Veneers

Dental cosmetic treatments like veneers are not only used to treat cavities or repair broken teeth, but also to beautify the appearance of healthy teeth. They completely cover the front part of the tooth. Veneers improve the appearance of your teeth by changing their color, shape, angle or spacing. Your dentist can repair broken, chipped, cracked, spaced, or yellowed teeth. Aesthetic restoration of your teeth can beautify your smile and give you more confidence.

What are facets?

Veneers are small, very thin shells, made of porcelain or composite resin, that are attached to the front part of the teeth. Porcelain veneers are more durable, do not stain or change color. In general, at least 2 visits are necessary for the application of porcelain veneers, while only one is sufficient for composite resin veneers. In general, porcelain veneers last longer than composite resin veneers.

Installation of composite resin veneers

Just like etching, your dentist applies a mild chemical solution to the tooth that will roughen the enamel and make it easier for the composite resin to adhere. He chooses the composite resin that matches the natural color of your teeth and applies it in several layers. Each layer is light cured. When the last layer has hardened, the resin is shaped and polished so that the tooth regains a soft and natural appearance.

Installation of porcelain veneers

In the case of porcelain veneers, your dentist may use local anesthesia (numbing), after which he or she removes a thin layer of tooth enamel so that the veneers can be applied. He then takes the impression of your teeth which he will send to the laboratory so that the porcelain veneers can be made to measure. In the meantime, he may fit you with temporary veneers to replace the part of the tooth removed until the porcelain veneers are ready. Temporary veneers are very fragile; you will need to chew your food and clean your teeth gently, as they can come loose very easily.

Veneers are not suitable for everyone. The dentist may offer treatments other than veneers for certain reasons, including the following:

• if the tooth is decayed or located in an area affected by periodontal disease (gum disease), the dentist will need to treat this problem first.
• if there is very little enamel left on the tooth, this will prevent the veneers from adhering properly.
• if too much of the tooth is missing, placing a crown may be another option.
• if the person grinds their teeth or clenches their teeth. This habit, called bruxism, can damage or break porcelain veneers.

What you also need to know:

• As with your other natural teeth, you must brush and floss your teeth on which veneers have been placed every day.
• If the veneers are not properly attached or do not adhere completely to the tooth, there is a risk of stains and cavities forming underneath.
• The installation of veneers is an irreversible treatment, because part of the enamel has been removed.
• If the veneer chips or comes loose, or if a cavity form underneath, the treatment will need to be redone. The dentist may also suggest placing a crown on the tooth.
• Constant grinding or clenching of teeth can chip or break the veneers or etching material.
• Porcelain veneers and etched teeth can chip if you are not careful when biting into hard foods or chewing your food. Do not bite into hard objects like ice cubes or fingernails.
• Cosmetic restorative treatments such as etching or veneers may not be covered by your dental plan. You may have to cover the costs yourself.