Introduction
Veneers are customized shells that are used to cover the front surface of the teeth, where they cover up cracks, chips, stains, and other cosmetic problems. Veneering is the most common cosmetic treatment in dentistry. Dental veneers are made of porcelain or resin-composite materials which are attached to the tooth surface permanently. Veneering is usually done for cosmetic purposes and is done generally in the anterior teeth.
What Is Meant by Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored covering that covers the front surface of the anterior teeth. Technicians use good quality materials like porcelain, or tooth-colored composite to make up these coverings. These veneers are a range of cosmetic treatments that are used to correct aesthetic imperfections, chips, cracks, gaps, tooth discoloration, etc.
Types of Veneer:
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Porcelain Veneer: Porcelain veneers are the most commonly used type of veneer which are used to correct the aesthetic imperfection. These veneers are customized accordingly to fit the dental anatomy. Before placing these veneers, some enamel should be removed from the natural teeth, this is done to roughen the natural teeth which helps the veneer to stay in place.
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Composite Veneer: In the case of composite veneers, the same material used in dental composite restoration is used. In the case of composite veneers, only mild cosmetic issues can be corrected.
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No-Prep Veneers: No-prep veneers are also called minimal prep veneers as only less enamel is removed from the natural tooth structure when compared to traditional veneers. It is a less invasive option and custom-made.
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Removable Veneers: Removable veneers are also called pop-on veneers or snap-on veneers, which are used to cover the imperfection of the natural tooth. These removable veneers can be removed at any time like retainers. These veneers can make it difficult to eat and speak.
What Is the Difference Between Porcelain Veneer With Composite Veneer?
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A composite veneer can be built directly in the mouth whereas a porcelain veneer cannot be built like that.
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Composite veneer appearance is like that of a porcelain veneer.
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A porcelain veneer is more expensive than a composite veneer.
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Porcelain has comparatively higher durability and strength.
What Is the Procedure to Be Followed to Place Veneer Over the Tooth Surface?
The following steps are involved in placing a veneer over the tooth surface.
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Cleaning of the tooth surface.
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The outer enamel surface is removed so that veneer can be placed over the tooth surface.
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1/2 to 1 millimeter enamel is reduced.
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Both sides of the tooth (contact area between the tooth are also prepared.
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Once the preparation is over, the impression of the prepared tooth is taken.
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Cast is prepared from the impression and sent to the laboratory for the fabrication of the veneer. The veneer is fabricated in the lab.
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A shade guide is used to select the color of the veneer matching the adjacent tooth.
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Veneer is then bonded over the front tooth surface using a bonding agent.
What Is the Procedure to Be Followed Before Placing a Dental Veneer?
In the initial appointments, the dentist will examine the person’s teeth and gums to see whether the person is eligible for veneering. Before placing veneers, a small amount of the enamel should be removed from the natural tooth, which makes the surface rough. This helps in the better placement of the veneers. After the removal of the enamel, a dental impression is taken which helps in customizing the veneers. In the case of composite veneers dental impressions are not required. It takes some time for the lab to customize the veneers, until then the dentist may provide temporary veneers.
What Happens During the Placement of Veneers?
During the second visit, the dentist checks for the shape, color, and fit of the veneer. Once the fit is proper it is cemented permanently to the tooth structure. After cementation, the bite is checked and the required corrections are made. If any changes regarding the color, shape, or fit are needed the dentist along with the lab person works to provide a satisfactory result.
What Are the Uses of Veneer?
A dental veneer is needed under the following conditions:
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To improve the color, shape, and position of front teeth.
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To close small gaps between the front teeth.
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For the discolored tooth, to establish the original color.
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For a slightly fractured tooth.
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To correct mild surface erosion at the biting end of the front teeth.
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To correct slight mal-alignment of the teeth.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Wearing a Veneer?
Advantages:
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Stain resistant when compared to tooth-colored fillings.
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Minimal tooth preparation is required when compared to a crown.
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It is a less invasive procedure than other methods such as dental crowns.
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No additional maintenance is necessary apart from a check-up with the dentist once every six months.
Disadvantages:
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Expensive dental procedure.
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It is an irreversible procedure.
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The fragility of the veneer.
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Teeth sensitivity may occur after placing the veneer.
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Debonding of the veneer may occur when you bite hard food stuff.
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Change in color may occur.
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Individuals with veneer placed on their teeth cannot bite hard food using the front teeth (such as apples, meat, guava, biscuits, etc.)
How Can Veneers Be Maintained?
Some common methods to maintain veneers are:
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Twice brushing should be done with a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft bristle brush.
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Flossing should be done once daily.
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Antibacterial mouthwash should be used on a regular basis.
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The tooth where veneers are placed should not be used as a tool for tearing packages, cloth tags, etc.
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A regular dental checkup is required for examination and cleaning.
What Are the Alternate Options Other Than Veneers?
Dental restorative techniques other than veneers include,
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Crowns (tooth cap).
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Composite restoration (tooth-colored fillings).
What Is the Variation Between Veneer, Crown, and Implant?
Veneer is not the same as a crown or implant, as the veneer is used to cover only the anterior part of the tooth. Veneers are also very thin when compared to crowns and implants. Veneering is an invasive method where only some of the enamel is removed whereas in the case of a crown placement most of the tooth structure is removed.
Conclusion
Dental veneers are cosmetic treatment options that help to enhance the smile and boost the confidence of a person. There are advantages and disadvantages in the veneering procedure, so before going for the procedure the person should know about the pros and cons so they can make an informed decision. The person should discuss this with the dentist to clear out the cosmetic requirements and find out if dental veneering is a good option.