Dental veneers are one of the most recurrent dental esthetic treatments. Therefore, in today’s post we are going to tell you what they are, what they are used for, how they are installed and what their advantages and disadvantages are.
What are dental veneers?
The dental veneer is a small, thin sheet of porcelain, usually, although it can also be made of other materials such as composite, which is bonded to the front of the tooth to mask or cover up problems.
Dental veneers, also known as dental facets or esthetic veneers, are esthetic reconstructions of porcelain (or composite) aimed at improving the external image of the teeth, since they allow to visually modify the shape, brightness, color and mask various oral pathologies.
There are several types of dental veneers, but the most known or used are:
– Composite dental veneers: This is a minimally invasive treatment, as these are made directly on our teeth, applying the material on the visible part and shaping it until the desired appearance is achieved. In other words, layers of composite are added to the surface of the tooth. In addition, it is not necessary to grind the tooth for their placement, making it possible to place them without the need for anesthesia.
– Porcelain dental veneers: This is a thin sheet of porcelain that is placed on the visible part of the tooth. Its function is to modify the appearance of the tooth in color, shape and brightness. In addition, they are resistant and allow you to eat normally.
What are dental veneers used for?
Dental veneers are an ideal choice in situations where the original teeth are dark in color and irregular in shape.
They are also a good option for fractured teeth, spaces between teeth and for some situations where the position of the teeth is compromised and there are minor problems related to occlusion.
For some people, superficial stains do not respond well to teeth whitening. In these situations, a porcelain veneer may also be the best option.
That is why dental veneers have dental esthetics as their main function, since they allow the dental pieces to be covered, making the teeth look perfect.
However, it is not a solution to oral health problems, since it is only a cosmetic treatment that masks but does not solve these problems.
How are dental veneers placed?
In contrast to caps or crowns, where the reduction of healthy tooth tissue is very aggressive, for dental veneers, a light spray of the front enamel of the tooth will be sufficient to allow the dental veneer to adhere. It is therefore a much more conservative treatment.
Once the veneers are bonded to the tooth, the tooth/veneer assembly acquires a resistance to fracture comparable to that of an intact tooth. Thus, we could understand that a ceramic dental veneer is the synthetic substitute for dental enamel.
Before starting the dental aesthetic treatment, we perform a study of the aesthetics of your mouth in accordance with the rest of your facial physiognomy. We use photographs, technological applications such as Digital Smile Design and models of your mouth.
This way we can show you a very approximate result of your final smile before we start.
Then we will only need 2 sessions for the placement of the dental veneers:
First session: Once the treatment to be carried out has been agreed upon by the specialists and the patient, the teeth are prepared and molds of the mouth are taken in order to make the dental veneers. During this same visit, a temporary veneer will be placed to avoid the deterioration of the preparation of the teeth.
Second session: In this second visit to our dental clinic in Granada, the dental veneers are adhered one by one on the patient’s teeth.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of dental veneers?
Contrary to everyone else, let’s start with the disadvantages or disadvantages of aesthetic veneers, so that after reading the advantages you will have a better taste in your mouth 😉
Disadvantages of dental veneers
– Tooth sensitivity: You may feel some tooth sensitivity during the first few days after the treatment, since your teeth have been prepared to be able to adhere to the aesthetic veneers.
– In case of breakage, wear and tear or deterioration: If the damage is minor, it can be repaired and modified. However, if there is extensive damage, it is advisable to replace the veneer. But for this to happen is very unusual.
Few inconveniences, right?
Advantages of dental veneers
– Natural and beautiful appearance: As they are thin layers that are placed on the vestibular surface of the anterior teeth, they provide a natural and very beautiful appearance. In addition, with porcelain dental veneers, a natural shine is restored to the tooth.
– Biocompatible material: Dental veneers are usually made of biocompatible materials. This means that these materials are very well tolerated by the dental and non-dental tissues of our mouth.
– Correction of alterations: These help to correct alterations in size, color and shape of the teeth. They can improve tooth color, can be an alternative treatment to orthodontics for mild tooth malposition and can help improve tooth size.
– Highly resistant: Esthetic veneers are highly resistant and the patient’s customs or habits are not altered by their placement.
– It is a treatment with a very short process.
Do you need porcelain or composite dental veneers?
In Cervantes Dental Clinic in Granada we care about your dental health, so we advise you properly to treat your specific case.
As we have said, each of us is different, so our case is different. For this reason, personalized and attentive service is our daily routine.
If you need porcelain or composite dental veneers, just call or write us, we will be happy to assist you.
Smile is a universal language. Come to our dental clinic in Granada and we will advise you. First appointment free of charge!
