The History of Dentistry
Must-Know Facts About Dental Veneers
Regina Carlson
People resort to dental veneers for many reasons, including when teeth whitening solutions fail to remove discolouration. Additionally, dental veneers can repair a chipped tooth, restoring your smile. However, you should know what to expect before choosing the cosmetic procedure, including preparation, the cost, care tips, types available and the ideal candidate. This post highlights some top facts about dental veneers.
Dental Veneers Explained
When your teeth are discoloured due to oral diseases or chipped because of an accident, your dentist might recommend dental veneers. The devices are custom-made, thin ceramic or composite shells that attach to the front of the teeth. Notably, veneers are tailored to match the shade of your teeth to make them appear as natural as possible. Therefore, dental veneers go beyond teeth whitening and offer significant corrections to teeth problems, such as discolouration and cracking. Ideal candidates for the procedure include the elderly suffering from teeth wear and tear. Also, people with crooked teeth might want to consider dental veneers. Moreover, dental veneers are your go-to option if you have a severe case of teeth staining, which whitening procedures cannot remove. Note that a dental exam will show if you require dental veneers or an alternative procedure.
Porcelain Versus Composite Veneers
You can choose between two types of veneers, namely porcelain and composite. Porcelain veneers are thin but offer better quality and durability compared to composite veneers. Thus, porcelain veneers are pricier than their composite counterparts. On the other hand, composite veneers use a composite resin coloured according to the whiteness of a patient's teeth. They are relatively affordable but are not as long-lasting as porcelain veneers.
Multiple Dental Visits
Getting a dental veneer is not a simple procedure, as most patients soon find out. For instance, you must see your dentist two or three times to complete the process. Besides, you might be sent home with a temporary veneer as you wait for the permanent one from the lab to be fitted to your tooth. During the first visit, a dentist takes photographs and X-rays of your teeth to know the correct type of veneer for you. Also, a dentist creates a mould of temporary veneer from the impression of your tooth. Noteworthy, a temporary veneer is made from liquid composite. Most importantly, you wear a temporary veneer for a week and a couple of days as an exact permanent veneer is made in the lab. Finally, a dentist fits the permanent veneer to the affected tooth during the second or third visit. Note that composite veneers might require several dental appointments to achieve the desired results.
Contact a dentist to learn more regarding cosmetic dentistry.
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Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved stories about the past. Whether the stories were about horses, wars, exploration or even dentistry, I loved to hear them. I find that knowing the history of something helps it to make sense and feel approachable. I know that some people have dental anxiety, and I too have suffered, but I also feel like the more you know about dental work and its history, the easier it is. This blog is dedicated to exploring the history of dentistry – What did ancient people use for fillings? How did early dentists numb their patients? Who was the first dentist? Those are just some of the questions I plan to answer here. Ready? Okay, let's dive into the history of dentistry together!