One’s smile is among the very first things noticeable. Reasons why numerous people want to turn theirs into a greater one. Dental veneers, known also as simple thin layers of material placed over the surface of the front tooth, have the ability to enhance the general appearance of the teeth.

If you have ever given veneers a thought, keep on reading to find out everything there is to know about this smooth and quick dental procedure, including the uses, costs, pros, and cons. By the end of this article, you will even have the answers to questions that might have kept you up at night.

What Are Dental Veneers?

As per dentists’ explanation, veneers are very thin and tailor-made tooth-like shells solely designed for the coverage of the front surface of the teeth in order to enhance your smile. They can either be made from porcelain or resin composite materials. But while both materials do work well, experts say that porcelain veneers are mostly touted for being an enduring alternative to tooth problems, and they have the extra advantage of mimicking natural teeth, opacity-wise. In Layman’s terms, light permeates porcelain veneers similarly to the way it permeates real teeth. While resin isn’t all that solid as a material. As a matter of fact, resin composite veneers are highly likely to chip, crack, stain, or even gather plaque, in comparison to porcelain veneers. Which of course causes tooth decay beneath the resin veneers, undoubtedly compromising the tooth much more significantly in the long course. 

Porcelain dental veneers provide you with the correct shape of the tooth, the correct tooth color, and overall, an attractive oral aesthetic. If you pick porcelain veneers there will be no need to worry about any changing of color or staining, over time.

Who Needs Dental Veneers?

In numerous cases, patients who are looking for veneers are those looking for an enhancement in the aesthetic of their smiles. Differently from crowns and fillings, veneers are medically needed (at least not necessarily), but they can play the role of a cosmetic solution and highly improve a wide range of conditions that happen from time to time and diminish your smile. 

According to Dr. Roland Zhuka, among the most common reasons why people choose veneers is because they provide an enhancement of the brightness of the smile, they fix discoloration and fractures or chips. Dental veneers are also able to close gaps, fix any tiny misalignment, and finally, replace old fillings.

How Does The Dental Veneers Procedure Work?

The whole procedure of putting veneers on is quite smooth and swift and it is all conducted in the dentist’s office. Yet, there might be a couple of appointments required to fully complete the process. That’s what Dr. Roland Zhuka, a renowned implantologist with more than 20 years of experience based in Tirana, Albania, states. Generally, there will be a consultation needed, then a follow-up or maybe two for fitting and applying. The following is a short breakdown of the steps involved in the process.

Initial Consultation

Dr. Zhuka says that the initial step to set the diagnosis involves a consultation between the patient and the dentist. He states that he always asks his patients to explain to him the insecurities they have with their smiles, in depth. According to him, this is what helps him come up with the proper plan that generates the best results, and results the patients are trying to achieve.

The first appointment will highly involve a physical evaluation for the assessment of the overall oral hygiene, or the spotting of any problems such as tooth decay, prior to applying the veneers, and ultimately there will be a talk about your objectives. There are expected photos and X-rays to be taken, and often, even impressions of your teeth.

Preparing Your Teeth

After you and your dentist have made the decision and it has been set that you are an eligible candidate for veneers, the dentist will start preparing your teeth. The teeth preparation involves reshaping the surface of the teeth and roughing up the enamel, in order for the cement to adhere better and fixing cavities.

Fitting And Bonding The Veneers

Your custom veneers coming back from the laboratory might take a few weeks, during which you will go in for a fitting appointment. Throughout it, the dentist will test the shape, color, size, and general appearance. If all is well-meaning everything looks and feels great the veneers will be directly bonded. On the contrary, the veneers might need to be sent back to the laboratory for alterations.

Aftercare

The full process of getting dental veneers isn’t uncomfortable or painful. Thus, there is no need for an extra-long recovery period. It is a fact that the gums will feel sore, in the hours after the procedure, because of the local anesthesia administered. But the very next day, your new smile will be ready. In the event that you feel any sort of pain or discomfort afterward, over-the-counter medications will do the trick.

The Pros And Cons Of Dental Veneers

According to experts, veneers offer a variety of advantages including an improvement of the natural appearance of teeth. Veneers have the tendency to appear like real, natural teeth, so other people aren’t likely to notice there’s something in your mouth. What makes veneers so wanted is the fact they are well-tolerated. The complete procedure of getting them isn’t painful or uncomfortable and the recovery period goes by so swiftly. If you aren’t convinced yet, then maybe you should also know that most of the veneers are stain-resistant. Porcelain veneers are quite stain-resistant and they remain bright and white for all their lifetime. Nevertheless, Dr. Roland Zhuka says that seeking regular and routine dental care to maintain your teeth and veneers in good condition is essential. Lastly, Dr. Zhuka states that veneers have the capability to fix various dental problems. They can be utilized in cases of injury or trauma that result in broken teeth, cracks, or gaps, or whenever you are looking to replace old fillings. However, they are most commonly used to improve a patient’s smile.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Dental Veneers?

Though there are many benefits to getting dental veneers, there do exist some drawbacks such as the fact that veneers aren’t everlasting- meaning, with time they can become discolored or chipped and cracked, and there might be changes to the gum line that can cause the natural teeth to begin to show. In such cases, veneers might need replacement. Keep in mind that the lifespan of veneers is approximately 7 to 10 years. Another fact that might come as a surprise is that veneers aren’t generally covered by insurance. Considering they are part of cosmetic procedures, most insurance plans do not provide coverage for them. The ultimate drawback is the fact that veneers can lead to tooth sensitivity. Commonly, the sensitivity is mild and resolves in around two weeks, but seeing as it changes from one individual to another, it could be longer.

