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Guide to Dental Veneer Procedure for Your Attractive Smile
28 Feb 2024

Guide to Dental Veneer Procedure for Your Attractive Smile

Your smile is the first thing that people notice when they meet you. Having a beautiful and healthy smile can create a significant impact on your confidence level and overall well-being. Dental veneers are a suitable solution if you want to improve your smile appearance. These are tooth-coloured composite or porcelain with thin layers and protect the outer surface of your teeth.

Veneers are cosmetic fixes that can restore eroded or worn-down teeth, improve tooth function, and close gaps between teeth. Besides this, they provide an additional layer of protection for your teeth. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step dental veneer procedure so you know what to expect before, during or after the treatment.

What is the procedure for dental veneers?

Veneers can help to improve the appearance of your smile. However, patients should go through several steps to achieve their beautiful smile.

  • Consultation

There is a consultation between the dentist and patient where the patient's health concerns, desires, and requirements will be a primary concern. Your dentist assesses your dental history and present oral condition. X-rays and other diagnostic images can help to ensure there is no underlying problem which prevents the placement of veneers successfully.

  • Preparation

When you undergo the treatment, the dentist prepares the teeth for the veneer placement. He removes a thin layer of tooth enamel to create sufficient space for the veneers. The amount of tooth enamel to remove at this step depends on the kind of veneer you use.

  • Design

Depending on the kind of veneer, the dentist uses models or computer imaging technology to accurately represent how the teeth and smile will appear when placing veneers on your teeth.

  • Fabrication

The dentist takes your teeth impressions and then sends them to the laboratory, where each veneer gets fabricated. The veneers are composite or porcelain and then colour-matched to attain optimal results. These customised shells will then be sent back to the dentist's clinic after the completion of the production.

  • Placement

The dentist attaches a customised shell to your teeth. There is dental cement and a unique adhesive to ensure long-lasting retention. After placing each veneer, it will get proper shape until you achieve a natural-looking smile.

Different kinds of veneers

  • Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are the most popular veneers for improving your teeth appearance. They ensure the delivery of natural-looking results and last longer than other veneers. They are highly resistant to stains and are a better choice than composite.

  • Composite veneers

Composite veneers are less costly than porcelain veneers and need less preparation for the tooth. They can be prepared in one visit and offer a natural look. Composite veneers are designed to match your teeth' colour.

  • Lumineers

Lumineers are ultra-thin porcelain veneer shells that can fit over natural teeth. They do not require any tooth preparation, such as filing down teeth or changing them in any way. These shells protect against any damage and give you a beautiful smile.

  • Snap-on veneers

Traditional veneers need to remove enamel, making it an irreversible method. If you do not want permanent teeth change, snap-on veneers are a good choice. These removable veneers can be worn easily over teeth by those who wish to improve their smile.

The right candidate for dental veneers

There are several factors to consider when choosing a suitable candidate for veneers. Some of these are the following:

  • Oral Health

The candidate should have strong teeth, healthy gums and sufficient enamel for the veneer to adhere to.

  • Dental concerns

Veneers address several cosmetic dental problems, such as cracks, chips, gaps, misshapen teeth and slightly crooked teeth.

  • Aesthetics

Your dentist will evaluate your face shape and smile to determine the most suitable veneers. It can help to attain a natural-looking and pleasing appearance.

  • Expectations

Your expectations for dental veneers will be discussed to ensure they meet your specific needs. The right candidate should be able to know about the procedure and its restrictions.

How to prepare for your veneers

Before placing dental veneers, you need to prepare the teeth. Your dentist takes an X-ray to determine whether the teeth are healthy for the procedure. Any pre-existing dental conditions like tooth decay should be addressed before the placement of veneers.

The treatment begins with local anaesthesia to lessen the discomfort during tooth preparation.

Veneer tooth preparation involves removing a thin layer of enamel, which forms sufficient space for placing the veneers without adding bulk to your teeth. Proper tooth preparation may improve the maintenance of dental veneers.

After placing the teeth, the dentist takes the impression and then sends it to the laboratory for fabrication of veneers. Dental veneers need to be customised depending on the dimensions of the mould and then matched to the natural colour of adjacent teeth. It can help to attain a natural-looking smile. Temporary veneers are placed to protect prepared teeth till the veneers get ready for placement.

About the placement of dental veneers

The fabrication of veneers may require a few weeks; when they are ready, you can return to the clinic for veneer placement. The dentist carefully places the veneers on your teeth to check whether they adjust correctly and match the colour or shade of other teeth. Adjustments will be made if necessary.

