Teeth veneers: procedures, risks, benefits and how to care for them

Lately, veneer has become one of the beauty trends that are being loved by women. Apart from being able to improve the structure of your teeth, the veneer procedure can also enhance your appearance when you smile. Interested in trying veneers? Eits, wait a minute! There are many things you need to consider before going to the dentist.

Anything? Check out the information in the following review.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that are used to line the front of your teeth. This artificial shell will be shaped to resemble the shape of the original teeth.

The materials used to make shells come in a variety of ways, including porcelain, composites, and ceramics. However, porcelain veneers are in greater demand. Porcelain veneers are popular because they tend to last longer and don't give off a bold white color.

The cost of this treatment will be adjusted to the type of material used and the number of teeth to be installed with veneers.

How long do dental veneers last?

Veneers are thin, tooth-colored skeletons made of porcelain or resin composite materials. Veneer installation aims to beautify teeth by covering deficiencies in shape, color, length, or size.

Both types of veneers have their respective advantages and disadvantages. Composite veneers are usually cheaper and easier to make.

Natural teeth will also not be affected as the dentist only needs to shape the veneers based on the shape of your teeth.

However, composite veneers are not as strong as porcelain veneers. Compared to porcelain veneers, dental veneers made of composite materials are more fragile and do not last as long. Porcelain veneers also look more natural and do well to ward off stains.

Composite veneers generally last 3-5 years, or 5-7 years if properly cared for. This means that you must be able to ensure oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist at least once a year.

If you want to install a more durable veneer, porcelain veneer could be the right choice. Porcelain veneers can last for 10-15 years. In fact, some people have porcelain veneers that last up to 25 years.

Even so, there is no guarantee that dental veneers will last without breaking completely. The resistance of the veneers depends on how you care for them and how regularly you get the veneers checked by the dentist.

Benefits of dental veneers

Quoting on the page of the American College of Prostodhontists, veneers can be used to improve:

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Big teeth next door
• Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped
• Teeth that have gaps (veneers can close the gaps between one tooth and another).

This dental treatment can also be used to whiten teeth.

Veneers are not the same as a dental or implant procedure crown (denture crown). Veneers cover the front surface of the teeth, while implants replace loose teeth. Veneers also usually cover only the surface of the front teeth. On the other hand, crown wraps all the parts of the teeth that are above the edge of the gum.

Those who are not recommended veneers

Not everyone is allowed to do veneers. Some people who are not recommended to perform veneer procedures including:

• People who have too advanced teeth
• People whose teeth are too wide apart
• People whose teeth are stacked too much
• People who have large cavities and severe decay

Preparation before dental veneers

Before veneers, you will need several sessions with the dentist. Consultation is necessary for the doctor to know your medical history and the state of your mouth as a whole.

If you are allowed to do veneers, then the doctor will determine a treatment plan. This plan includes determining the color and shape of the teeth to match your problem. The doctor can also do X-rays and dental photographs to confirm the diagnosis and prevent the risk of infection later in life.

Feel free to share the results you want to achieve from this procedure. For example, let's say you want your teeth to look natural and not too flashy. Your doctor can adjust the right type of shell according to your condition.

Understand the dental veneer process

After examining the condition of your teeth, the doctor will then calculate how many teeth you need to file. After that, the doctor will file about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the surface of your teeth. This amount is almost the same as the thickness of the veneer that will be added to the tooth surface.

Before filing the enamel, your doctor may give you a local anesthetic so you don't feel sick. Not only that, doctors can also provide painkillers in the middle of treatment so that patients do not feel sick.

Then the doctor will print your teeth. These molds will then be sent to the lab to make shells that will then be attached to the surface of the teeth.

This dental molding process usually takes about 2-4 weeks. If your tooth decay is severe, your doctor may apply temporary dental veneers.

Before the shell is placed on the surface of the tooth, the doctor will first clean your teeth thoroughly. This cleaning process is important to prevent bacteria from getting trapped under the layers and causing putrefaction.

