Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells that are used to correct the teeth’ imperfections such as chipped teeth, the gap between teeth, or irregular shape. Attached to the front surface of teeth, they recreate the natural look as well as strength and resilience. One veneer is required to fix a broken or chipped tooth. However, it requires six to eight veneers for critical concerns.
They are generally made from porcelain or resin composite materials and are permanently attached to the teeth.
History of Dental Veneers
Over the past few decades, porcelain veneers have become a fad, but they were created nearly a century ago in the earlier years of Hollywood. They are the brainchild of Dr. Charles Pincus who created them for the artists to improve their smile on the celluloid screen. He was said to attach false fronts to the teeth to improve their smiles. Later, these veneers shot into popularity. However, the permanent placement of porcelain veneers was challenging at that time.
Dr. Michael Buonocore invented adhesive dentistry in the 1960s. For this, a mild acidic solution was used to etch the teeth. This led to a surface that allowed for stronger bonding for dental products and sealants. R.J. Simonsen and J.R. Calamia used the techniques designed by Dr. Bunocore for porcelain veneers in 1982. As a result, it was possible to achieve the perfect smile that was only accessible to the Hollywood bigwigs.
Today’s dental veneers are simpler and more real than their earlier versions. Besides, the digital imaging systems make it possible to make restorations that resemble the natural teeth color and shape of the patients, that’s too the same day.
It is easier to combine teeth whitening, dental crowns, and other dental treatments with porcelain veneers to ensure alluring smiles and satisfactory cosmetic results.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are made of porcelain and composite resin material. However, the better one is often decided by your dentists. A porcelain veneer is a popular choice as they are a strong, durable, and natural-looking surface. Besides, they don’t stain easily.
Why Porcelain Veneers Can Be a Better Choice than Braces
Braces are a traditional dental solution for fixing crooked teeth, creating alignment, and improving the aesthetics of smiles and faces. While they are a tried and tested way to correct teeth imperfections, many people prefer to wear porcelain veneers for many reasons.
Unlike braces, they are easy to wear without imposing too many food restrictions. Plus, they are as effective as braces to correct small gaps between existing teeth.
Based on this, here we have outlined some key benefits of porcelain veneers over braces.
Fast Results:
With traditional dental solutions like braces, you are required to make certain changes. You have to be careful with your brushing. You have to avoid eating a certain type of food as the braces are required to be put on for 22 hours a day.
But this is not the case with porcelain veneers. It just takes 2 weeks to achieve results. Once the dentist is done with taking your impressions, the process starts to create the veneers for you. Veneers are ideal for patients who have a minor imperfection. They might not be ideal for a serious problem.
Easy to Wear:
Putting on braces or clear aligners can affect your comfort. Sometimes, a patient can be allergic to metal or plastic. However, no force is required to install the veneers.
No Need to Using Retainers:
Whether you wear braces or aligners, you need a retainer when they come off. A retainer is required to be worn for an entire day and unless the dentist confirms. This is important to avoid relapses in the future.
Porcelain veneers don’t require you to wear retainers afterward. They can do the trick on their own.
When to Wear Porcelain Veneers?
Not everyone is the ideal candidate for porcelain veneers. Therefore, it is important to when to wear it. Although it is decided by your dentist, here is a brief guide to know if porcelain veneers are right for you.
First of all, they are the right fit for not-so-critical issues such as cracks or chips, minor misalignment, gaps between the teeth, and discoloration.
Besides, patients should have good overall oral health. It also requires them to identify their goals and expectations.
When you are Not the Right Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Healthy gums and teeth are important for people looking for porcelain veneers. The veneers are not recommended to people suffering from gum disease, tooth decay, and root canal infection. However, if these concerns are treated, the patient can have porcelain veneers without problems.
Another thing to keep in mind is that porcelain veneers are generally permanent.
This is because some enamel is removed to make the veneers keep in place. Ultimately, a different restoration or veneer replacement will be required. Since this is a permanent solution, one should not get it done under confusion.
If you often clench your jaw and grind the teeth, porcelain veneers might not be for you. Although they are durable and strong, they take a heavy toll from such activities, thereby coming off completely or getting destroyed.
Teeth grinding can be treated. Once the teeth grinding is done, the patient becomes the right candidate for dental veneers.
To know if porcelain veneers are right for you, make sure to consult your dentist. A dentist will evaluate your dental health, enamel condition, and health history. They can tell you if porcelain veneers are the right treatment or you need other options.
Keep in mind that porcelain veneers are costlier than most dental solutions. While the rate might be varied based on geography or the expertise of a dentist, it might cost you several hundred dollars to cover each tooth.
However, it can’t be denied that they are an easy solution and provide long term results. It is also noteworthy that dental insurance doesn’t cover the cost of the veneers as they fall under the category of cosmetic procedures. Good thing is that an insurer can agree to cover if the veneers are proven to benefit the health of the patients.
How to Choose the Right Cosmetic Dentist for Porcelain Veneers
Make sure to get it from an experienced and qualified dentist. It will ensure your peace of mind and quality.
Ask your dentist if they have some recommended qualifications such as those given by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The dentist is also required to be a member of the American Dental Association. Ask them to provide photos of past patients to determine how they work.
Given that veneers are personalized, the dentist must respect the opinion of their clients. It is also important to make sure they use high-quality material to create their porcelain veneers.
The Conclusion:
Porcelain veneers are a convenient and easy option to fix dental imperfection and get that beautiful smile. That’s why it is highly preferred by people over traditional braces.
However, it is important to get it done by experienced dentists. Also, you should be aware if you are the right candidate for porcelain veneers.
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