When it comes to the list of available options to cover chipped or broken tooth surface, veneer, often referred to as porcelain laminate, remains the most preferred choice. Here’re some crucial aspects of veneer treatment for teeth.
What is teeth lamination? What are veneers used for?
Dental lamination is recommended to cover the damaged surface of the tooth and improve its appearance. Simply put, dental veneers are custom-made thin porcelain shells that can easily fit on the tooth surface. Veneers (shells) help in solving aesthetic problems by making the teeth attractive.
Dental veneers are often looked upon as a cosmetic dentistry option to help in improving the smile. However, the fact that they offer structural reinforcement is ignored by many. The alternative is also considered lesser intrusive compared to fitting braces, crowns.
When do dental care experts recommend veneers?
Dental care experts recommend this option in case of worn down, discolored, chipped or broken teeth, irregularly shaped, misaligned, uneven tooth, or even to manage the gaps between two teeth.
Types of veneers in dentistry
Units made from porcelain, composite resin are most widely recommended. Some dental offices have their milling unit for creating veneers using ceramic materials in their lab, while others get the fittings manufactured from third-party labs.
There are several types of veneer available in the markets that suit various purposes. Besides composite and porcelain, there are ready to use Instant, Removable (Snap-On), and Feldspathic options.
Feldspathic type is considered as the most expensive one but offers a realistic and natural look if the technician painting the same on the tooth is highly experienced.
Removable or Snap-on options work more like removable teeth. You can remove them; clean them after using the same. Such shells are the cheapest ones in the market.
The Instant options are pre-made, and your dentist can directly apply them on your teeth without much of reshaping or alteration. They are available in multiple standard sizes.
What are the benefits of veneers for teeth?
Acidic foodstuff, drinks, stomach acid, and incorrect brushing habits cause irreparable damage to the tooth enamel. Damaged enamel can ruin the tooth within a few months. Dentists use veneers to treat enamel erosion and control further damage.
A veneer is often considered as an alternative to orthodontic treatments for crooked or gapped teeth. It also eliminates the need to wear braces. The shell conceals the natural tooth’s orthodontic problems without performing any complicated surgical procedures.
The option proves extremely useful for patients who do not wish to undergo surgical procedures for a certain number of days but wish to camouflage the damaged tooth. For example, patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases and lifestyle health issues need special consideration and precautions while opting for invasive procedures. Oral health experts recommend simple treatment options like getting a veneer in place as a quick and effective solution to such patients.
Teeth turn yellow or brown and become unattractive due to eating highly pigmented food items, smoking cigarettes, or drinking tea, coffee in large quantities for several years. The enamel can be brightened by getting rid of the stain up to a certain extent. However, with dental veneers in place, you won’t have to worry about discoloration or other stains related damage. So, no need to spend money on tooth whitening products as well.
Placing veneers and managing them
A small part of the tooth’s surface needs to be removed for making space to fit the veneer. If required, local anesthetic needs to be used to numb the area while trimming off the enamel. Veneer color is correctly selected to ensure it matches the shades of nearby teeth.
Your dentist would also require taking an impression for the concerned tooth and sending the same to the labs that usually take around a week or so to create veneers. Until the arrival of the shells from the lab, the dentist can fit temporary dental veneers on the teeth to protect them.
Later, the temporary shell is removed, and the custom-made veneer is placed on the teeth with the help of cement and adhesive material. Any excess material left on the surface is removed, and the shell is polished to make sure it shines. Your dentist may plan a follow-up visit to ensure that the veneer has proved to be a proper fit.
The cost for veneer varies from one city to the other due to the difference in the material used for the shell, the affected tooth, and the fees charged by the dental office. It can be anywhere between $500 and $2000 per tooth.
Brushing twice a day and flossing along with other usual oral health care remains crucial even after getting the shell in place. Use fluoride-based non-abrasive toothpaste to keep your teeth free from gingivitis and caries. Proper oral hygiene can ensure the veneer lasts for as long as ten years without getting damaged.
Remember, getting a shell on the tooth does not mean you can increase the coffee, tea, and sugary beverages intake in your day-to-day life without worrying about oral health. It can undoubtedly improve your confidence and give you a beautiful smile, but again, the smile may not last for more than a year if you fail to clean your teeth regularly.
As mentioned earlier, to make some room for the veneer, the dentist might require removing some parts of the enamel’s layer. The procedure cannot be reversed. Once the shell is in place, it is advisable not to chew hard objects and put pressure on the concerned tooth. A new shell may not prove to be an appropriate solution for individuals suffering from teeth grinding, bruxism.
As far as insurance cover is concerned, most of the policies do not cover the cost incurred for the fitting veneer. Your dentist would conduct a proper oral health check-up and suggest if getting veneers in place is the most suitable option compared to other treatments.
Wish to know more about dental veneers process? Fix an appointment at Roswell (GA) based TruCare Dentistry today.