Are you considering getting veneers to improve the look of your smile? Veneers can be an excellent solution for people who want to change their teeth’s shape, size, and appearance without undergoing extensive dental work. But before you commit to this elective procedure, your teeth must be adequately prepared for applying veneers. In this blog post, we will explore what goes into preparing one’s teeth for veneers so that when the time comes to decide whether or not they should pursue this cosmetic option, they have all the information they need to make an informed decision. Keep reading!
Overview of Veneers and their Benefits
Dental veneers are lean porcelain shells custom-made to fit over the front of your teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, chipped, misaligned, or crooked. Veneers are extremely versatile and can address various cosmetic dental concerns.
How Veneers Fix Teeth?
Veneers can fix teeth in several ways, making them an ideal solution for a variety of dental problems. For example, if you have chipped or cracked teeth, veneers can cover up the damage and create a smooth, even surface. They can also fix misshapen teeth by adding length or width to make them appear more symmetrical.
Another common problem that veneers can fix is discoloured teeth.
If you have severe staining or discolouration that cannot be fixed with teeth whitening treatments, veneers can provide a lasting solution. They can also be used to cover up gaps between teeth or correct minor alignment issues, providing a straighter and more seamless smile.
Overall, veneers are a versatile and effective solution for fixing teeth. By covering up imperfections and enhancing the appearance of your teeth, they can give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile that you’ll be proud to show off.
What Are The Benefits of Veneers?
Dental Veneers come with a long list of benefits, including:
Improved appearance – dental veneers can dramatically change your teeth’ shape, colour, and alignment, giving you a beautiful, flawless smile you can be proud of.
Strength and durability – because they’re made of high-quality porcelain, veneers are incredibly strong and can last many years with proper care.
Stain-resistant – unlike natural tooth enamel, porcelain veneers are resistant to staining, so you can enjoy your favourite foods and drinks without worrying about discolouration.
Minimal preparation – getting dental veneers usually requires minimal tooth preparation, meaning most of your natural tooth structure will remain intact.
Types of Veneers
Porcelain veneers
Traditional porcelain veneers are the most commonly used veneers and are ideal for people who want to change their teeth’ shape, size, or colour.
Porcelain veneers are durable, long-lasting, and made of a thin yet strong material that resembles natural tooth enamel.
They are stain-resistant and can last up to 15 years with proper care. A porcelain veneer is custom-made for each patient during the porcelain veneer procedure to ensure a perfect fit and an aesthetically pleasing result.
Composite veneers
Composite resin veneers are made of a tooth-coloured material applied directly to the tooth and moulded into shape. They are less expensive than porcelain veneers but may only last for a short time.
Composite resin veneers are an excellent option for people who want to improve their teeth’ colour, shape, or size. They are also excellent for people with minor teeth imperfections such as small chips or gaps.
Are Veneers Right for You?
When it comes to improving your smile, a dental veneer procedure can be a great option. But before you decide to pursue this elective procedure, it’s important to consider whether veneers are the right choice for you.
Veneers can effectively address various cosmetic issues with your teeth, including discolouration, chips, misalignment, or crookedness. If you’re looking for a quick and easy solution to improve your smile, veneers may be the right choice for you.
However, if you have more extensive dental problems like cavities or gum disease, veneers may not be the best option as they will not address these underlying issues. It’s important to talk with your dentist about all the options available to you before making a decision.
Understanding the Preparation Process for Veneers
In this section, we will provide you with a guide to help you understand the preparation process of thedental veneer procedure.
Consultation with Your Dentist
Getting dental veneers is a significant investment, and finding a trusted and experienced dentist is essential. During your initial consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth, take X-rays, and consider your medical history to determine if veneers suit you.
Your dentist will also discuss your veneer expectations and options and help you decide if they suit you. You can also discuss the pricing, such as porcelain veneers cost, to ensure you have the necessary budget.
Preparing Your Teeth for Veneers
Before you can get dental veneers, your teeth must be prepared for them. This process is necessary to make sure the veneer fits correctly and looks natural when it’s in place. Your dentist will use a few different procedures during the preparation process to make sure everything is done properly.
To start, your dentist will use a drill to remove any decay from the tooth and shape it for the veneer. Depending on the complexity of your case, they may also need to adjust or reshape the tooth.
After that, they will take impressions of your teeth so they can create custom veneers that fit perfectly with your mouth. Once all this is complete, the last step of the preparation process is to apply a special type of dental bonding agent to the tooth. The bonding agent helps ensure that the veneer will adhere correctly and securely when it’s put in place.
Temporary dental veneers
While waiting for your custom porcelain veneers to return from the dental laboratory, your dentist will give you temporary veneers. They are made of temporary materials and will protect your teeth while your custom veneers are being prepared.
It is crucial to take care of your temporary veneers and avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that could damage them.
Bonding The Veneers
Once your custom veneers are ready, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers and bond the new veneers. The bonding process is quick, and it involves etching the surface of your teeth, applying dental cement, and placing the veneers on your teeth.
After the veneers are attached, your dentist will adjust and polish them to give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Post-Treatment Care
After the dental veneers are placed, your dentist will provide you with care instructions to ensure they last long.
You must practise good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and scheduling regular dental checkups. Also, avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage your veneers, and wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night.
Consultation with Your Dentist
Many people are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth and seek cosmetic treatments to improve their smiles.
One common solution is getting veneers that cover imperfections and create a more uniform look. It’s important to examine your teeth and ensure they are healthy and strong enough to support veneers before the procedure.
