What’s the best way to get that perfect, charismatic, impeccably straight and white Hollywood smile?
Did you say veneers?
You’re on the right track!
Dental veneers are versatile and they can be used to correct so many problems – from sensitive teeth to poorly shaped and even cracked teeth.
The term dental veneers, however, is very, very, generic. Today, we’d like to take a look at the intricate world of veneers with all of the possibilities it has to offer.
1. Porcelain or Composite?
When talking about veneers, we mean one of two varieties – porcelain and composite.
Porcelain veneers, as the name suggests, are thin porcelain shells that get adhered to the teeth. Composite veneers are made from resin and are applied to the tooth before being sculpted and shaped.
Because of this fact, composite veneers are quicker to apply. To get porcelain veneers, you’ll need to see your dentist at least two times and you may get temporary veneers while your new porcelain smile is being crafted.
Here are a few other differences:
- Porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years, composite veneers last about eight years (with proper care, of course)
- Porcelain is a bit more translucent, which allows the material to catch and reflect light much like your natural teeth
- You will have to spend more money on your porcelain veneers
- Composite veneers offer reversibility. To get porcelain veneers, you will need to have your natural teeth slightly reshaped for a proper application
Would you like to learn a bit more? Check out our video that compares the two varieties:
2. A Mouthful of Porcelain?
It’s a common misconception that you need to have veneers covering every single tooth in your mouth. This isn’t the case.
Veneers can be used to correct only the teeth that are somehow problematic – crooked, chipped, cracked, etc. An experienced professional will make sure that they match your natural teeth and are completely unclockable.
Getting veneers is in fact one of the most versatile dental procedures. Your dentist will consult you and the two of you will talk about what you want to achieve and the number of veneers acquired for that outcome.
3. Perfect for Overcoming Sensitivity
Is tooth sensitivity an extreme issue that’s affecting you every day of the week? Veneers could help you eat cold and hot stuff without having your mouth explode.
Lots of people who have sensitive teeth report that their sensitivity has just about disappeared after getting veneers.
It’s easy to understand why this happens. The veneers act as a shield over the natural tooth.
4. No Need for Additional Tooth Care!
Worried about the need for extensive maintenance after getting veneers? You shouldn’t be!
Brushing and flossing are sufficient to keep your brand new teeth in an impeccable condition.
This is a very important fact that makes veneers different from other treatments like dentures. As long as you keep your teeth clean and you visit your dentist for regular check-ups, you’ll be perfectly fine.
5. Blindingly White Is Not The Right White!
Remember the glow in the dark teeth that Ross from Friends ended up with? You may have some concerns that you’ll end up illuminating the room after getting your brand new veneers.
In theory, it is possible to end up with a smile that is way too white.
The natural colour of our teeth isn’t spotlessly white. In fact, they’re a little bit on the warmer side.
This is why the experience of the dentist handling the treatment matters (a lot!). A skilled professional with an eye for detail will choose the right shade of white that looks beautiful but that’s not artificial and shocking.
6. Some Veneers Can Resist Stains
The next thing you may be thinking about is the ability of veneers to resist stains. You know that consuming coffee, tea and red wine (among others) can contribute to white teeth getting stained. Obviously, the same logic can be applied to the new veneers you’ve just gotten.
The good news is that materials like porcelain are rockstars when it comes to resisting staining.
When you brush your teeth as recommended, your brand new porcelain teeth are highly unlikely to get stained over the lifespan of the veneers. Do consider this essential fact before choosing the material your new smile is made of.
7. Most People Are Good Candidates for Veneers
Which brings us to the next point: Who’s a good candidate for getting veneers? Are there some concrete requirements you have to meet in order to have your smile reshaped and enhanced?
Most people who have healthy gum tissue are considered good candidates for veneers. As far as the reason for getting them – it really depends on you. Some people look at veneers as a way to brighten their smile. Some want them to correct an imperfection like a crooked or a chipped tooth.
Porcelain veneers are often used in our Smile Makeover services, along with Invisalign, teeth whitening and other signature services. If you think porcelain veneers might be the right solution for you, talk to us. A first consultation and an examination of your teeth and gums will give you an accurate idea about this possibility.
Do porcelain veneers sound like the right choice choice? Are you interested in exploring this opportunity to accentuate and perfect your smile? The Orchard Scotts Dental team can help. Contact us and book your first appointment during which we’re going to talk about your goal and how it can be accomplished in the best way.