Looking for a quick and natural-looking way to improve your smile? Dental veneers could be exactly what you need!
Dr. Charles Pincus invented dental veneers in the 1930s. He designed them for celebrities to temporarily use in photoshoots and movie premiers. Though they have always achieved the same goal, to improve an imperfect smile dramatically, dental veneers are much different now than they were back then.
Today more than ever, people are getting dental treatment to get that dream smile everyone wishes for. Dental practices all across the country use dental veneers because of how quickly they transform the appearance of a patient’s teeth and allow them to have a smile they are more comfortable with.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Dental veneers, also known as porcelain veneers, are very thin tooth-colored shells of either porcelain or resin composite materials that dentists bond to a tooth to give an overall better look. Dentists can bond veneers to multiple teeth to achieve a more uniform result. Veneers can change the color, shape, and size of any tooth; because of it, it’s a great and relatively easy way to get a “perfect” smile.
If you have a chipped tooth, have small gaps between your teeth, or feel uncomfortable with your teeth’ color, then you are in luck. Veneers can hide all the mentioned issues in just a couple of visits to your Newcastle dentist.
Difference Between Composite Veneers and Porcelain Veneers
Depending on the veneer material, their cost and durability will change. Porcelain veneers last longer than composite veneers, 10 to 15 years, compared to the alternative 5 to 7. Additionally, porcelain veneers are less likely to stain from use. Unfortunately, they are also more expensive than composite veneers and will need a couple of appointments for the whole installation process.
While dentists can apply composite veneers in just one appointment, porcelain veneers need a mold of your teeth first. Your dentist will first file down a small portion of your teeth and then take the mold, which they will then send to a lab for manufacturing. During this time, your dentist will provide you with temporal veneers. On a second appointment, your dental specialist bonds the porcelain teeth to your teeth.
Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?
As mentioned previously, dentists can address most mild to moderate aesthetic dental issues with dental veneers. Some of these cosmetic problems include:
- Misalignment,
- Worn-down teeth,
- Cracked and chipped teeth,
- Gaps between teeth,
- Misshapen or uneven teeth,
- Intrinsic dental stains.
One of the greatest benefits of dental veneers is that they appear incredibly realistic. When the process is complete, people will notice your smile’s big improvement, but they won’t know the new teeth aren’t natural! This quick 2-part treatment is another reason why so many people choose veneers to improve their smile.
Dental Bonding Vs. Porcelain Veneers
The main difference between the two types of dentistry techniques is how each works. While porcelain veneers cover the entire front side of the tooth, dental bonding only coves a portion of the teeth to hide or replace the damaged area. Additionally, dentists can apply dental bonding in one sitting, while porcelain veneers require a few appointments and sometimes weeks of wait with temporary veneers.
Dentists usually use dental bonding in just a couple of teeth as the intention is to make those teeth not stand out from the rest. However, it’s not uncommon for dentists to apply six or more veneers. This allows dentists to completely change a patient’s smile to a healthier and more uniform version.
Given their differences, dental bonding is significantly cheaper than porcelain veneers. Of course, each is better in different scenarios, so talk about it with your dentist to determine which one is best for you.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Crowns
While porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front side of a tooth, dental crowns are much thicker caps that cover your tooth completely with a higher amount of resin around it. Dental crowns also require more teeth filing than veneers to accommodate the cap and are more expensive than porcelain veneers. According to Healthline, porcelain veneers can cost up to $2500, while for crowns, it’s up to $3500.
While veneers hide tooth imperfections like shape and color, dental crowns aim to hide more severe dental issues like tooth decay, root canal, etc. A general guideline is to opt for crowns when a tooth has been severely damaged or heavily treated and for veneers when a tooth has minor damage and the work you need is cosmetic.
How Do We Install Porcelain Veneers?
Placing veneers is a simple process that takes only two appointments. During your first appointment, the dentist preps the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the veneers. Next, your dentist will only take digital impressions of the teeth they worked on. These are sent to a lab technician who will create the veneers over the next two to three weeks.
Once the veneers arrive at the dentist’s office, the dentist will roughen the front surface of your teeth for maximum bonding. Finally, they place the veneers, and the dentist will make any needed adjustments.
Get Your Perfect Smile With Us
If you have some dental issues that prevent you from having a beautiful and healthy smile, schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Markham here, or call our office today at (530) 823-8771.
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