you see the result. Get in touch today.
References
WebMD – Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease
WebMD – Can Tooth Enamel Grow Back?
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/can-tooth-enamel-grow-back
ClinMed – Bruxsm Management
https://clinmedjournals.org/articles/cmrcr/clinical-medical-reviews-and-case-reports-cmrcr-7-316.php?jid=cmrcr
