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What are Dental Veneers ?
What are
Dental Veneers ?
Dental veneers are ultra-thin shells of tooth colour, made of
ceramic material, which are bonded to the front layer of teeth.
Dental veneers are sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental
porcelain laminates. These shells are made to fit precisely over
an existing tooth bonded to the front of the teeth changing
their color, shape, size or length. When we talk about dental
veneers, we actually refer to porcelain veneer. Sometimes they
may also be made from resin composite materials. Dental veneers
are one of cosmetic dentistrys most recent developments.
Porcelain veneer technique is an offshoot of basic science of
cosmetic dental bonding. It is also common for people to have
imperfect teeth, either oddly shaped teeth, chipped teeth,
crooked teeth, teeth with small holes in them, or an
inappropriate sized tooth or teeth that have an odd appearance.
Veneers solve such irregularities.
Uses of Dental
Veneers
Though veneers are not suitable for
every patient, they are a cosmetic alternative for a variety of
dental conditions affecting the front teeth, including: |
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Closing spaces between the teeth
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Restoring broken or chipped teeth
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Covering unsightly, stained or washed out fillings
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Correcting uneven or crooked teeth
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Old fillings that have become stained or discoloured can be
masked using dental veneers.
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Use of dental veneers are an easy alternative to orthodontic
treatment ( orthodontics is the specialization of dentistry
which deals with correction of teeth arrangement thereby
improving smile and function of teeth)
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Whitening permanently stained or discoloured teeth
Teeth enamel discoloration can be
caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Some of
the more common causes of teeth discoloration are |
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medications, coffee, tea or
cigarettes. People who drink significant amounts of cola soft
drinks can experience similar staining. Besides staining, there
are other factors that can affect the color of an individual's
teeth. Genetics can play a role. Some people have naturally
brighter enamel than others. Disease can also be a factor and
certain medications can cause a discoloration of the teeth.
Tooth
Veneer Procedure
To prepare a tooth for a veneer, about ½ millimetre of enamel is
removed from the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal
to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface.
Next a model or impression of the tooth is obtained. This model
is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs the
veneer. Next step is to place the veneers of desired shade with
water or glycerine on the teeth to verify their perfect fit and
the shade or color. The tooth is then cleansed with chemicals to
achieve a durable bond. Once properly position on the tooth, a
special light beam is applied to the dental veneer, which
activates chemicals in the cement causing it to harden or cure
very quickly enabling the veneer to adhere to natural teeth. It
is possible to create a temporary veneer, while the permanent
one is being constructed. However in most cases the dentist is
reluctant to place the temporary veneer since they get dislodged
fairly easily.
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Advantages of Dental Veneers
There are many benefits and advantages to having dental veneers
applied to the front teeth. These may include any or all of the
following considerations:
1. Only a small amount of natural tooth structure (if any) is
removed during the procedure.
2. A healthy, natural look is achieved with little or no
discomfort.
3. Veneers are often less expensive than alternative
procedures.
4. Veneers are strong, durable and color-stable.
5. They are stain resistant.
6. Dental veneers enable dark teeth appear whiter.
7. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia.
8. They generally don't require the extensive shaping prior to
the procedure.
9. Veneers are typically done in
only 2, one and a half hour appointment. |
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10. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique
has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed.
11. There is no additional maintenance, other than a follow-up visit
to the cosmetic dentist and proper brushing and flossing on a daily
basis.
Dental veneer is made from porcelain or from resin composite
materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers
and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.
Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth
surface before placement. The shade of the veneer is so chosen as to
match the shade of the original teeth. Since porcelain veneers are
translucent, the precise colour that the veneer will possess can be
adjusted by changing the shade of the cement that is used to bond
the veneer into place. Veneers are different from fillings or
crowns. A filling is used when a small amount of tooth structure
needs replacing or repair. A full crown is needed when the tooth has
had root canal treatment or when a substantial amount of the entire
tooth structure (enamel) has been lost. A porcelain veneer is needed
when a portion of the front surface of a tooth needs a "face lift."
Disadvantages of Dental Veneers
The process is not reversible.
Veneers are more costly than composite resin bonding.
Veneers are usually not repairable should they chip or crack.
The tooth may become more sensitive to cold or hot foods, due to
the removable of the enamel.
Veneers may not exactly match the color of the other teeth.
Veneers can dislodge and fall off during nail biting,or chewing on
hard objects.
Veneers are not a good choice for individuals with unhealthy
teeth, or weakened teeth.
It takes roughly a week or two of a period of adjustment to get
used to your teeth that have been changed in color, size, spacing
and shape.
Although very little tooth is removed in most cases, there are
situations where more tooth must be removed which increases the risk
of trauma to the tooth.
While very little tooth is removed in most cases, there are
situations where more tooth must be removed which increases the risk
of trauma to the tooth.
Cost of Dental Veneers
Costs vary depending on the part of the country one lives in,on the
extent of the procedure, the skill level of the cosmetic dentist and
the quality of the lab used. Veneers cost £200-£1,200 per tooth,
depending on the material used.
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Article
Contributed By: Shaonli Dasgupta
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