Perfecting Your Teeth Through Dental Veneers
If you have found that your teeth are thin, misshaped
, chipping away, translucent, or stained beyond repair, there is an alternative you may want to explore. While somewhat expensive, dental veneers can be a beautiful, natural solution to unwanted problems in your smile.
A veneer is basically a thin layer of material which is placed on or painted over the teeth, which restores them to a healthy, natural look. It functions to both improve the aesthetics of your smile, and protect the enamel to prevent further degeneration of teeth.
Veneers were first invented by a dentist from California, named Dr. Charles Pincus. Since they were in the beginning stages of use, they were applied merely with a soluble denture adhesive, and easily fell off after a short amount of time.
They were generally used by actors, who needed to temporarily change the appearance of their teeth. As they explored the different adhesives, scientists found that porcelain could be etched with hydrofluoric acid, and the strengths between bonds could be created between composite resins and porcelains.
This would allow porcelain veneers to be bonded to the teeth more permanently. As science and dental veneers have progressed, more impressive bonds have been made that last typically ten to thirty years.
There are two types of materials which can be used when coating teeth: composite and dental porcelain. Both have their benefits and drawbacks.
Porcelain coating tends to be much more durable, and long lasting. While it is brittle in nature, once it is bonded to your tooth it becomes very strong.
Porcelain also tends to look the most natural, and life-like. Since the enamel of our teeth is somewhat translucent, it reflects and is penetrated by a certain amount of light.
Porcelain mimics this effect and creates a more realistic look. They also resist staining, which is a major factor in the maintaining of the look you desire.
The last benefit is that minimal tooth structure is lost in the application. It is non-invasive, and works easily to cover the tooth without have to sand, drill, etc.
One disadvantage is that unfortunately they cannot be manufactured in your dentist's office. Because of this, you may have to come back for multiple visits to ensure they are done correctly, and can be sent back and forth from the dental laboratory where they are made.
Porcelain also tends to be more expensive than a composite. They require more time to make and apply, along with requiring more expensive materials.
These veneers also cannot be repaired. If they are damaged in any way, they have to be completely replaced.
Composite coverings are much easier to make, and as a result are less expensive. They can be repaired if any kind of damage occurs, instead of having to take the time to replace them.
While these are good benefits, most dentists would say that the disadvantages will outweigh the benefits. They do not bond for as long, and as a result must be re-bonded or replaced after just a few years.
They also stain much more easily, which can be a great annoyance to the patient after paying to have each tooth coated. Dentists recommend using a strong whitening toothpaste every day to maintain the color.
The cost of veneers ranges from about one thousand dollars per tooth to twenty five hundred dollars per tooth. For this reason, they are most often seen on celebrities, rather than the average candidate.
Procedures are done with little or no anesthesia, and tend to be very low-key, non-invasive appointments. Generally two appointments are required to complete the process, which as far as dental work goes, is pretty simple.
The length of the appointment depends entirely on the condition of your teeth. It is done in the simplicity of your dentist's office.
On the first appointment, your teeth will be roughened and shaped to remove the very outside layer of your tooth enamel. This allows the bonding to occur properly on each tooth.
Impressions will then be taken of your teeth, so the veneers can be made in the laboratory (if they are porcelain). At your next appointment they will be fitted, shaped, and bonded.
This is a fabulous way to dramatically improve the quality of your smile and appearance, in a very minimal process. If you are interested, talk to your doctor today about whether or not you are a candidate!
by: Ronald Pedactor
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