The Evolving Veneer Process

Dentistry has evolved over the years just as medicine and science have. New ways of protecting dental health, providing preventative care, and utilizing the tools at dentistry’s disposal to create confidence-building aesthetics after disease or injury is changing all the time. A cosmetic dentist can create an entirely new smile while restoring self-esteem.

 

Porcelain Or Composite?

Dental veneers are material which is placed over the organic tooth or built to take the place of a tooth. They can be used for one tooth or the whole set of teeth. There are two types: porcelain and composite.

Porcelain is a more durable material and less likely to stain. They not only provide an aesthetic quality but also protect the surface of teeth from damage. Porcelain fits over the teeth and does require some shaving or removal of organic teeth in order to fit them. It takes two visits to obtain the porcelain type as they are made in a laboratory. They are the more expensive of the two and cannot be repaired but must be replaced.

Composite is a material that is “built-up” with a resin while the patient sits in the dental chair. Composites may also require some structure of the organic teeth to be shaved or removed to accommodate the build-up of the composite so as not to make the teeth appear too bulky. Composites are not as strong as porcelain ones and can stain.

The first veneers were invented in 1928 when a California dentist used them for a film actor’s appearance on film, however, this effect was a temporary alteration and acrylics were first used in 1937. They were applied with dental adhesive but they, too, were only a temporary aesthetic alteration as the adhesive for the acrylic which was used in the mouth proved too soluble. Further research led to enamel etching in 1959, a process which bonded porcelain to the etched enamel of the teeth. Of course, new materials, procedures, and processes are changing all the time.

Veneers usually last 10 years but are known to last as long as 30 years. The procedure can be expensive, ranging from $1200 – $2000 per tooth and can be as high as $4,500.

 

Should I Get A Veneer Or A Dental Implant?

A cosmetic dentist will be able to tell you whether your teeth are good candidates for the veneer process. Some of the following reasons might mean your teeth aren’t healthy enough and may need another procedure such as a dental implant or other orthodontal procedure:

• Dental Decay
• Active Gum Disease
• Insufficient Organic Tooth Enamel
• Severely Misaligned Teeth
• History Of Clenching Or Grinding

Dental decay and gum disease must be addressed prior to the veneer process. The process requires an adequate amount of organic enamel in order for the veneer to bond to the tooth. If you are clenching or grinding, you can easily chip or break off a veneer and as mentioned earlier, porcelain cannot be repaired and must be replaced so the cost will be quite high. Severely misaligned teeth are an issue when attempting to disguise or reshape the teeth through the veneer process. Your dentist can advise which procedure is recommended to correct severely misaligned teeth.

It is possible that a dental implant is needed and not a veneer. The following dental issues may require a dental implant:

• Replacing A Tooth Or Several Teeth
• Replacing All Teeth
• Restore Chewing And Speech
• Restore Facial Structure Integrity

If there is no tooth, there can be no veneer. Missing teeth require an implant. Without teeth, the jawbone recedes. The bone loss is evident in how the face looks and how one is able to chew and digest. If you still have natural teeth, the veneer process will benefit you. Dental implants are the best option for missing teeth, however, only your dentist can advise you knowing your dental history.

The following are just examples of some of the reasons you may consider the veneer process to enhance your smile or cosmetically fix small imperfections:

• Tooth Discoloration
• Spaces Between Teeth
• Fill In Spaces From Gum Recession
• Yellow Teeth That Won’t Whiten
• Crooked Teeth That Are Not Severely Misaligned
• Uniformity And Symmetry In Tooth Appearance
• Ridges Or Fine Wear-Lines Of The Teeth

A quick consultation with Implantation Dental Center will determine the best option for your perfect smile, so contact us today at 954-476-0770!