Veneers are thin shells made of tooth colored porcelain that are custom made and bonded to your teeth to improve their appearance
Dental veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells crafted to cover the front surface of your teeth. These shells, bonded securely with a specialised adhesive or resin, are specifically designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth and, therefore, your smile by rectifying minor damage or modifying tooth size, shape, or colour. Veneers are typically made from either composite resin or porcelain, renowned for their durability and appearance.
Patients who choose veneers tend to have the following issues:
Veneers are usually made of two materials, as previously mentioned, which are composite resin and porcelain. Porcelain veneers are mainly known for their stain-resistant properties and ability to mimic natural teeth very well, making them the first choice of most patients for their ability to enhance the look of their smile. Composite resin veneers are similar in their aesthetic benefits. The main difference is in the material, resin in this case, which is less durable when compared to porcelain.
Initially, you will be going into the clinic for a few visits, starting with a consultation in which the certified dentist will discuss everything there is to know before the procedure. Your needs and end results will be discussed with the dentist after a first examination of the teeth to make sure that veneers would be the correct choice for your needs. X-rays or impressions of the teeth may be taken to properly create the right veneers for you- if porcelain veneers are chosen as opposed to composite resin. The following visits will be for the application of the veneers to the tooth or teeth, which will be carefully adhered to by using a special glue. The entire procedure is painless.
Veneers are made from incredibly durable material, but just like your natural teeth, they can crack or break under pressure. With meticulous oral hygiene and routine dental checkups and maintenance, veneers can last anywhere from 10-15 years.
While dental veneers are not a permanent fix to your dental issues, these natural looking implants can give you a new smile for anywhere between 7 and 15 years. With a more even tooth palette, this can change the face and sometimes make you look younger.
Although it may feel a little strange with new veneers for a day or so, most clients return to normal eating and function within 24 hours.
We are often asked about composite and porcelain, and we always advise porcelain these days. Although composite veneers have several advantages, there is one area in which they cannot compete with porcelain: durability. Porcelain is a far stronger material than composite resin (even with the improvements in resin materials over the years). We find that well-maintained porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years, compared to the 5-7-year average lifespan of composites. It’s essential to consider this tradeoff if you’re thinking of having veneers placed. That is, while composites may cost half as much as porcelain, they last only half as long.
Most dentists agree that porcelain veneers offer the most natural, tooth-like aesthetics. Porcelain has a translucent quality that is quite similar to tooth enamel. It is also highly resistant to staining and chipping due to the strength of the material and the glaze that is applied after treatment. On the other hand, composite veneers are more porous and therefore susceptible to staining, meaning that you may need to adjust your diet in order to avoid certain stain-causing foods. Composite also needs to be polished in order to achieve a tooth-like esthetic. And even then it doesn’t quite compare.
Taking care of your veneers is no different from looking after your natural teeth – it is still important to brush twice a day with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, floss once daily and visit your dentist and hygienist regularly. If you grind your teeth, your dentist may also recommend a nightguard to avoid damaging your veneers.
To book a dental consultation or for more information, call +971 50 494 6377 to schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr Carla Cyrino.
Dr. Carla Cyrino is a DHA-licensed General Dentist with 29+ years of industry-leading professional experience. Throughout her career, Dr Carla has dedicated her expertise to creating perfect smiles.
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