December 20, 2021
We all started with a good set of pearly white teeth, but it is possible that your smile won’t shine through with time. Even though you brush your teeth every day and visit the dentist every six months, you might get discoloured, chipped or stained teeth.
These minor gaps, chips, misalignment and discolouration can make you feel self-conscious. But, you can rectify these quite quickly with dental veneers. And, achieve that brilliant smile you can indeed be proud of!
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are extremely thin shells that are customised and bonded to teeth. They alter the shape and colour of your teeth. Additionally, veneers can make gaps in teeth appear normal and enhance the aesthetics of your smile.
Dental veneers are typically made from porcelain, but sometimes they are made from resin composite materials, too. However, many dentists prefer to use porcelain veneers since they offer numerous benefits compared to resin-composite material.
- Porcelain veneers are much more robust and durable than resin veneers.
- Porcelain veneers resist stains much better than resin veneers.
- Have the same light-reflecting qualities as your teeth, giving the treatment a natural look.
How Dental Veneers Could Help You
Dental veneers can realign your teeth to make them appear straighter and cleaner. When compared with dental treatment such as teeth straightening, dental veneers are slightly more cost-effective.
Since porcelain veneers are customized and are placed over your original teeth, they blend in with your natural teeth seamlessly.
Tackles Staining and Discoloration
Drinking tea, coffee, and aerated drinks, as well as consuming dark-coloured foods such as chocolates and berries, or smoking, can cause discolouration in your teeth. Additionally, as you grow older, your teeth can also lose their enamel coating. Once the enamel is eroded, the teeth begin to show yellow-coloured dentin.
One solution for teeth discolouration is whitening, which can also work wonders for stained, yellow teeth. However, professional teeth whitening can’t help all forms of discolouration. Besides, it won’t work on teeth that have had restorative work done on them, whereas veneers can.
Addresses Misaligned Teeth
Misaligned teeth not only cause cosmetic challenges but can also interfere with your dental hygiene and, at times, even chewing. Orthodontic treatments work well to realign your teeth, but they can be pretty expensive and may not be suitable for everyone.
dental hygiene and, at times, even chewing. Orthodontic treatments work well to realign your teeth, but they can be pretty expensive and may not be suitable for everyone.
On the other hand, Veneers effectively cover up minor gaps and misalignments in teeth, which are cheaper and more straightforward.
Helps Manage Chips and Damage
Chipping and damage to teeth are quite common, and dental veneers are best suited to manage chipped damaged teeth.
When a tooth is chipped, it damages the enamel coating, making the teeth vulnerable to infection and decay. With a dental veneer, you can cover up the damage and protect the tooth.
Improves Damaged Enamel
Cracks and chipping aren’t the only reasons why teeth can get worn out. Enamel can get worn down because of age, bad oral hygiene, chewing tobacco or smoking, consuming acidic foods, stomach acid reflux and more.
A veneer acts as a protective layer between your teeth and corrosive agents.
Gives a Balanced Smile
All smiles are beautiful, but at times, you might feel that your smile has too much ‘gum’ in it. When the size of your gums overwhelms your teeth and appears to occupy most of your smile, it can make your smile look unbalanced.
Veneers can correct the shape and length of your teeth, giving them a normal appearance and hiding any wonkiness.
Some Risks Associated with Dental Veneers
While veneers can transform your smile, it’s important to understand the potential disadvantages before choosing them:
- Irreversible procedure – A thin layer of natural tooth enamel is usually filed down to fit veneers. The enamel cannot be replaced or repaired once removed.
- Possibility of tooth sensitivity – Some people experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks after getting veneers.
- Chipping or cracking – Although porcelain is strong, veneers can still chip or break if you bite on very hard foods or grind your teeth.
- Colour mismatch – Veneers won’t change colour once fitted, so if your natural teeth stain over time, you may notice a difference in shade.
- Replacement in the future – Veneers typically last 10–15 years with good care, but they will eventually need replacing.
Your dentist will discuss these risks with you and check whether veneers are the most suitable option for your smile and oral health before treatment.
A Step by Step Guide to Receiving Veneers
Getting veneers is usually straightforward. Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial consultation – Your dentist will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and explain whether veneers are right for you.
- Treatment planning – The dentist will take impressions of your teeth, dental X-rays, or digital scans to design your veneers.
- Temporary veneers (if needed) – You will have to wait for the lab to design your veneers. But sometimes, temporary veneers are placed while your permanent ones are being made.
- Tooth preparation – During the procedure, a very thin layer of enamel is removed from the front surface of the problem teeth to make space for the veneers.
- Fitting the veneers – The personalised veneers are carefully bonded to your teeth with dental cement.
- Final adjustments – Your dentist checks the fit, bite, and appearance, making any necessary tweaks.
- Follow-up appointment – Your dentist may ask you to attend a follow-up appointment to check how well you are adapting to the treatment.
Wrapping Up
With proper care, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, veneers can give you a confident smile for many years.
If you are interested in bringing back the brightness of your smile and boosting your confidence, consider dental veneers with Complete Smiles. We offer specialised, cost-effective, customised, and high-quality treatment plans. Contact us for more information and pricing details.
Dr. Malavi Sivakanesan (292322)
Dr. Malavi Sivakanesan is the principal dentist and co-founder at Complete Smiles in Harrow, Greater London. She is responsible for establishing the Complete Smiles brand throughout the United Kingdom and Europe and has 5 successful practices under her strong leadership.