Dental Veneer: Importance, Procedure, Limitation and Maintenance

Dental veneers are also known as porcelain. They are customized shells of material designed with tooth color to cover the surface of teeth in order to improve appearance.  It is just like false finger nail that is fitted over nail. They come in different colors, shapes, lengths and sizes. Sometimes, a natural-color ‘composite’ material is used in place of porcelain. One good characteristic of porcelain veneers is its stain resistance property.

Importance of Dental Veneers

Veneer provides a natural appearance of tooth and improves your smile.  It also increases your self-esteem. It provides a good alternative for crown. It is stain resistant and is well tolerated by the gum tissue. Dental veneers are important in fixing problem associated with;

Worn down teeth

Broken teeth

Misaligned set of teeth

Irregular and uneven shaped teeth

Gaps between teeth

Discolored and stained teeth caused by drug like tetracycline. It mask the discoloration

Procedures in Getting Dental Veneer

Getting porcelain requires about 3 visits to your dentist. Firstly for consultation, second and third visit is to make and apply the veneer. For composite resin veneer, it involves only a visit to the dentist. Processes involve in veneering for one tooth or many teeth are described below;

First step: Planning your diagnosis and treatment. It requires full preparation and participation.  In this appointment, let your dentist know your desired result. The dentist will check your teeth to know if dental porcelain will be appropriate for you. He / she will discuss the procedure and limitation of dental veneer with you. The model and X-ray of your teeth may also be taken. The model is sent to a dental laboratory for the construction of veneer for you. This may take about 2-3 weeks before its ready.

Second step: Preparation- in preparation for a dental veneer, some millimeters of enamel may be removed which has the same thickness as the veneers’. This will be done after the administration of local anesthesia.  

Third step: Bonding- before bonding is done it is necessary for the dentist to examine its color and fitness of the veneer. He might need to adjust the color by using shade of cement he or she wants to use. He might need to trim it in case of loose fitness. Then, your teeth will be polished and cleaned. It will then be etched to provide rough surface for effective bonding.

A special veneer is firstly placed on your tooth before the veneer is placed properly.  A special light beam that activates the cement is then applied. This will enable it to cure and get hard on time. Excess cement is then removed and other necessary adjustment is made to ensure efficient biting.

Follow-up: visit your dentist after couples of week to examine the veneer’s placement and check how your gum is responding to the new environment of porcelain.  

Limitations of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are costly and the process is irreversible. Tooth sensitivity may be felt because of the enamel that has been removed.  In case of crack or chipped veneer, they are usually not repairable only if it small.

You may find it difficult sometimes to get the exact color of your teeth and there is mismatch with other teeth. The color of the veneer cannot be altered after it has been placed.

To avoid the incidence of veneer falling off, do not bite your nail, ice, or any hard object. Biting hard object can exert excessive pressure on your teeth.

Dental veneer is not advisable for people with diseased or weak teeth, as tooth decay may still occur with veneer.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Generally, dental veneers will last for about 5 to 10 years. After this time, you can go for replacement.

Maintenance of Dental Veneer

Dental veneers do not really need any special care. You only need to continue the normal routine of brushing and flossing. Use antiseptic mouthwash.