TL;DR
- Veneers are thin shells of material that are cemented onto your teeth to mask dental imperfections such as chips, gaps, discoloration, and uneven spaces while leaving most of your natural tooth intact.
- Two primary options available are: porcelain veneers (natural appearance, stain-proof, last 10-15 years) and composite resin veneers (quicker, less expensive, last 5-7 years).
- Treatment takes 3-5 weeks with three visits: consultation, preparation of your teeth with minimal enamel removal (~0.5mm), and cementation of the custom veneer.
- Advantages are immediate smile transformation, natural look, durable results, and a high level of confidence in social and professional environments.
What are Dental Veneers?
Many people hesitate to smile freely due to dental imperfections. Dental veneers can help with that. Veneers are thin, precisely crafted shells used to cover the front of your teeth, improving your smile and boosting your self-confidence. These shells are bonded to your real teeth to make them look better, fixing chips, gaps, and discoloration.
However, it is important to understand how veneers work prior to undergoing treatment. Each veneer is about one millimeter thick and requires only minimal tooth preparation for secure bonding. By concealing imperfections, veneers help you achieve your ideal look while preserving most of your natural tooth structure.
Let’s explore the various types of veneers, their benefits, and what the procedure involves.
Types of Veneers
Understanding how teeth veneers work depends largely on which material you choose. Veneers usually come in two primary varieties: composite resin veneers and porcelain veneers. Each type has distinct characteristics that make it suitable for different needs and budgets.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are widely considered as one of the most effective options in cosmetic dentistry. They consist of a long-lasting porcelain laminate material that is similar to natural tooth enamel.
But how do porcelain veneers work and obtain such a natural look? Porcelain veneers have a translucency that reflects light almost exactly like natural teeth, offering the most perfect and natural-looking outcome.
These veneers are stain-resistant and biocompatible, so they work well with your gum tissue without irritating it.
Composite Veneers
Composite resin veneers are made of an organic resin matrix combined with inorganic filler particles, often bonded together using a coupling agent. They may be placed directly on your teeth in one office visit, making them faster and less expensive.
Although they have a good cosmetic outcome at first, composite veneers are more porous and prone to stains than porcelain.
The decision between composite and porcelain often comes down to your priorities. Composite offers a more affordable option with a shorter treatment time, while porcelain offers better durability and appearance but at a higher cost.
Common Dental Concerns Addressed with Veneers
Veneers are versatile and can address a broad range of cosmetic dental concerns. Here’s what they can fix:
- Discoloration and stains: Teeth that do not respond to regular whitening, whether due to age, medications, or excess fluoride, can be covered with veneers, giving you a bright, even smile.
- Chips and cracks: Veneers can hide damage caused by accidents or wear, restoring the smooth, natural appearance of your teeth.
- Worn-down teeth: Teeth affected by grinding, harsh brushing, or natural aging can be rebuilt to their original shape and size, improving both appearance and function.
- Irregular spacing or crowding: Slightly crooked or uneven teeth can appear perfectly aligned with veneers, often without the need for braces.
- Gaps between teeth (diastema): Veneers can close small spaces by being slightly wider than your natural teeth, creating a uniform look.
- Uneven or oddly shaped teeth: Teeth that are too small, pointy, or irregular can be reshaped with veneers, giving a balanced, harmonious smile.
To see the solution in action, it helps to know how veneers work: they adhere directly to your teeth, creating a smooth, flawless surface that hides chips, stains, and gaps.
What are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?
Instant change is probably the most thrilling advantage. In a matter of dental appointments, you can totally revamp your smile, and that’s precisely how veneers work. Here are some more benefits:
- Natural results are assured, particularly with porcelain veneers. The natural-looking quality of porcelain is so similar to natural tooth enamel that most people won’t know you have veneers.
- Longevity and durability contribute to the value of veneers. Porcelain veneers last 10 to 15 years on average, with research indicating a survival rate of around 96% after 10 years. Composite veneers last slightly less, an average of 5 to 7 years.
- Minimally invasive treatment means taking out only around 0.5 millimeters of tooth enamel. This is far less than dental crowns require. This avoids removing much of the natural tooth structure and is better for your teeth in the long run.
- Stain resistance ensures your smile remains radiant. Porcelain veneers are essentially stain-proof, so you don’t have to be concerned with stains from coffee, tea, or red wine.
- Gum compatibility ensures healthy soft tissue, as porcelain is highly biocompatible and adapts well to your gums without causing inflammation.
- Psychological benefits extend beyond appearance. People with veneers often feel more confident in social and professional settings, with reduced self-consciousness about their smile.
What is the Procedure for Getting Veneers?
Getting veneers at Osseo Family Dental usually involves three visits to plan, prepare, and place your veneers. You can get more than one tooth veneered during the same visits. Here is the general process:
- An initial consultation is where you meet with your dentist to talk about your smile aspirations. Your dentist inspects your teeth to make sure you’re an appropriate candidate for veneers and talks about what you want to correct.
- Preparation visit occurs on your second visit. Your dentist sculpts your tooth’s surface, removing approximately half a millimeter of enamel so the veneer fits perfectly. Local anesthetic makes you comfortable throughout. Your dentist takes an impression (mold) of your teeth and sends it to a dental lab. This process of fabrication usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Temporary veneers shield your prepared teeth during the wait.
- The bonding procedure takes place during your third visit. Your dentist tests the fit and color, then etches the tooth to prepare it to ensure the veneer bonds well. Cement is placed under the veneer, and a special curing light hardens it instantly.
- Final adjustments involve eliminating excess cement and bite adjustments. A return visit might be necessary to check for comfort.
The whole process is around 3 to 5 weeks from consultation to finished placement. There’s hardly any downtime, and most patients resume normal activities straight away.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how veneers work in cosmetic dentistry, you can decide if this is the right treatment for you. Veneers are an established solution for changing smiles and giving confidence a boost through a minimally invasive and long-lasting procedure. Whether you opt for porcelain or composite veneers, this cosmetic procedure has the ability to correct several dental issues while offering natural-looking results.
At Osseo Family Dental, we’re here to assist with everything from fitting dental veneers to restoring full function and aesthetics. If you’re looking into restorative care options or searching for dental offices nearby, we’re here to help. We have the best dentists in Osseo, MN, for all your dental veneer needs.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment. You can call us at (763) 425-2626 or email us at info@osseofamilydental.com. You can also visit us at 30 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369.
FAQs
What happens to your real teeth under veneers?
Your natural teeth remain largely intact under veneers. Only a thin layer of enamel (around 0.5mm) is removed to create space for the veneer. The tooth structure beneath continues to function normally and must be maintained through proper brushing and flossing to prevent decay.
Can you go back to normal teeth after veneers?
Veneers are considered a permanent treatment because some enamel is removed during preparation. Your teeth will always require some kind of covering because once this enamel is gone, it cannot be replaced. Veneers, however, can be taken off and replaced if needed.
Can you eat normally with veneers?
Yes, veneers allow you to eat normally. However, since they can chip, do not chew on hard items like pens, ice, or fingernails. Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid biting straight into hard foods, such as hard candies.
Is getting veneers painful?
The actual veneer procedure doesn’t hurt. During the preparation visit, local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable while the enamel is being reshaped. The bonding procedure is totally painless, though you might have some short-term tooth sensitivity for a few days following preparation.
Are veneers permanent?
Veneers are a permanent dental treatment because the process involves removing tooth enamel. But eventually, it will be necessary to replace the veneers themselves. Composite veneers last 5 to 7 years, whereas porcelain veneers last 10 to 15 years.
