Health

What You Need to Know Before Getting Veneers

Veneers are used to cover teeth with imperfections. They are made of porcelain or composite resin and cover the front part of the teeth and the edge. They do not go all the way to the back of the teeth. Some of these imperfections can be discoloration of teeth, crooked teeth, or missing teeth. Because a smile is the first thing that people see when they meet with you, this can affect your confidence. Veneers can be permanent or temporary.

Who Should Get Veneers?

Veneers are solutions for cosmetic dental issues because they do not resolve a health problem. People who have cosmetic imperfections such as discolored teeth, teeth with chips on them, significant gaps, crooked teeth, mismatched teeth, or worn down will often opt for veneers. They allow you to keep your teeth without getting them replaced, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Dentists do not recommend veneers for people who have significant tooth damage that affects the tooth’s structure, gum disease, or a tooth damaged by cavities. The reason for this is because the veneers will not help treat these issues. It would be best to consider having these dental issues treated first to ensure that the teeth are not damaged.

People who grind their teeth and habitually clench their teeth are also not candidates for veneers because these could damage the veneers, leading to other health complications. Other dental issues such as crossbite, underbite, or crowded teeth may need corrective measures to fix them. After going through corrective dental actions, then you can opt to get veneers.

How Veneers Work

Veneers provide a covering on your teeth to mask the imperfections underneath. They can last for decades with proper care. You can get veneers for only a couple of teeth or all your teeth. You do not even have to go in for a dentist visit after you have decided to get veneers. You place an order for a dental impression kit that takes the structure of your teeth for the perfect fit. The veneers will then be made to fit and then sent right back to you.

Another way is, the dentist will remove a thin layer of enamel on your tooth to place the veneer on your tooth or teeth. The veneer made of porcelain or composite resin is then attached to the front part of your teeth or tooth. This process is, at most, a three-visit procedure. It is not painful, but you may be put under general anesthesia because there may be slight discomfort.

Choosing Veneers

There are two kinds of veneers; permanent veneers and temporary ones. Permanent veneers are installed by the dentist, while temporary ones can be prepared after just one dentist visit. Permanent veneers cause changes to your teeth. Therefore, if you opt to remove them, you may need additional dental work done because of the dentist’s enamel shaved off while installing the veneers. It is irreversible.

Advantages of Temporary Veneers

  • Temporary veneers can last long with proper care.
  • They look like your teeth.
  • They are not expensive, and you can change them often.
  • Easily replaceable without having to visit the dentist.
  • There are no changes to your natural teeth.

Taking Care of Veneers

You may feel some discomfort when you first get veneers and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and using a mild mouthwash or warm, salty water can take care of this discomfort. Your speech may also be slightly affected for a short period, as you get used to them.

Care of your veneers is like taking care of your normal teeth. Brush them regularly with a fluoride-based toothpaste, which will clean them thoroughly. Do not use a toothbrush with very hard bristles as that may damage them over a period. Also, avoid acidic food and staining food and drinks such as coffee and red wine. You can use a straw to minimize the rate at which they stain your veneers.

Smoking will stain the veneers and can cause gum diseases even with the veneers. Reduce your smoking if you find it difficult to stop and brush your teeth to prevent staining. Even though veneers are hardy, they are still vulnerable to damage. Avoid very hard foods, biting hard non-food items, and dangerous physical activities that may cause damage to your veneers. Veneers are a wonderful way of correcting cosmetic dental imperfections which will boost your confidence.

Christopher Stern

Christopher Stern is a Washington-based reporter. Chris spent many years covering tech policy as a business reporter for renowned publications. He has extensive experience covering Congress, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Trade Commissions. He is a graduate of Middlebury College. Email:[email protected]

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