Veneers are thin, wafer like shells of porcelain or resin composite that are attached to the front part of the teeth. They are a perfect solution for worn down enamel, stained or discoloured teeth and chipped or cracked teeth. Veneers improve the colour, alignment and shape of your teeth.
Ideal Candidate for Veneers
You may be an ideal candidate for veneers in case you have any of the following conditions
- Discoloured tooth- either due to root canal treatment or due to excess fluoride or due to stains resulting from drugs etc
- Worn down tooth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Misaligned or uneven teeth
- Irregular shaped teeth
- Gaps between teeth
Procedure
The entire procedure requires atleast three visits to your dentist, one for consultation, next for preparation and one more visit for bonding.
Consultation
The first step of diagnosis involves active participation from you. You need to plan your smile and put across to the dentist what type of results you want to achieve. Be sure to understand the limitations of the procedure. Your dentist might take X-Rays and impressions of your teeth.
Preparation
This step involves removing about ½ millimeter of your teeth to accommodate the veneer on the tooth surface. This may be done under the effect of a local anesthesia. Next step involves preparing a model or impression of the teeth which is sent to a dental lab for preparing the veneer. It may take approximately one to two weeks for preparation of veneers. Composit
Aftercare
It might take a week or two for you to get adapted to your teeth. Brushing and flossing regimen should be maintained. Do not chew or bite onto hard objects such as nuts or shells. Your dentist might ask you to come in for a follow-up visit after a week or two.
Advantages
Veneers provide a tooth like appearance besides being stain resistant and making the teeth appear whiter. Porcelain veneers are well tolerated by the gum tissues and are a conservative option to change the colour and shape of the teeth.
Disadvantages
It is an irreversible process and cannot be repaired if they chip or crack. Your teeth might become more sensitive to hot and cold foods due to removal of enamel. Veneers are not an ideal option for people who grind their teeth or have decayed teeth or teeth with very less enamel.
With proper care veneers may last five to ten years after which they need to be replaced To know more about veneers and to find out if it is the right option for you, fix an appointment with us.