Cosmetic Dentistry has become increasingly popular today. With many people becoming more meticulous and conscious of how they smile, services from prosthodontists are expanding across the globe.
It is worth noting that procedures under dental cosmetics are not only for the purpose of improving the appearance of the teeth or the face. There are instances when they are necessary to improve the quality of one’s dental and oral health.
But, regardless of its essence and importance, dental cosmetic treatments are a vital part of dentistry – and there are a lot of procedures that fall under this category. One of them is dental veneers.
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Dental Veneers, and What They Are
Dental veneers are one of the most common procedures under cosmetic dentistry. They are, in essence, thin, tooth-colored shells or sheets, which dentists attach to the front surface of a tooth or teeth.
Typically, the main material involved in veneers is either porcelain or resin-composite materials. The attachment utilizes a bonding agent to permanently place the sheets or shells to the surface of the teeth.
While some individuals may choose to have veneers only for the concerned tooth or teeth, others opt to have more to create an even and symmetrical smile. As noted, the top front eight teeth are the most common ones where the veneers are applied.
The Uses of Dental Veneers
So, what they are used for – you may ask.
Apparently, dental veneers resolve many issues and concerns. Here are some of them:
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Teeth Stains, Discoloration
Teeth discoloration and stains are among the most common dental concerns that many people have today. This is due to the foods and beverages that one consumes or the quality of the lifestyle that one has lived.
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Broken, Chipped Teeth
Broken or chipped teeth is another dental concern that veneers can resolve. This issue usually occurs after an accident or unpleasant incident.
Instead of extracting the tooth of concern, veneers can fix the issue without removing the tooth. Remember, a dentist always goes for a solution that will help avoid extraction and maintain natural tooth or teeth.
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Misalignment
Misaligned teeth are also a common dental concern that veneers fix. There are several reasons why misalignment happens.
But, whatever the cause is, crooked and misaligned teeth are no fun at all, especially if they are visible. They even change the aesthetics of your teeth and even the way a person looks.
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Worn-Down Teeth
Worn-down teeth or worn-down dentition is a condition wherein an individual experiences progressive loss of the enamel or tooth’s surface. The causes usually involve activities or incidents that lead to dental trauma or tooth decay.
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Gaps
Gaps (or diastema) are another dental issue that many children and adults experience in their lifetime. It refers to the spaces that form anywhere in the mouth.
But, those that veneers usually resolve involve the noticeable gap between the two upper front teeth.
About The Procedure
Are you planning to have dental veneers anytime soon?
These are the things you should expect to happen during the procedure:
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Dental Inspection
The first step involves inspection. The dental expert would check whether you pass the criteria to have veneers, or whether it is the best treatment for your case.
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Removal of Enamel
If your case applies appropriately for dental veneers, the removal of the enamel follows. This is the main prepping stage for the tooth or teeth of concern.
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Taking, Making Teeth Impression
The second part of the preparation stage largely involves the taking of the impressions. These include the trimming and fitting of the veneer shells or sheets. This is when dentists do the adjustments in terms of size and color.
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Dental Veneer Placement
The bonding is the last stage of the procedure. This is when the dental expert applies the special cement that will cause the attachment of the veneer shells to the teeth.
Upon placing them to the teeth accordingly, dentists use a special light beam on the areas of concern to activate the chemicals in the cement. This will quickly harden the bonding agent.
Cost and Price
On an average note, dental veneers cost somewhere between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth. It varies, though, depending on various factors, which you will need to consider, especially if cost plays an essential role in your decision-making process.
The factors include the location, dental concern, the brand dentists carry, and the type of veneers, whether you are choosing a traditional or no-prep type. Usually, the most cost-effective option is the traditional veneers.
It is worth noting, however, that dental veneers are not typically covered by insurance. This is because they are under cosmetic dentistry.
Post-Treatment Care, Maintenance
Dental veneers offer tons of benefits, apart from improving the appearance of your teeth. But, keep in mind that the procedure is not reversible.
For the aftercare, there are no special care steps required. Dental experts would urge you, however, to continue upping your dental and oral hygiene routines to maintain the quality of the veneers and avoid further damage to the other teeth.
Should You Get One Today?
Thinking of getting dental veneers? Check with your dental expert.
You must first consult with family dentists to know the best dental solutions for your issues or concerns. They will recommend the most appropriate and ideal treatments for you.