Who Shouldn’t Get Dental Veneers?

There are certain situations where dental veneers are not advised. According to Dr. Roland Zhuka, someone might not be an eligible candidate for veneers if they have existing restoration that requires replacement or if they have a little amount of remaining tooth structure- which in turn would imply the need for full-coverage restoration, like a crown.

Dr. Zhuka adds that people who suffer from an active periodontal disease are also not suitable candidates for veneers, considering the veneers would have to be placed on an unstable basis. Ensuring the gums are healthy prior to beginning the procedure is of utmost importance.

Does Insurance Cover Veneers?

Typically, dental insurance only covers preventive care including routine X-rays, fluoride treatments, and teeth cleanings. Furthermore, the majority of full coverage plans provide restorative care such as extractions, crowns, bridges, and cavity fillings. Seeing as veneers are generally considered elective cosmetic dentistry, the majority of dental insurance plans, unfortunately, do not cover the procedure. Still, insurance might be able to cover veneers in the event that the procedure is referred to as medically necessary. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to establish whether it provides coverage for veneers.

How Do Veneers Compare with Other Procedures?

Veneers are a renowned procedure employed for the improvement of the appearance of teeth. Nevertheless, there exist numerous other procedures accessible that might also assist in enhancing the look and general health of your teeth.

Veneers vs. Dental Implants: What’s The Difference?

Whilst veneers necessitate an existing tooth for the application, dental implants are medical tools implanted into a person’s jaw. Dental implants are utilized for the replacement of missing teeth coming from a disease or injury, which might represent difficulties such as changes in the chewing pattern or rapid bone loss.

Veneers vs. Crowns: What’s The Difference?

Parallelly to veneers, crowns are dental restorations that seem like teeth and are placed over an existing tooth. Nonetheless, crowns might also be placed over a dental implant. While veneers are typically known as a cosmetic procedure, crowns are mostly used to repair damaged teeth or weakened because of root canals or fillings. Furthermore, they might be utilized on top of a dental implant for the filling of spaces created by missing teeth or placed on every side of an implant to offer support.

Veneers vs. Lumineers: What’s The Difference?

Compared to conventional dental veneers, Lumineers are a kind of veneer that is much thinner and necessitates much less preparation for a person’s teeth. They are made from porcelain, compared in thickness to a contact lens, and they are positioned over existing teeth via a bonding agent. Still, since Lumineers do not need any type of reshaping of the teeth to the same extent as traditional veneers, they might often look bulky.

Veneers vs. Bonding: What’s The Difference?

During an enamel bonding, the dentist employs the application of composite resin to the surface of a tooth to fix any discoloration, crack, or chip. Once the resin application is completed, the dentist will begin drying the material using a UV light and do any required extra shaping. Generally, bonding requires approximately 30 minutes to one hour to be fully done and normally it requires one single appointment.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, deciding whether or not dental veneers are the right option for you and if they are worth it is upon you and you only. Compiling a list of pros and cons can assist in making the right decision. But, at the end of the day, it all comes down to the value it brings into your life, as well as its cost-effectiveness- try to stay within your budget.

Bear in mind that there are always other options including crowns and bonding, and they might be a better solution for you, better suiting your personal needs, depending on what you are looking for to alter in your smile.

If you are taking veneers into consideration, we recommend booking a free consultation with Dr. Roland Zhuka. He will absolutely aid you in figuring out if veneers are the proper selection for you, and in case they are, he can commence the process of providing you with the smile of your dreams.

FAQs

How Long Do Veneers Last?

According to the ADA (American Dental Association), veneers endure for about ten years.

Are Full Veneers Worth It?

Many people have come to realize that the enhancements provided by veneers are actually quite worth the high price tag. Nevertheless, finding out whether veneers are worth it or not for your situation will depend on certain elements like the cost, your health history, and ultimately, your personal needs and desires.

Can You Eat With Veneers?

Generally speaking, eating with permanent veneers is safe. Yet, specialists recommend taking caution whenever consuming foods including apples and carrots or hard candy, in order to prevent any type of chipping or cracking of veneers. Furthermore, dark liquids such as coffee, black tea, and red wine, alongside tobacco products might stain porcelain veneers. Typically, experts advise limiting alcohol consumption, since alcohol can harm the bonding agent utilized for the veneer’s application.

Can I Get Veneers In One Day?

The one veneer that can be placed within a day is the no-prep veneer. However you should keep in mind that the material used for their creation isn’t as solid as porcelain, additionally to the fact that they aren’t as stain-resistant or enduring in the long term, but they are a swift alternative. Some clinics might even be able to provide you with composite resin crowns same-day, but not all have such equipment.

Should My Veneers Be Super White?

Numerous individuals pick a color for their veneers that is much brighter compared to their natural tooth color, however, that’s not a bright white. Others might even pick a brighter and whiter smile makeover. Temporary veneers enable you to take a look at the color and shape of your new smile. Next, you, in collaboration with your dentist will decide on what’s the best option.

What Is The Best Brand Of Dental Veneers?

Though not as durable as porcelain veneers, Lumineers are quite popular. Still, our suggestion would be to get stuck on a brand’s name, but instead, pay attention to your dentist’s recommendations, seeing as he or she has the proper experience with various materials and brands.