The appearance of our teeth significantly affects how we feel about ourselves. Although practicing good dental hygiene can keep our teeth white and shiny, accidents and unhealthy diets can affect the teeth and prevent us from having the smile we want. Thankfully, a dentistry procedure like veneers can help. This article intitled Veneers 101 we will aim to cover all what you need to know about Veneers.
Do you want a cosmetic solution that will improve your smile? Visit Sbenati Dentistry in Ontario. Our dentists offer general dentistry and cosmetic services, including veneer. In this article Veneers 101, we will explain all you need to know about veneer and how the process can improve your smile.
What are veneers and how do they work?
Dental veneers are a non-invasive dental procedure that consists of custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of the teeth. The small and water-thin covering is attached to the front of the teeth to cover different dental issues. Think of veneers as permanent makeup glued to the teeth to cover defects in the enamel. Dental veneers are designed to match the color and appearance of the teeth. As a result, they are mostly white and wonât look out of place. If you want, you can choose a partial or full set on your bottom and top teeth.
Some of the problems veneers are used to fix include:
- Teeth discoloration from root canal treatment, excessive fluoride, large resin fillings, stains from drugs, etc.
- Worn down teeth
- Uneven, irregularly shaped, or misaligned teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Fractures or breaks, sharp edges or rough spots
As we explained, dental veneers can camouflage different dental cosmetic defects. As a result, they are suitable for improving the appearance of the teeth without the need for aligner trays and fillings. Not only this, but veneers protect the tooth enamel and you can get a fix in one or two visits to Sbenti Dentistry clinic in Ontario.
What are the types of veneers?
Composite and porcelain veneers are the two most popular types of veneer. Other types include, palatal veneers, and Lumineers generally referred to as No-prep veneers.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most popular type of veneer. It mimics the teethâs natural look and can withstand biting pressure. As a result, it is more durable and stronger than other veneers. Apart from this, porcelain veneers are biocompatible. As a result, the wearer wonât suffer any allergic reactions to the surrounding tissue. Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years with proper oral hygiene and have a low chance of breakage. Apart from this, they have a smooth texture and are resistant to stains. On the downside, porcelain veneers are quite expensive and often require enamel removal. Also, it can be hard to repair if it damages.
Resin composite veneers
Composite veneers are made from resin. As a result, it consists of a mixture of inorganic and organic materials like resin, an initiator, and a coupling agent. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers are inexpensive. However, it is less durable and may not last more than 7 years. Composite veneers have a smooth texture and are easy to repair if they are broken. We can also fix it in a single visit and they have a low chance of harming the tissue. The veneers are less invasive since they require less enamel removal. However, they are prone to discoloration.
What is the process for having veneers?
You only need 3 visits to any of our dental offices. Our three-stage veneer installation process includes:
Diagnosis and treatment
When you visit our dental clinic, our dentistry team will listen to your smile goals and note if porcelain veneer is the right option for you. We will show the different options you can achieve, show digital images of your smile and high-resolution sample images, and discuss a custom solution fit for you.
Preparation
To prepare for your veneer, our dentists will need to reshape your tooth surface and make an impression on your tooth after discussing the options and building a cosmetic roadmap. At Sbenati Dentistry, we work with the best ceramics in Canada. We will send a model of your teeth to an expert ceramist â someone who will align with your dental journey.
The ceramists will put your custom mouth and teeth model through various chewing simulations and place wax over the model to create a replica of your veneers. This procedure will ensure the right sizing and coloring and ensure a practical and long-term solution. After testing the model, the ceramists and your doctor will collaborate on the final product. In the meantime, you can enjoy using a pair of custom temporary veneers. It can take up to 3 weeks before the permanent veneers are ready, and you can use the temporary veneers within this period.
Bonding and installation
Before fixing the real veneer, our dentists will place the veneers on your tooth to examine its color and fit, repeatedly removing and contouring it to achieve the best fit. During these alterations, we use local anesthetics to avoid any pain even as we remove the least amount of tooth enamel.We can adjust the veneer color with the shade of cement to be used. Next, we clean, polish, and etch your teeth. The etching procedure roughens the tooth to ensure a strong bonding process. Once we position the veneer, our dentists will shine a special light beam on it to activate chemicals in the cement and make it harden quickly. Then, we will remove excess cement and make necessary adjustments.
At Sbenati Dentist London Ontario, we understand that not all teeth are created equal. Therefore, we carefully model and contour our veneers to ensure the perfect fit. Depending on the model you choose, we can give you no-prep veneers that donât require contouring. Book an appointment with us today.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers last between 7 to 15 years. A porcelain veneer is more durable, so it will last for 15 years, while the less durable composite veneer will last 7 years before it would need to be replaced. However, the lifespan depends on how well you take care of your veneers. Speaking of caring for your veneers, dental veneers donât require any special care. All you need to do is brush, floss, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash as you normally would. In other words, follow good oral hygiene practices. Also, avoid beverages and foods like coffee that can stain your tooth. Check out our article for top 6 tips for maintaining your porcelain veneers for more information.
Conclusion
Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental procedure for fixing aesthetic issues and restoring your smile. Visit Sbenati Dentist office today for the best possible care, or call (519) 474-0220 for inquiries.

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