Once everything appears good, your dentist will bond veneers on the teeth with cement, bonding agents, and unique light. Excess cement will be removed, and veneers will be polished to appear bright and shiny.

Aftercare for dental veneers

It is essential to follow proper aftercare instructions to maintain the longevity of your veneers. Below are some practical tips to take care of your veneers.

  • Do not eat hard foods

After placing veneers, you should not eat hard foods for at least 24 hours. It will give veneers the time to set and prevent them from getting damaged. Stick to soft foods which include mashed potatoes, yoghurt and soup during this time.

  • Do not eat hard foods or chew on ice

You should refrain from eating hard foods or chewing on ice for now. It may cause damage to the veneers, leading to breakage. If you habitually chew on ice, pens or straws, break it before undergoing veneer treatment.

  • Brush and floss daily

Brushing and flossing twice daily and maintaining good dental health are necessary. It can eliminate bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums to prevent the problem of gum disease. Take soft-bristled toothbrush with non-abrasive toothpaste to care for your oral hygiene habits properly.

  • Protect teeth from any injury

It would help if you protected your teeth from injury, mainly when participating in contact sports. Wear a mouthguard to protect teeth from getting broken or chipped. When you suffer from a tooth injury, visit the dentist immediately so the damage can be repaired.

Benefits of choosing veneers

  • Dental veneers can give you a beautiful and brighter smile

Dental veneers are a good treatment when you are not happy with the appearance of your teeth. They are thin pieces of composite or porcelain bonded to the front teeth surface for changing their shape or colour. Veneers can cover discoloured or stained teeth and chipping or cracking.

  • Dental veneers give you a youthful look

If your teeth have just started showing signs of wear and tear, then veneers can help to restore your youthful appearance. Veneers can be used for filling in gaps between the teeth.

  • Dental veneers are customised for each patient

The dentist creates a customised treatment plan to fulfil your specific goals and requirements.

  • Dental veneers are highly stain-resistant

Porcelain is a non-porous material that won't absorb stains from tea, coffee or red wine. It makes it easy to keep veneers looking brighter.

  • Dental veneers are very long-lasting

Porcelain is a durable material, which means it can last for a long time with proper care.

Possible risks

Dental veneers are a cosmetic method that helps improve your smile. Unlike dental procedures, some possible risks and complications may take place. Knowing about potential risks and complications is necessary before deciding whether dental veneers are the right option for you.

  • Tooth Sensitivity

After the procedure, patients may be sensitive to hot and cold foods and beverages.

  • Allergic reactions

Some patients might experience allergic reactions to materials used to prepare veneers. Talk to a dentist about which material will fulfil their requirements.

  • Gum irritation

Improperly placed veneers may irritate your gums, leading to periodontal disease.

  • Cracking or chipping

Though porcelain veneers are very durable, they are susceptible to cracks and chips when exposed to significant force or trauma.

Cost of dental veneers

The price of veneers starts from £1100, and you need to talk to your dentist when performing the treatment. It depends on the expertise of your dentist, the number of veneers you require and the type you choose. AS veneers are a cosmetic procedure, they won't be covered by insurance. They are affordable and meant to last for at least 5 to 7 years with proper care and maintenance.

Maintenance and longevity

Proper maintenance is an integral part of their longevity. It can improve appearance and extend their lifespan. Here are some tips to get the most from your veneers:

  • Brush two times a day

Brushing your veneers twice daily, like your natural teeth, is necessary. It can help to get rid of plaque, which forms gum disease.

  • Floss daily

Flossing removes food particles that get trapped between your teeth. Floss daily to avoid any infection or discolouration in due course.

  • Do not eat coloured foods and beverages

Drinking dark-coloured beverages will cause stains to composite veneers. The same applies to eating pigmented foods. Try to eat in moderation to keep dental veneers looking good for longer.

  • Visit a dentist

Routine checkup is the key when you want your veneers to appear suitable. It would be best if you went for checkups every six months so that the dentist can assess your teeth' health and the condition of your veneers

  • Protect from physical harm

Veneers are not indestructible. Try not to chew on hard foods or bite your fingernails. Do not participate actively in contact sports without wearing a mouth guard.

Thus, searching for qualified dentists who can guide you through the entire process and ensure you achieve successful results is essential. You can transform your teeth for an attractive smile that lasts many years. It is an excellent investment for your teeth that can make all the difference for the perfect look. So, if you are considering undergoing dental veneer treatment, you have made the right decision for your improved appearance.