When there are issues such as unattractive, chipped, worn, cracked, yellowed, or darkened teeth, or uneven sizes, it can lead to a lack of confidence every time you smile or use your teeth. Improving the condition of your teeth with veneers (Veneer), which involves applying a thin layer to the tooth surface, helps correct imperfections and restores the beauty of your smile. This option not only helps you smile confidently again but also conserves more tooth structure compared to crowns.
Getting to Know Veneers
Veneers are a dental treatment that involves applying a material resembling natural tooth enamel to the front surface of the teeth. The material is thin and closely matches the color of natural teeth. Not only do veneers improve the appearance of your smile, but they also help protect the tooth surface, reducing potential damage in the future. With proper care and treatment by a skilled dentist, veneers can last for 10 to 15 years.
Types of Veneers
Veneers (Veneer) are divided into 2 main types:
Direct Veneer:
This involves using tooth-colored filling material, combined with adhesive bonding, to apply directly to the surface of the tooth in the mouth to change the shape and color of the tooth. This method requires the expertise of the dentist. The advantage is that it doesn’t require much tooth reduction. However, the downside is that the process takes longer and, if not controlled properly, it can lead to issues like bad breath and gum inflammation. The material used is composite resin, which is a mixture of resin and silica. The durability of the color and the smoothness of the surface are lower than porcelain materials.
Indirect Veneer:
This process involves the dentist removing the tooth surface, taking an impression, and allowing the patient to choose the desired tooth color. The impression is then sent to a laboratory where porcelain material is used to make the veneer. The advantages include the natural shine and color stability of the porcelain material. In the meantime, the dentist will place a temporary covering on the tooth while waiting for the final veneer to be returned and fitted in the patient’s mouth until the process is complete.
Preparing for Veneer Treatment
If you decide to get veneers, important preparations before the procedure include:
- Cleaning your teeth
- Treating cavities
- Treating gum inflammation
Post-Veneer Care
How to Care for Your Teeth After Getting Veneers:
- Brush your teeth thoroughly, especially around the gum line where the veneers are placed.
- Use dental floss regularly, at least 1-2 times a day.
- Avoid biting hard objects and using your front teeth to tear or chew.
- Be cautious about using your teeth for biting and prying objects.
- Visit the dentist every 6 months for regular check-ups.
- If you grind your teeth at night, wear a nightguard to protect your veneers from damage.
What are the benefits of getting veneers?
- Increase confidence and beauty for your teeth and smile.
- Improve the condition of your teeth and restore them to a better state.
- Reshape your teeth.
- Durable and resistant to stains from beverages, food, and tobacco.
- Close gaps in cases of spaced teeth.
- Conceal unsightly tooth discoloration.
Although veneers (Veneer) have many benefits, there are still some drawbacks. One of the downsides is that during the treatment process, tooth enamel is filed down, and the enamel lost will never be restored. Therefore, veneers should not be done repeatedly, as each time the veneer is removed, more of the natural tooth structure will be filed. Additionally, it requires the expertise of a dentist and a fully equipped laboratory to ensure a complete treatment, allowing the veneers to function properly for a long period.