Who is a Candidate for Veneers?

Do you have gaps, chipped, or stained teeth? Veneers are an excellent way to get a beautiful smile. Nevertheless, having veneers is a big decision as it’s an irreversible treatment. For this reason. It’s essential to have all the fact about veneers, their history, and what would make you a perfect candidate.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are used to create the natural look of teeth. They also provide resilience and strength that is similar to your natural tooth enamel. Veneers are custom made to fit your teeth and are bonded to your teeth’ original enamel in a series of procedures. Veneers are made of either composite resin or porcelain material. Each type of veneer has its own benefits and drawbacks.

Although veneers are categorized in the field of cosmetic dentistry, they protect the surface of destroyed teeth and could eliminate the need for more treatments.

Composite Resin Veneers

This type of veneer is made from a tooth-colored filling material. Some of the benefits of composite resin veneers include:

• Less expensive
• Fewer visits to the dentist
• Less enamel removed to accommodate the veneer
• Easily repaired if they get damaged.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are custom made from a thin shell. Their benefits include:

• Do not stain easily
• Resemble your natural teeth
• Durable and strong
• Require less tooth enamel removed compared to a cap or a crown

History of Veneers

Veneers were first discovered a hundred years ago by Dr Charles Pincus. The doctor thought there was a need to enhance the actor’s smiles on screen and this led to the popularity of veneers. He would give them special front which enhanced their smiles. The only downside was that he couldn’t permanently fix the porcelain veneers. In 1960, Dr Michael Buonocore created a bonding solution which made fixing easy.

Today, you can find veneers similar to your dental enamel. Also, dentists use digital imaging systems to create same-day restorations that match the color and shape of your teeth. Furthermore, dentists can use crowns to give you a gorgeous smile.

Minimal Prep or No Prep Veneers

Certain patients are looking for an alternative to tooth bonding or traditional veneers. You can find minimal or no-prep veneers which do not need the dentist to remove as much material. They are then bonded to the front surface of the teeth. The placement can be done with less discomfort and faster than normal veneer.

However, this treatment is not meant for everyone. You’ll need to consult a certified dentist to determine if this type of veneers make a sensible treatment plan.

Are You a Right Candidate For Veneers?

Uneven Teeth

Uneven teeth can occur as a result of tooth grinding. Individuals with uneven teeth have the top of their teeth look dull and flat. It could also be caused by wear and tear where over time, you find some teeth unevenly shaped. The dentist can customize the color, size, and shape of the veneers to give you an even and pleasing smile. Furthermore, porcelain veneers can provide stability for chewing food.

Worn Enamel

With time, the hard, translucent substance may become discolored, worn, or dull. The discoloration and wear can be as a result of genetic predisposition. Also, taking coffee, tea, and soft drinks could lead to a worn out enamel.

Genetics

Some people are born with spacing that widens with age. Most people are embarked or ashamed to smile or laugh due to their gaps. While bonding is a common option used to restore gaps, veneers can help address these spacing issues.

Discolored or Stained Teeth

If you’ve tried numerous remedies and whitening products without luck, you are an excellent candidate for veneers. Some have tried whitening without much success. These are the patients who would benefit from veneers. A dentist can help determine if porcelain veneers are the best choice.

Chipped or Broken Teeth

Veneers are a good option if you accidentally got into an accident and broke your tooth. A dentist will examine you to determine the severity of the chip. This information will be used to customize the veneer to fit the rest of your remaining tooth.

Unhappy With Your Smile

Do you hate your smile and would do anything to change it? A dentist can help you fix your smile using durable veneers.

Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

• Veneers have numerous benefits such as:
• Improve the color of dark teeth
• They do not need intense shaping procedure
• They offer a natural appearance
• They are stain resistant, and the gum can tolerate the porcelain.

Although veneers can be beneficial, they also have their downsides like:

• The procedure is irreversible
• Costly compared to composite resin bonding
• May lead to increased sensitivity

Veneers are an excellent choice if you have discolored, chipped, or misaligned teeth. Nonetheless, they may not be suitable for everyone. The only way to determine if you’re the right candidate for veneers is to consult an experienced and knowledgeable dentist.

Dr. Marissa Crandall Cruz a renowned dental specialist in King of Prussia, PA providing periodontal therapy, periodontal plastic surgery, and dental implant therapy.