Important Things You Need To Know Before Getting Veneers

If you have chipped, discoloured, or malformed teeth, then veneers may be your best option to improve your smile.

Problems that veneers can fix

Veneers can help treat the following:

• Discoloured teeth due to root canal treatment, stains from drugs, excessive fluoride, and large resin fillings
• Teeth that are worn down or thinning
• Chipped and broken teeth
• Misaligned, uneven, and irregularly shaped teeth
• Gapped teeth

Veneers teeth pros and cons

One advantage to getting veneers is that the dentist can do it in just two visits. It is made of porcelain, so the colour closely resembles natural teeth. Porcelain also resists stains, so it is easy to maintain.

The main disadvantage though of veneers is that the traditional method requires your natural teeth to be shaped. Your dentist will basically drill your real teeth, so they are small and thin enough for the veneer to be attached. Once your natural teeth are shaped for this procedure, it is irreversible.

 Another thing to add to the cons of veneers is that they are costly and need to be replaced after 15 to 20 years.

 Only recently has a new method of getting veneers been introduced. This new method requires very minimal or no tooth shaping at all. If done properly, dental veneers can genuinely give you that million-dollar smile.

Veneers vs lumineers

Lumineers are basically another type of veneer or a brand or veneer offered by some dentists. While veneers are 0.5 millimetres thick, lumineers are just 0.3 millimetres thick. The difference in thickness makes lumineers easier to attach to your existing teeth.

Veneers are made of porcelain, while lumineers are made from a laminate which makes them less expensive. Lumineers, compared to veneers, require fewer teeth preparation, although veneers last longer. If you have very minimal damage to your teeth, lumineers may be an option you can discuss with your dentist.

Veneers procedure

Getting dental veneers only requires 2 or 3 trips. It starts with a consultation with your dentist. You can have one or multiple teeth treated at the same time.

1. During your first visit with your dentist, talk to them about what results you’re trying to achieve. Depending on the state of your teeth and oral health, you may need x-rays and impressions of your teeth.
2. On the day of your procedure, your dentist will prepare your tooth for your veneers. That includes drilling the surface of your teeth to reshape them. Your dentist will drill down to a thickness equal to the veneer so it can be attached seamlessly.
3. Your tooth will be cleaned and polished to prepare it for the veneer. A special cement is used to attach the veneer to your tooth. Your dentist will also use a special light to help the cement dry properly. Once your veneers are attached, your dentist will clean up the rest of your teeth and make sure your bite looks good.

Veneers care and maintenance

Veneers don’t necessarily require any special aftercare. Either continue or improve your dental hygiene routines. One thing to remember is that even though your veneers are made of porcelain and will resist stains, you still have your natural teeth. Early on, be sure to avoid stain-causing food and drink.

 If you’re interested in perfecting your smile with us, contact our dentist in Toronto for an appointment.