A very advanced cosmetic restorative procedure is involved in dental veneers. Cosmetic dentistry aims to set right the irregularities in the dental structure of a person using dental veneers.

The different types of veneers available mimic the natural teeth to a great extent so the person does not feel conscious of having a procedure and is confident in continuing the earlier lifestyle. These dental veneers provide good durability and can last longer if proper care is taken. The bonding agents that have been developed with the use of technology helps to ensure they last long. Many dental concerns of having chipped or damaged teeth, discoloured teeth, or even gaps in between the teeth can be taken care of using dental veneers.

A single teeth or multiple teeth can be restored using this procedure. Besides improving the appearance veneers also provide extra support to worn out teeth so it is more than the aesthetic value they provide to the teeth.

Porcelain veneers – what are they?

Porcelain veneers are chosen by many as they are versatile and very similar to natural teeth in their colour. When people have damaged or decayed teeth, the appearance of the teeth is restored by using these porcelain veneers. Most of the damages can be fixed using veneers. They are very delicate and thin wafer like materials – they are made after taking an impression of the teeth. They can be fixed or mounted onto the teeth with ease. Not many preparations need to be made to the teeth to accept them. The tooth will change dramatically with the acceptance of porcelain veneers on them. They are restored in colour and shape as before and improved sparkling teeth can be seen.

Is it a complicated procedure?

This procedure is a simple dental procedure. Usually, the procedure is completed in two sessions, but some dentists do complete it in one single session as well. Before any dental procedure, the oral health of the person is assessed to find out if the person can accept porcelain veneers and if by that there is further damage to the oral/dental health. The tooth or multiple teeth that requires this procedure are prepared. This involves trimming a bit of the tooth on the outside. This is to make sure that the veneer when applied to the teeth does not jut out from the neighbouring teeth that do not have any veneers. Uniformity of the teeth is achieved by this. The veneer colour matching is done next to identify a veneer that is the same colour as the natural teeth. An impression of the teeth, gums etc. is taken to prepare the mould. The dental lab will then prepare the veneers according to the moulds taken.  After the shape is corrected, the veneers are then bonded on to the teeth. A bonding agent is applied to the teeth and then the porcelain veneers are placed. A curating light will be applied to help the bonding be done faster. Cleaning of the teeth is done, polished as well and then the procedure is complete.

Does it require aftercare?

The procedure elaborated above helps to understand that the procedure is a very simple one. It does not require any complicated procedures. As there is no dental surgery involved, most dentists do it without anaesthesia. But if the experience of any dental procedure is a daunting task, then it can be checked with the dentist if anaesthesia can be given and the area is numbed during the procedure. As simple as the procedure is, the aftercare also is simple. Following the routine measures of taking care of teeth is required after placing porcelain veneers. Applying pressure on the porcelain veneers will cause damage to them. They can chip or break off if force is applied. Chewing on ice, breaking hard food like nuts with your teeth can damage them. So, it is important to take care of the oral health especially when veneers have been placed. Routine brushing and flossing should be continued as before. Along with this, care must also be taken to go for routine dental check-ups. This will help in providing proper dental care as well as a check mechanism for the health of the teeth. Dentists can also guide a person on watching out for issues that can crop up with their lifestyle and habits.

Who are the best candidates for porcelain veneers?

Even though the procedure is simple when compared to other procedures, it contributes highly to the appearance of the teeth. Communicating confidently with others is something everyone wishes to do and teeth play an important role in that. Good thought must go into deciding the dental procedures. Porcelain veneers are the best choice for people who have teeth that are damaged, chipped or broken or discoloured due to different reasons. Structural damages are corrected to a great extent using veneers. It is important that good and proper hygiene practices are followed to maintain oral health. If the health of the teeth or that of the gums is less than adequate then it is not recommended to undergo any dental procedures. If that is the situation, then usually dentists will suggest improving the oral health before other procedures are done.

Cost of porcelain veneers

The cost of veneers will vary according to where in your mouth the procedure is done. It will also depend if placing veneers is done for single teeth or multiple teeth. They do not come cheap, but the important thing is the restorative value they provide. They are very durable and last for 15 years or more and it goes without saying that they last longer if they are cared for properly. If they are performed in the front teeth, it need not be explained the boost of confidence it gives the person. Continuing with the earlier lifestyle, not being shy when talking with people and the enhancement it gives to the self-esteem of a person on a daily basis is hard to ignore.