Dental Veneers are a popular dental procedure for those who want to improve their smile but who cannot afford the time and money of other procedures such as orthodontics.
However, there is little information available on how frequently veneers are used in today’s society.
The truth is that veneers have been around for quite some time now, but it was not until the early 1990s that they really began to gain popularity.
Since then, veneers have become one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments on the market today.
Let’s take a closer look at the world of dental veneers.
What are Dental Veneers?
First off, what are dental veneers?
Simply put, they are thin shells of tooth-coloured material that fit over the front of teeth in order to change their appearance.
“Based on research, veneers can be considered the fastest growing cosmetic dentistry procedure on the market today.”
This is due to several factors including expense and popularity.
In some cases, the procedure can be completed in just a single visit to the dentist.
In this way, you avoid lengthy and expensive treatment plans as opposed to other methods of cosmetic dentistry such as crowns, bridges or whitening treatments.
What is the Purpose of Dental Veneers?
There are several reasons why people choose dental veneers. Here are the top reasons why people choose to have this procedure:
- To make a smile look larger while staying natural.
- To cover up discoloration of teeth from tooth decay, trauma, or aging.
- To correct chipped, cracked, or uneven teeth.
Veneers are incredibly versatile, they can alleviate tooth sensitivity, there are a range of makeover options, and the procedure itself is minimally invasive.
It’s an obvious choice for those looking to gain more confidence in their smile!
What are the Different Types of Dental Veneers?
The types of dental veneers that are available are contingent on several different factors including the tooth surface, the teeth alignment, and how much coverage you need.
There are two general categories of veneers: incisal or facial veneers.
Facial veneers are designed to cover the face of teeth while incisor veneers (also called plastic, porcelain, or laminate veneer) are used primarily for restorations that will be exposed to friction and abrasion.
The general term for cosmetic veneers is porcelain restorations.
Which Type is the Most Common?
The most common type of dental veneers are facial veneers, which cover the teeth on the outside surface.
They can also be used to conceal flaws in teeth, fill gaps where one tooth meets another or to improve the appearance of a smile.
Facial veneers can adhere directly to the tooth or they can be attached with dental cement.
Dental cements are adhesives that act as a barrier between the mouth and the dental porcelain.
Are Cosmetic Veneers Painful?
There is sometimes a small amount of discomfort associated with having veneers installed.
However, you can expect the pain to be mild and temporary.
Patients may say that they experience some soreness in their mouth following the procedure but this is just a normal reaction that will go away within a few days of the treatment.
The discomfort can be soothed with an over the counter medication such as ibuprofen.
The patient’s mouth may also be sore for a few days and you’ll need to avoid chewing gum or opening the jaw wide immediately after the procedure.
When Can I Get My Veneers?
If you are interested in getting dental veneers, it is important that you have your general dentist assess whether or not veneers are the right option for you.
If it is determined that they are a good choice, your dentist can set up a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in order to discuss what materials are used, how much time it will take and other important information.
Conclusion
With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that dental veneers are becoming increasingly popular as a way to enhance one’s smile.
These thin, porcelain covers can be used for many purposes, such as correcting imperfections and creating an even appearance when teeth have shifted out of alignment or have been damaged in some other way.
The best part is that they don’t require major surgery.
If you have imperfections in your teeth or just want a change to make your smile look its best, this is definitely an option to consider!
