What are dental veneers?
Veneers are orthopedic structures that aim to correct the shape and color of the tooth and fractures, distortions, and irregular arrangement.
They are also suitable for reducing large distances between two adjacent teeth that look unsightly. Therefore, they are usually only placed on the six upper and six lower teeth that form the visible part of the smile.
Dental veneers are also known as "partial crowns" because they only cover the front of the teeth. They are called "scales" in dental jargon because they are very thin, on average 0.5 mm. Unlike natural tooth enamel, the material from which they are made is stain resistant.
Advantages of veneers
1. The placement of veneers belongs to aesthetic dentistry and has become increasingly popular in recent years. Compared to teeth whitening, it is a much easier way to achieve the perfect smile you have always desired. Furthermore, the surface of the tooth becomes perfectly smooth with this procedure, whereas whitening necessitates additional manipulations.
2. With veneers, you can easily choose the desired color and, therefore, quickly achieve snow-white teeth without the need for prolonged and sometimes damaging enamel whitening. Our specialists at Kavident Dental Centre will choose the right shade for your teeth to look natural.
3. The placement of veneers is associated with a minimum of unpleasant sensations and adjustments to the teeth where they are placed.
And this is very important from the patient's perspective because it saves time while maintaining the integrity of the teeth. Therefore, the negatives of the procedure are minimized, and only the positives remain.
4. Veneers are preferred to crowns when the tooth is severely damaged, sometimes with up to 70% filing. However, this option is not possible if we have a serious tooth problem (such as pulpitis) that requires sharpening a large part of it.
5. Another advantage of veneers is that they do not interfere with chewing functions in any way. They are not felt in the oral cavity and cause no subsequent discomfort.
Types of veneers
1. Ceramic (porcelain) veneers are the most popular option due to their undeniable advantages. They are slightly more expensive, but they have a longer shelf life - on average 10-15 years. The main goal of the procedure is that their color remains unchanged. Furthermore, porcelain veneers appear more natural, which is why our Kavident specialists will recommend them.
2. Photopolymer (composite) veneers are much less expensive, but they are also of lower quality. As a result, they are becoming less and less common. Their lifespan is only three years, and even during that time, they can appear yellowing.
Furthermore, photopolymer veneers are easily breakable. Their main advantage is that their replacement is easier and cheaper. However, because this is yet another waste of time, investing in higher-quality ceramic veneers is preferable.
Photopolymer veneers can also be corrected in the patient's mouth, which is not possible with ceramic veneers, which are made in a similar way to crowns.
Veneers Installation
The veneers are made individually for each patient to fit exactly on the teeth. Therefore, it is necessary to first take an impression of the teeth in the visible part of the smile.
Once the veneers are made, we proceed with their placement.
To scratch it and improve grip, the front surface of the tooth should be slightly sharpened. It only affects the enamel and does not harm the integrity of the tooth. The veneer is then glued with a special glue (cement) that is invisible after installation.
Veneers Aftercare
If you want the veneers to look nice for a longer period, you need to maintain good oral hygiene daily. It is important to brush your teeth every night, floss them, and use mouthwash. Our dental specialist at Kavident will give you the right guidance on exactly how to care for veneers.
Furthermore, it is advisable to visit the dental office once or twice a year for professional cleaning. Thus, the specialist can prolong the life of the veneers and protect them from stains and peeling.