Evaluate the condition of your teeth
Before getting veneers, you should get a comprehensive dental exam to determine the condition of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will assess factors such as tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth structure to determine if veneers are viable for you.
Veneers require a certain amount of enamel to be removed from your teeth, so veneers may not be the best choice if your teeth are weak or brittle.
Address any underlying dental issues first
If there are any underlying dental issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease, these will need to be addressed before getting veneers. In some cases, dental bonding or crowns may be a better option. Your dentist will recommend the best action based on your situation.
Consider the shape and size of your teeth
The shape and size of your teeth will also play a role in determining if you’re a good candidate for veneers.
If your teeth are too small or misaligned, veneers may be unable to cover them properly.
Similarly, if your teeth are too large, veneers may not be able to fit properly. Your dental consultant will take measurements and create a mock-up of your new smile to ensure that veneers will work for you.
Evaluate your bite
Your bite is another factor to consider when deciding whether veneers are right for you. If you have an overbite or underbite, veneers may be unable to compensate for these structural issues.
Your dentist can evaluate your bite and determine if additional orthodontic treatment is necessary before getting veneers.
Discuss your expectations with your dentist
Finally, having an open and honest conversation with your dentist about your expectations for veneers is important.
Veneers can improve your smile’s look, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your dentist can provide guidance and recommendations to ensure you get the best outcome for your unique situation.
What Types of Treatment May Be Necessary Before Applying Veneers
In this section, we’ll discuss some common treatments that may be necessary before applying veneers.
Dental cleaning
Before applying veneers, your dentist may want to perform an in-depth cleaning to remove any build-up or stains on your teeth. This treatment helps ensure no underlying decay or gum disease and that your teeth are in optimal health before receiving veneers.
It’s a simple process that typically involves scaling and polishing, but it can significantly improve the outcome of your veneer treatment.
Orthodontic treatment
Veneers can correct slightly crooked teeth, but orthodontic treatment may be necessary for more severe issues.
This is because veneers are only a cosmetic solution and can’t correct underlying malocclusion or bite issues. Your dentist may recommend braces or clear aligners to straighten your teeth first, then follow up with veneers for a perfect finish.
Teeth whitening
If you’re getting veneers to correct discolouration or staining, your dentist may suggest teeth whitening treatment before applying the veneers.
This helps ensure that the veneers match the colour of your natural teeth and give you an overall brighter and more even smile. Teeth whitening can be done in-office or with at-home kits, but it’s essential to have the treatment done under the supervision of a professional.
Restorative dentistry
In some cases, patients may require restorative dental treatment before getting veneers. This is usually to fix broken or chipped teeth or fill cavities.
It’s vital to address these underlying issues before the porcelain veneers procedure, to prevent further damage to your teeth. Your dentist may recommend treatments such as fillings, crowns, or bonding to repair any damage and ensure that your teeth are in optimal health before proceeding with veneers.
Potential Risks Involved in Preparing Teeth for Veneers
This section will discuss the most common risks you may face and how to minimise them.
Tooth sensitivity
One of the most recurring side effects of preparing teeth for veneers is temporary sensitivity. This can occur because the outer layer of the tooth enamel is removed to allow for the veneers to be attached.
When exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, the tooth may feel tender or painful.
The sensitivity should subside within a few days or weeks after the procedure. You can use a desensitising toothpaste, avoid extreme temperatures, and eat softer foods to alleviate discomfort.
Pulp damage
Sometimes, the tooth preparation process can go too deep and unintentionally damage the pulp, the living tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels.
This can lead to pain, infection, or even abscess. To avoid this complication, your dentist should use an appropriate technique that avoids unnecessary pulp exposure and closely monitors the tooth’s condition.
Gum irritation and recession
When the dentist trims the enamel, it may also affect the surrounding gum tissue. Your gums may become inflamed, swollen, or tender and recede if too much tissue is removed.
This can expose the tooth’s root and make it more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. To prevent this, an experienced dentist would gently handle your gums and teeth and use precise instruments for proper treatment.
Fit and longevity issues
The success of veneers depends on how well they are bonded to your teeth, how accurately they fit, and how well they match your other teeth. If the preparation is too conservative or aggressive, the veneer might not fit properly, creating gaps, overhangs, or poor aesthetics.
Additionally, if the veneer is not made of high-quality material and craftsmanship, it may chip, crack, or discolour over time, leading to a premature replacement.
To ensure a correct fit and a durable result, choose an experienced and reputable dentist and laboratory, and ask for a warranty and maintenance plan.
Irreversible changes
Finally, it’s important to note that the process is irreversible once you have your teeth prepared for veneers. Your teeth will always require some restoration or replacement.
Additionally, because the veneers are bonded to your enamel, you may need to have them re-bonded or removed for any reason, such as decay, infection, or wear. This can be challenging and costly and may affect your teeth’ overall health and appearance.
Conclusion
When it comes to dentistry, preparing teeth for veneers is best left in the hands of a professional. The advantages of veneers and their ability to correct misalignment and discolouration make them a worthwhile investment for those looking to enhance the appearance of their smile.
At our Stanhope Gardens dental clinic, we use only the most advanced techniques and technology to ensure you receive the best dental care. If you’d like more information on how our team can help you get started on your journey towards a more confident smile, contact us at (02) 8806 0790.
References
Tooth preparation techniques for porcelain laminate veneers | British Dental Journal https://www.nature.com/articles/4800739
Dental Veneers: Benefits, Procedure, Costs, and Results https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers
