Achieve That Hollywood Smile with Porcelain Veneers

Composite Veneers

Composite material is often recommended as a viable alternative to porcelain veneers. Although they are less expensive, these dental materials may provide several advantages, such as the fact that only minor tooth enamel is eliminated during application and that chips or fractures on the veneers can be repaired.

Veneers made of composite resin are expected to last for 4 to 8 years. Composite veneers must be replaced when they have worn out.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain is the most popular type of dental veneer since it offers many benefits. Because porcelain is thin and translucent, it delivers a natural-looking aesthetic outcome.

They are thin yet sturdy ceramic coverings affixed to the tooth surface to improve its appearance. This process is an excellent way to get the smile of your dreams. It’s a long-term investment that may last anywhere from ten to fifteen years.

A patient’s ability to care for porcelain veneers after they’ve been significantly installed determines their longevity. If the underlying natural teeth decay due to improper oral hygiene, the aesthetics of the veneers may be compromised.

• Tooth sensitivity:
  The dentist removes a layer of enamel to apply veneers. After the procedure, the teeth may be somewhat sensitive when consuming hot or cold food and beverages. Furthermore, during the first three weeks after receiving a dental veneer, some people experience mild tooth sensitivity. If the sensitivity persists for more than three to six months, it could be something serious. It’s possible that a natural tooth nerve became inflamed during a surgical procedure, causing an infection. If issues continue too long, seek medical attention from your dental practitioner. 

• Uneven colour:
  It’s uncommon for newly placed veneers to be mismatched, but it’s not impossible. The colour of the porcelain veneer may be slightly different from the surrounding healthy teeth.
  
  There’s a chance that discolouration will appear along the edges. If teeth whitening is the cosmetic reason for a treatment, it should always be discussed with a cosmetic dentist before veneers are fitted.
  
  Veneers are more resistant to stains than composite bonding, but the cement used in the bond may discolour over time. When the veneers are replaced, a fresh coat of dental cement is applied to the natural tooth surface to keep your teeth white and bright.  

• Gum tissues might take time to adjust:
  Newly placed veneers may require some time to adjust to the natural gum tissues. There will be some swelling and discomfort around the gums after the installation. Although these symptoms will subside with time, you should consult a dentist if discomfort persists in the mouth for more than a few days. 

• Discomfort:
  Although the dental veneer placement procedure is generally painless, some patients may feel discomfort. The discomfort should be minor, but if this is an issue for you, talk to your dentist about taking over-the-counter medicine beforehand.

Do: 

• Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush:
  Dental cement is used to secure the porcelain veneers. After the cosmetic treatment, it’s essential to wait a week or so for the tooth bonding to set. After this time, you can continue with your regular oral care regimen. Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth. Avoid abrasive toothpaste and hard-bristled toothbrushes, as these may harm your veneers’ polish. 

• Observe good oral hygiene
  Your veneers may be kept in excellent condition for years if you follow a good oral hygiene regimen. It will keep your natural teeth and dental veneers looking beautiful for years. Even though they are composed of a material that does not decay, other elements may be exposed and become vulnerable. Keep an eye on the items you use, and make sure you use mild products so as not to harm them in any way.  

• Have regular dental checkups
  If you have porcelain veneers, keep your teeth and gums clean by attending dental checkups regularly. It will guarantee that your teeth and gums are healthy, and you’ll be able to address any problems before they become serious.  

Don’t: 

• Don’t consume stain-causing foods and beverages:
  Stains are not an issue with most porcelain veneers, but the adhesive that keeps them in place is. It’s possible that drinking beverages with caffeine, such as coffee or soda, can discolour or create yellow margins on the edges of your teeth. Thus, if you want to reduce the possibility of stains developing on your teeth, drink with a straw or completely avoid these beverages.  

• Don’t grind your teeth:
  Grinding or clenching your teeth can harm your teeth and veneers. It can create cracks or break the porcelain veneers. To keep your teeth healthy, you should consult the dentist for assistance with treatment options before they cause any more damage.  

• Don’t chew on objects.
  Porcelain veneers are not as sturdy as the natural tooth structure. Avoid chewing hard items such as ice, fingernails, and pens when possible. If you chew on hard objects, it might chip or break your veneers.

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
  It is critical not to smoke or use any other tobacco products to preserve your veneers’ clean look and excellent oral health. Smoking can stain and discolour your veneers, which start to appear over time.

Preparation:

To determine which restoration option is best for you, your dentist will schedule a preliminary consultation to go over the options and how many veneers you want. If you have severely uneven or misaligned teeth, you may need braces before your dentist can apply the veneers.

At this point, your dentist will take X-rays to assess your dental health. They’ll examine your teeth for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or the need for root canals. If you have any of these issues, you are unlikely to be a good candidate for veneers.

Your dentist will remove half a millimetre of enamel to create the exact size for the porcelain veneers. Once this step is completed, an impression is made, and this mould is sent to the laboratory, where the veneers are created. 

Installation:

It generally takes between one and two weeks for the laboratory technician to create the customised veneers and have your veneers returned from the lab.

Once the veneers are ready, you’ll be able to schedule an appointment to have them attached. Your dentist checks the fit, form, and colour of the veneers to ensure that they’re perfect for you.

Then, your dentist cleans your teeth thoroughly. It is critical because it prevents germs from accumulating beneath the veneers and causing decay. Your dentist then uses a grinding instrument to rough up the surface of each tooth on which a veneer will be placed. It makes it easier for the veneer to adhere to the tooth.

The cosmetic dentist will use dental cement to bond the veneer to the tooth. They’ll apply ultraviolet light to harden the cement quickly.

The second visit generally lasts no more than two hours, but if a local anaesthetic is administered, it might be 30 minutes longer.