What are the different types of veneers?

Dental veneers are most often made of porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers require a lot of prep work, but there are also «no-prep» veneers that apply through a different process.

You don’t have to fear irreversible procedures when getting your traditional veneers. With them, you grind down the existing tooth structure and shape it in a way that allows for suitable placement of the veneers. The process can be uncomfortable, but it’s a practical solution and better than removable options.

Teeth can be removed to avoid issues like tooth sensitivity and damage. Dentists will often remove the teeth and make a wax model so you can see how the veneers would look or even taste different foods.

On the contrary, no-prep veneers may require some tipping or other minimal adjustments to your teeth.

Porcelain veneers

For some people, the first step is to grind down their teeth and then make a mold of their teeth. After that, they send the mold out to a lab. Finally, a porcelain veneer will be made based on this mold.

Once your dental veneers are ready, they will be carefully placed on the prepared tooth. Temporary veneers can also be used while waiting for the permanent ones to return from the lab. Meanwhile, other dentists may use CAD/CAM technology – computer-aided design/manufacturing – which can put a smile back on your face much sooner. Working with your dentist could be the perfect option for a veneer. Your dentist can make it right there in the office!

Composite resin veneers

If you decide to go with composite resin veneers, your dentist will first etch the surface of your tooth and then apply a thin layer of this material.

Your dentist may need to apply multiple layers for the perfect finish. When finished, your veneer will be hardened using a special light.

What are the benefits of dental veneers?

The main benefit of dental veneers is improving the appearance of your smile. Besides aesthetics, they are often used to treat localized aesthetic imperfections.

• broken or chipped teeth
• severe discoloration or uneven coloring that can’t be fixed with whitening
• gaps in the teeth
• smaller-than-average teeth
• pointed or unusually shaped teeth

Veneers are made to last for ten years and beyond, so they are a more permanent investment. However, they can make you feel more confident with your smile and succeed in different hair and skin tones.

How to prepare for your appointment

Your dentist can assess your teeth and advise you on which procedures might be best. However, there may also be times when teeth need to be straightened before veneer treatments can work, so you may have to have braces first.

Your dentist will often take X-rays at this stage to evaluate the health of your teeth. They’ll look for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or the need for root canals. If you have other conditions requiring treatment, you may not be a candidate for veneers.

How are veneers put on teeth?

It typically takes about one to two weeks for dentists to send the mold of your teeth to the lab and another one or two weeks for your veneers from the lab.

Getting veneers is an easy and quick process. But first, you can make an appointment and confirm the veneers’ fit, shape, and coloration.

Next, your dentist thoroughly cleans your teeth. This is important, as it keeps bacteria from being trapped under the veneer and causing decay.

Before they apply a coating on the veneer, dental technicians use a grinder to create a rougher texture. This makes it easier for the coating to adhere to the tooth.

Your dentist will then cement the veneer to your tooth. Finally, they’ll harden the cement with a UV light, and you’re all done!

When placing the veneers, this appointment should typically last around 2 hours. However, there may be a variation depending on the number of veneers placed and whether a general or local anesthetic is necessary.

What is the difference between veneers, crowns, and implants?

Veneers and dental implants/crowns are related, but they’re pretty different, especially in terms of look. Veneers are applied to the front of teeth, while crowns cover a tooth’s entirety. Veneers are also thinner than crowns – 1mm vs. 2 mm.

Veneers are less invasive than crowns. No matter what your dental needs, filing or grinding will be needed to prepare the tooth before it’s fixed with a crown. With veneers, a less substantial layer of the tooth must be removed, which means far less loss.

How to take care of your veneers after they’re placed

Unlike some other procedures for your mouth, getting dental veneers is not an extended process. Instead, once they are cemented on, and any temporary numbing wears off, you can eat and chew just as before. While recovering from anesthesia, be mindful not to bite your cheeks or tongue.

In some cases, immediately after the veneers are applied, you may notice they feel rough. These rough spots (usually from excess cement) will wear down after several days of normal eating and teeth brushing. If this occurs, please visit your dentist as soon as possible to get them smoothed out.

Considering porcelain veneers can last at least ten years on average, and some research shows that they sometimes stay as long as 20, it’s a good idea if you plan to keep your teeth for a while. And for those who do not want a lot of hassle, no-prep veneers can be applied in only one visit. Certain considerations will increase the lifespan of your shoes. These precautions include:

• Don’t chew on complex objects like pens, ice, or fingernails.
• Never use your teeth to open the packaging.
• Try not to chew with your front teeth. Instead, eat more complex foods with your back teeth; cut up hard foods to make this possible.
• If you grind or clean your teeth at night, get a splint or retainer to protect your veneers.
• If you play sports, you should wear a mouthguard.
• You should get a mouth guard or retainer if you grind or clench your teeth.