Dental veneers, thin shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth, have become a popular choice for those looking to revitalize their smile. From correcting discoloration to hiding chips to disguising misaligned teeth, veneers offer a versatile way to get a straight, bright smile.
With the dental veneer global market hitting $2.1 billion and expected to grow by 8.3% by 2030, it’s clear that this cosmetic procedure is a popular and practical approach to dental health and beauty.
If you are considering getting dental veneers, learn about the application process and explore their benefits and maintenance tips.
The Veneer Application Process
The veneer application process involves consultation, tooth preparation, and bonding of custom-made shells to your teeth for an improved smile.
- Consultation. The journey to getting veneers starts with a consultation. Your dentist will assess your teeth, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine if veneers are right for you. This step may involve taking X-rays or making impressions of your mouth.
- Preparation. To prepare your teeth for veneers, your dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface (typically around 0.5 mm). This process is essential for the veneer to fit correctly and look natural. After reshaping the tooth, your dentist will take an impression to create a custom veneer in a dental lab. They may also apply temporary veneers to protect your teeth from hypersensitivity while you wait for them to be fabricated.
- Application. Once your veneers are ready, your dentist will temporarily place them on your teeth to check the color and fit and make any necessary adjustments. The teeth are then cleaned, and the veneers are bonded to them using dental cement. Your teeth are then exposed to a specialized light to cure and harden the cement, securing the veneers in place.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers offer several benefits, including a dramatically enhanced smile, durability, minimal tooth structure alteration, and straightforward maintenance.- Improved appearance. Veneers improve your smile by covering imperfections like stains, chips, or uneven teeth. They’re custom-made for a natural, attractive look.
- Durability. Made from porcelain or composite resin, veneers are durable and resistant to stains, ensuring a long-lasting smile. Many veneers can last up to 10 years before they need to be replaced.
- Minimal invasiveness. Veneer application is less invasive than other dental restorations like crowns. It requires removing a small enamel layer, preserving most of the natural tooth.
- Easy maintenance. Caring for veneers is straightforward. They require the same oral hygiene practices as natural teeth: brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups. However, avoid abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching your veneers.
Caring for Your Dental Veneers
While veneers can last up to a decade, you must care for and maintain them properly to help them last as long as possible. Some important care tips to follow include:
- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once daily. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also critical.
- Don’t eat hard foods. While veneers are extremely strong, they can chip or break. Do not bite down on foods like nuts, tough raw vegetables, or objects like ice or pens.
- Wear protection. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, get fitted for a custom mouthguard to protect your veneers from chipping and cracking.
- Limit stain-inducing substances. Porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, but limiting exposure to coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco is still a good idea to keep your smile bright.
Schedule Your Veneer Consultation
Dental veneers offer a versatile and effective way to achieve a beautiful smile. With the right care, they can provide a long-lasting solution to various dental imperfections.
If you’re considering veneers, start with a consultation with a dentist at Smile On Dental Salon & Sleep Apnea Center to discuss your goals and whether veneers are suitable for you.