Today we are constantly seeing celebrities, TV presenters and influencers with their perfect, almost dreamlike smiles. This awakens in many people the need to have a smile like that of their idols. Before it was something much more frustrating, since there were not many specialized clinics in dental aesthetics. Today anyone can achieve the smile they have always dreamed of thanks to a dental veneer treatment.
Many people who may be reading us and want to change their smile do not know what veneers are and how they can improve their image. The veneer is an element that is placed on the surface of the tooth and can be made of different materials. The veneer changes the shape and color of the tooth to make it perfect. Many people tend to think that it is a complete tooth, in no case the veneers replace a tooth, since it needs a tooth to be placed.
What types of dental veneers are there?
There are two main types of veneers:
- Composite veneers : It is a mixture of synthetic resin that is placed on the tooth. It is done in the clinic’s cabinet directly on the tooth. After applying the composite, the professional molds the material to give it the desired shape and size. To harden it, a light curing lamp is used. These types of veneers are placed in a single session.
- Porcelain veneers : They are small coverings made of porcelain that are placed on the surface of the tooth. They are placed in several sessions and you also need a curing light to apply them.
What veneers do I choose, porcelain or composite?
Depending on the result you are looking for, one type or another will be more recommended. If you want a very natural and realistic result, a porcelain veneer treatment is recommended, as it better mimics the tooth. The material reacts to light like a real tooth, which happens to us with composite veneers. In addition, compared to other materials, it is very resistant to stains, although that does not mean that you do not have to pay attention to the food and drinks that are consumed.
Porcelain veneers have another great advantage in terms of durability. After the veneers are placed on the tooth, the porcelain veneers are firmly attached to the healthy tooth structure to create a solid restoration that can last 10-15 years if properly cared for; composite veneers last half the years, even with good care.
If you look at the cost and speed aspect, composite veneers win. First of all, they are much cheaper and can also be easily fixed without having to replace the veneer completely. With porcelain veneers you cannot just fix the defect, you have to change the veneer for another. Second, it only takes one session to place them; porcelain ones, on the other hand, need more than one visit to the dentist.
You also have to take into account whether you want a reversible solution or a permanent solution, since once the tooth is carved there is no going back. If you do not know if you will feel good with your new smile, you can choose a non-invasive composite veneer treatment, since you only have to clean the surface of the tooth to place the veneer without carving, after time they can be removed and returned to the appearance original tooth.
How are dental veneers put on?
Again the answer depends on the type of veneer that is chosen. The placement of the composite veneers does not hurt and does not even require anesthesia, since it is only necessary to clean the surface of the tooth.
In the case of porcelain veneers, sedation is necessary. Since you have to carve the tooth. Also in the case of porcelain veneers, the patient may notice slight tooth sensitivity since the tooth enamel has been touched during grinding. The normal thing is that this small annoyance passes in a few days. If after the placement of the veneers the patient notices pain or inflammation, it is advisable to go to the dentist to check the condition of the mouth.
What is the price of dental veneers?
Porcelain veneers, being more resistant, have a higher price than composite veneers. The price per porcelain veneer is between € 400-850. For their part, composite veneers have a cost of between € 150 and € 250 each. The price mainly varies depending on the center where the treatment is carried out, although it is advisable to have it done in a clinic specialized in dental aesthetics, in the bucco.es clinic search engine you will be able to find the one that suits your needs, be guided by the opinions of patients to choose the best.
How long do dental veneers last?
As we have already mentioned in previous paragraphs, porcelain veneers last between 15 and 20 years and composite veneers between 5 and 15 years. For these, whether made of porcelain or composite, to last over time, it is necessary to pay attention to a series of details.
- Maintain good oral hygiene. It is important that you brush 3 times a day, that you floss between your teeth and that you use a mouthwash to eliminate all the bacteria that are in your mouth and that can affect your veneers.
- Control your bruxism problems. If you clench your teeth while you sleep and wear veneers, you have a problem, since exerting so much pressure could break some of them. For this reason, it is important that you wear a discharge splint that helps you not clench your jaw while you sleep.
- Don’t bite on hard things. Veneers are delicate before great pressure such as something as simple as biting a sandwich, an apple or your nails. Avoid biting hard objects or else you may lose a veneer.
- Be careful with stains. Veneers can turn yellow if you consume drinks or foods that leave stains on white clothing. Smoking also doesn’t help keep your veneers white .
- Visit your dentist regularly. It is essential that you visit your dentist regularly if you want your veneers to last for many years. Otherwise, plaque will build up under the veneer and may cause your gums to swell or cause cavities in the tooth holding the veneer.
Advantages and disadvantages of dental veneers
Have you thought about getting veneers, but still have doubts? Not sure what are the advantages and disadvantages of dental veneers? Do you think veneers could damage your teeth?
So we are going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of dental veneers and what you should keep in mind when you go to put them on.
Therefore, many times the big question is: Why or why not have dental veneers? So let’s discuss them.
Advantages of dental veneers
- Dental veneers are no different from natural teeth – this means that we can use veneers successfully even when we need to cover the visible surface of a single damaged or broken tooth, simply to improve aesthetics.
- Quick, white results – with veneers you can quickly improve the appearance of your teeth. Many times only 2 sessions are necessary (1 for diagnostic tests and 1 for veneers placement). In addition, you can modify the color of your teeth in a white that we all want.
- Biocompatibility – not only composite, but also zirconia and porcelain are materials that are biocompatible with gingival tissues. In contrast to some materials in dentistry that can irritate or change the color of the gums, dental veneers do not cause any type of reaction, creating a perfect appearance between the gums and the teeth.
- Dental veneers are strong – with good care, composite dental veneers can have a life of about 5-10 years, while porcelain veneers can reach 15-25 years.
- They stain less – composite veneers are more prone to staining compared to porcelain or zirconia. The surface of the latter is as shiny as glass and does not allow stains to stick easily.
- It is no longer necessary to file teeth – approximately 90% of veneers no longer need to file teeth because with advances in technology they have been perfected to protect the teeth as much as possible.
- Dental veneers offer whiter color and shape – this means that veneers can totally modify your smile. differences in color and in position or shape can be corrected.
- They will improve your life and raise your self-esteem .
Disadvantages of dental veneers
Like any good thing, there are also downsides. The advantages are not worth talking about if we do not consider the disadvantages.
- They are not for everyone – in order to get veneers, your teeth must be in good health. In turn, this does not mean that if you have tooth decay you will not be able to get veneers. They are simply not recommended for people who have tooth decay greater than 50%, gingivitis, periodontitis, receding gums, or malocclusion.
There are always solutions
However, do not worry if you find yourself in one of these situations as your dentist will be able to find a solution for you.
- In some cases, they are irreversible – when it is necessary to polish the tooth, there is no going back. Although only a minimal amount of enamel is removed, the tooth loses its initial shape.
- Composite veneers stain – in case you have chosen these veneers, they will stain in time if you don’t take care of them.
- The price – although there is a lot of competition these days, many of us think that the price is high.
