What Are Veneers and How Do They Work?

There are many of us out there who are searching for that perfect smile. You may have heard of veneers, or know someone who has had veneers put in. They are an effective solution for your teeth, helping you achieve a smile you’re confident with. Whether you’ve considered getting veneers, or you’re on the fence about committing, our blog is here to help you make your decision. We will dive into what veneers really are, how they’re fitted and what other alternatives you might consider for your smile. To learn more about veneers, keep on reading our article.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are a common type of cosmetic dentistry treatment that is used to improve someone’s smile. They change the colour, shape, size and overall appearance of a patient’s teeth, often creating a ‘perfect’ smile. There are several types of veneers, and sometimes they are recommended by a dentist if you have a problem with your teeth that needs resolving. Often, ceramic veneers can be a viable solution for dental work and repairs that need to be made, as well as having cosmetic benefits.

Who Might Get Veneers?

There can be many reasons why someone might want to have veneers, but the most common reasons why people choose to have veneers include:

• Teeth that are cracked, chipped, misaligned, stained or crooked.
• Severely discoloured teeth.
• You need a tooth replacement.
• Your gums are receding.
• You are generally unhappy with the look of your teeth.

Types Of Veneers

Before committing to veneers, it’s important to make an informed decision about your treatment. We’ve outlined some of the common types of veneer that you may come across, but if you’re looking for something else, you can discuss this with your dentist first to ensure that it is the right choice for your teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a popular and common type of veneer that give the most natural appearance to your teeth. They can help with restoring damaged teeth, and improving the colour of your teeth. Porcelain veneers can be used to replace individual teeth as well as multiple teeth, or your entire mouth. In some cases of damage, only a small part of your existing tooth needs to be replaced by the porcelain veneer, however in other cases, the entire tooth may need to be replaced. For those with healthy gums and no risk of. gum disease, porcelain veneers are a great option.

Resin Veneers

Resin veneers are strong and durable, and they are ideal for high stress environments. If you’re someone who often clenches or grinds their teeth, resin veneers are a strong and reliable option. They also resemble natural teeth very well, but they don’t require as much preparation as porcelain veneers.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are a viable option for people who have already had dental work done, or you want to improve the colour of your teeth. They are often used after cosmetic bonding treatments, and they do not impact your natural teeth as much as porcelain veneers. They are less expensive in comparison, and they can look very natural.

Zirconia Veneers

If you have a tooth that needs to be restored, but cannot withstand porcelain or composite veneers, then zirconia veneers are an excellent alternative. Zirconia veneers are a strong type of ceramic veneer, which are great for teeth with excessive decay, cracks and chips. Zirconia can even last longer than porcelain veneers, and is less susceptible to damage from acidic foods or drinks. They are also great for achieving a natural look.

How Are Veneers Put In?

It’s important to know how veneers are fitted before your appointment so that you can prepare and know what to expect. Before your procedure, be sure to check with your dentist and ensure that you are aware of everything you need to know before your treatment. The general steps that will take place when having veneers fitted include:

• Planning – Cosmetic dental teams will begin with an assessment and X-rays before determining the best treatment for your teeth. You may need to undergo other treatments before having veneers fitted. Once your treatment has been decided upon, your dentist will discuss your options with you, and help you decide on shape, size and the colour of your veneers.
• Preparation – Once you’re happy with your chosen veneers, your dental team will start preparing your teeth for the treatment. They may start by removing some enamel from your teeth, to make the right amount of space for the veneers. They will then take a digital impression of your teeth, so that technicians can create your new veneers.
• Fitting – The next step in your veneer procedure is the fitting of the veneers themselves. Your teeth will be roughened, cleaned and polished down, allowing the veneer bond to be strong. An adhesive will be placed on your tooth, and the veneer will then be placed over your tooth. A high intensity light is often used to help seal the veneer and keep it in place.
• Aftercare – Caring for your veneers is just as important as caring for your normal teeth, however you may have to be careful with your veneers to start with. Using a gentle toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste is recommended, as well as brushing twice a day and flossing. Maintaining your oral health will help you keep your veneers in good condition for years to come.

Alternatives To Veneers: Cosmetic Dentistry

While veneers are a common option for many people, there are other types of cosmetic dentistry that can improve the look of your teeth and smile. Read below to understand more about some of the most common types of cosmetic dentistry.

Crowns

Crowns are a long-lasting and strong solution for your teeth. They can be matched to the exact colour of your teeth so that they can blend in seamlessly. They also come in gold, silver and ceramic materials. Crowns are usually recommended for restorative purposes, often to replace a decayed tooth or a tooth with serious issues. Sometimes crowns can be recommended instead of veneers because of their strength and durability, but they are still susceptible to cracks and chips.

Bonding

Similarly, dental bonding is another popular way to enhance the appearance of your teeth. Discoloured and chipped teeth can benefit from bonding, and the treatment offers a less invasive solution in comparison to crowns and veneers. Less of your natural tooth is removed and the bonding treatment is shaped to fit your tooth before being sealed with a UV light. Bonding is not as stain-resistant as veneers, and you will need to take care of your teeth well after having a bonding treatment. This could mean avoiding highly acidic and sugary foods.

Teeth Whitening

If you’re looking to improve the appearance and colour of your teeth, you may not need to go for veneers. A teeth whitening treatment can help you achieve the look you want to achieve. There are many at-home whitening treatments, however if you want to have your teeth whitened you should have treatment applied by a dental professional, so that they can prevent any damage. While teeth whitening can be effective, you may need to top up your whitening every few months, as this treatment does not last as long as veneers.

Braces/Invisalign

Braces and Invisalign are another alternative treatment for improving the look of your smile. Veneers can help to close gaps in your mouth, but if you have a severely misaligned jaw or teeth, braces and Invisalign can be effective. Both of these treatments can take years to show significant results, and they can be an investment. Depending on your aesthetic goals, you may want to consider braces or Invisalign as an alternative.

Riyo Dental: Your Reliable Dental Service

Here at Riyo Dental, we want to help you feel more confident about your smile. Our team of trained cosmetic dentists are available to help you find the right treatment for your teeth. Whether you’re looking for braces, cosmetic bonding or veneers, our specialists will help you achieve your desired outcome and best smile.

To learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services or our wonderful team, feel free to get in touch with us here at 0161 300 2100. Everyone deserves to feel confident, and are here to help make your dental goals a reality. Book your appointment now.