Dental Veneers: Types of Veneers with Procedure

It is possible to improve the appearance of the front teeth by fitting thin shells over them. These shells are known as veneers. The function, shape, color, size and length of the teeth can change by bonding those shells to these that are tooth-colored.

There are aesthetic reasons for placing veneers. You can use these for the purpose of a smile makeover. In 2013, 41 % of people were using these shells and this treatment was the third most common. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) has given this information in a survey.

Veneers in different shades and colors

For improving the appearance of the face a lot of people use veneer. If you have stains, chips or gaps in your tooth then the veneer is a great choice. Applying the veneer is a minimally invasive and relatively quick procedure. There are different shades of shells and these depend on the color of the tooth.

What is the reason behind people getting veneers?

The dentists perform several cosmetic procedures and among these procedures a number of cosmetic procedures nearly 26 % include veneer in them. As compared to the other procedures the dentists choose dental veneer for various reasons:

·       For fixing the teeth that are broken, cracked or chipped

·       For fixing the teeth that have been worn down

·       For changing the teeth’ size, color and length

·       For covering the discoloration and stains on teeth

·       For covering the discoloration of the teeth that occur by the fillings of resin

When an RCT treatment gets completed then to prevent a fracture in the tooth the dentist places a crown on it. But as time passes a discoloration in the tooth can occur because of the RCT treatment. For covering the discoloration, the dentist may place a restorative material or veneer on the tooth. On first molars, these shells are not used or rarely used but on premolars, these shells can be used.

Now I am going to tell you the types of dental veneers with the procedure

1.Composite veneers – The porcelain veneer’s cosmetic alternative is composite veneer. For filling a cavity, the dentist uses a tooth-colored material. By using the same material, the composite veneer is made. As compared to the porcelain veneer the price of the composite veneer is less. You have to use the composite veneer on the same day of their fabrication because its fabrication occurs quickly. On your teeth, they are sculpted directly with the help of composite bonding. Before placing these a recontouring of the teeth is necessary. On the enamel that is uncut, direct placement of this veneer is possible. These can stay for 7 years.

2.Porcelain veneers – For making veneer, the material that is most common is porcelain.

·       These can stay for 15 years

·       These are completely customized

·       These are versatile

·       Their color matches with that of the teeth

Ceramic material is used for making porcelain veneer. As compared to composite veneer a better resistance to stains is provided by porcelain veneer.

The procedure of applying these is minimally invasive and conservative. So, these are very popular as compared to dental crowns. A 0.5mm or more correction and shaping of that tooth structure will be performed which is healthy and part of the affected tooth. Then a shell made of porcelain is taken and by using a bonding agent it takes the place of the natural tooth. If the discolorations are very dark then the dentist uses opaques. A porcelain veneer is available in 15 colors of different types.

3.Lumineers – The translucent and ultra-thin (0.2 mm) veneer is the Lumineer. As compared to the porcelain veneer a more replication of the natural enamel’s color and shape is possible with Lumineers. A recontouring or reduction of the tooth is not needed with these thin Lumineers. Lumineers stay for more than 20 years.

4.Palatal veneers – For restoring the posterior teeth the dentist uses onlays. An onlay of special type is palatal veneer. Because of dental erosion, bruxism and deep bite the anterior teeth’ palatal damages. Acid reflux that is severe, and chronic vomiting are the possible reasons of erosion. For restoring that part of the teeth which is compromised the dentist uses palatal onlays.

5.Removable veneers – As compared to traditional veneers the non-permanent and less invasive veneer is a removable veneer. There is a comparatively less cost for the removable veneer. By using the teeth of the patient, the molds for the lower jaw and upper jaw are prepared. The reduction of the tooth is not needed with a removable veneer.

Procedure for placing the veneers

The steps for placing the veneer are as follows:

(i)From your teeth’ front sides some enamel will be removed by the dentist.

(ii)Then from the tooth structure that has been prepared, a mold will be made by the dentist.

(iii)After this on the basis of your smile the best matching veneer shade will be chosen by the dentist as well as by you.

(iv)In order to make the right fitting veneer the mold will be sent to the dental lab. Then the temporary veneer will be used for covering your teeth and the dentist will fix it. Several weeks’ time will be taken for getting the right fitting veneer from the lab.

(v)Then the right fitting veneer will be placed on the teeth after removing the veneer that is temporary and this procedure will be performed by the dentist. The veneer will be bonded after cleaning the teeth only.