These days, there are various products and procedures available to those who wish to improve their appearance. One such example is cosmetic dentistry treatments like dental veneers.
Learn more about veneers to find out if you are eligible for the treatment.
How Do I Know If Veneers Are Right for Me?
Veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth and can be used to treat cosmetic concerns such as discoloured, chipped, and gapped teeth. With dental veneers, teeth become more resistant to stubborn stains and have added protection against damage. However, the most striking change according to those who had veneers installed is their confidence. Veneers are excellent investments to make you feel more confident.
However, before you decide to get veneers, there are a few things you need to consider:
- Cosmetic Concerns
If you are concerned about the heavy yellowing of your teeth and the stains that just do not seem to come off even after vigorous brushing, getting a veneer is a great solution for you. It can surely improve your smile because it can also cover the cracks, chips, and gaps. The ideal candidate for veneers is an individual with discoloured teeth and/or minor teeth imperfections or who would like to improve their colour and contour.
- Oral Health Condition
One important factor to consider is your oral health. Tooth decay, gum disease, and other problems in your root canal may make you ineligible for veneers. However, if you have one or more of these oral health conditions, you can still get veneers in the future only after proper treatment of the existing conditions. Ask your dentist regarding your options.
- Cost of Veneers
Like any other purchase, you should consider if it is within your budget. The price depends on the material and the location and number of teeth that need veneers.
Traditional veneers can be more expensive. If you want a more pocket-friendly option, you can opt for no-prep veneers, which do not require an anesthetic. However, the veneers cost in Ontario may vary from one clinic (or city) to another.
How Do Veneers Work?
Dental veneers are thin tooth-coloured coverings made of either porcelain or composite resin. They are placed over the tooth to hide imperfections. They are a great option for those who want to improve their smile.
Creating Your Veneers
When creating your dental veneers, there are a few factors you need to consider:
- Tooth Colour
Choosing the right colour for your veneers is important because the process is not reversible. Your dentist will let you choose the tone and shade of your veneers from a standardized dental colour chart. Dentists typically recommend choosing a shade that is 2 times lighter than your natural tooth colour.
- Shape of the Tooth
The shape of the veneers is also an important consideration if you want to achieve your desired smile. There are about 12 different tooth shapes you can choose from, including square- and oval-shaped ones.
- Face Shape
Although veneers are meant for your teeth, your facial features also matter when creating them. Each face shape varies and needs a certain size and/or shape so your facial features remain balanced.
Those with heart-shaped faces, for example, should have round and short veneers while rounder teeth are more suited for faces that are square-shaped or have defined jawlines.
Appointments and Procedures
The process of applying veneers typically takes 3 sessions.
- First Session
The first session is when you determine the specifications you want for your veneers. These include tooth shape and colour. This is also when you speak with your dentist regarding how many of your teeth need veneers. Your dentist will have to take a dental X-ray to determine the health of your teeth since oral health conditions can sometimes hinder any cosmetic dentistry procedure.
- Second Session
On your next appointment, a mould or impression of your teeth will then be taken. Before the mould is taken, your dentist needs to grind down the enamel of your teeth to make room for the veneers. The mould will then be sent to a special laboratory where your veneers will be crafted.
- Third Session
After a few weeks, you can book your third and final appointment in the veneers process. Your dentist will determine whether the shape, fit, and colour of your veneers suit you before the veneers are installed. A grinding tool will be used to make the surface of your teeth coarse before the veneers are applied with dental cement. Ultraviolet (UV) light will be used to harden and cure the cement quickly.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Traditional veneers typically last 10 to 15 years while no-prep veneers last between 5 to 7 years. However, your veneers can last as long as 20 years with proper oral hygiene and maintenance. Following your dentist’s instructions can help prolong the life of your veneers.
How Do I Take Care of My Veneers
While there are certain things you need to know before you get veneers, you also need to know what to do after you get them.
Veneers do not require any sort of special treatment to keep them as good as new. Once you step out of the dental clinic, you can chew and eat normally. However, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene (like brushing twice a day and flossing) to protect them and make them last longer.
You should also avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, fingernails, and ice. Avoiding stain-causing products like coffee can also help you keep your veneers as white and bright as they were the first time.
Additionally, clenching and grinding your teeth in your sleep can cause subtle damage to your veneers. If you do this frequently, talk to your dentist and ask about a mouthguard.
Your dentist can offer you a variety of cosmetic options. Talk to them to find out which is the best solution for you. Ask them the difference between veneers vs. crowns, for example, or if it would be better for you to opt for a dental implant. Your dentist will know the answers to your questions and help you make an informed decision.
If you are thinking about getting veneers installed in the city of Oshawa, turn to Simcoe Smile Dental. We provide a comprehensive list of services from family dentistry to cosmetic dentistry so that you can protect or enhance your smile. Call us now at (289) 312-1482 or leave your contact details at the website to book an appointment.