After that the doctor will check the suitability of the shell size and color. The doctor may repeatedly remove and cut the veneer to really get the right result.

After that, the doctor will file your teeth so that they have a rougher texture and make it easier for the veneer to stick to the teeth. In order for the veneer and teeth to stick firmly, the doctor can apply a special cement to the surface of the tooth that has been filed.

When the shell is attached to the right position, the doctor will use ultraviolet light to harden the cement.

Risk of installing dental veneers

Apart from offering benefits, this dental treatment also has a number of dangers that need to be watched out for. Here are some of the dangers of applying dental veneers that you need to be aware of.

1. Teeth color is not the same

According to The Journal of the American Dental Association, the color of tooth veneers depends on various factors. One factor is the base color of your natural teeth.

The natural color of the teeth will determine what color and type of veneer to apply. The Cleveland Clinic also says that the placement of veneers on teeth can experience discoloration or stains on the edges of the teeth.

Usually this is due to a moisture problem when the doctor applies the veneer.

2. The veneer color cannot be changed

Your doctor cannot change or improve the color of the veneers after you put them in. Meanwhile, the original color of the veneer itself can usually last for a period of 5-10 years after installation.

So so you don't regret it at the end, make sure you put the veneers in a dentist who is experienced in their field. Apart from getting maximum results, you will also feel safe and comfortable during the procedure.

Don't bargain in performing any medical procedures. Instead of getting the benefits, doing medical procedures in any place may end up causing you to experience more side effects.

3. Problems with veneer installation

A number of problems with veneer installation are possible. First, the improper position of the veneer layer can actually lead to tooth decay. In addition, this condition can cause rot on the outer edges of the veneers.

Veneer coatings can also be slimy or rough. This condition can cause dental floss to enter the edge of the veneer. This procedure can also make it difficult for you to clean your teeth and make your gums more prone to irritation.

4. Teeth become more sensitive

Applying dental veneers requires the doctor to scrape the tooth enamel off the surface of the tooth. This layer of enamel that is forced to erode can make your teeth sensitive afterward.

Sensitive teeth can cause you to feel sore when you eat cold or hot foods and drinks. In severe cases, this condition can also numb tooth tissue. This is because the tooth enamel has been eroded too much.

5. Other risks

The Cleveland Clinic notes that dental veneers made of porcelain can crack easily. Veneered teeth can be damaged when you bite or chew on hard objects such as ice, pencils or even your fingernails.

This can put too much stress on the veneer layer, causing it to loosen or fall off.

How to care for teeth after veneering

The process of restoring teeth after veneers is fairly short. Once the veneer has been applied and the anesthetic wears off, you can eat and chew again as usual.

However, don't just eat. So that the veneer layer that surrounds your teeth can last a long time, here are a few things to note.

1. Be diligent in brushing your teeth

Although veneers can make your teeth bright white, you still need to be diligent in brushing your teeth. Poor dental hygiene can affect the quality of the veneer that sticks to the surface of your teeth.

Furthermore, rarely brushing your teeth will actually trigger various other dental problems. Therefore, it is important to brush your teeth regularly every day. You just need to brush your teeth twice a day in the morning after breakfast and at night before bed.

Make sure how to brush your teeth properly and correctly. Brush your teeth slowly in a circular motion. Don't brush your teeth vigorously as this can actually damage the veneers and lead to other problems.

Use a soft, soft bristled brush. In addition, make sure that the head of the brush you use fits perfectly into the oral cavity.

2. Flossing teeth

In order to make sure your teeth are completely clean and stain free, you need them flossing. Flossing is a technique of cleaning teeth using floss.

Instead of brushing your teeth, flossing can clean plaque and food debris stuck between the teeth. Flossing it is also effective at cleaning the deepest parts of the oral cavity, which are generally not reached with a regular brush.

Make sure you floss regularly after brushing your teeth. When flossing teeth, make sure you work the floss slowly and don't get into the gums. Rubbing the string too hard can injure your gums.

3. Gargle with itmouthwash

Another treatment you need to take to keep veneer durable is to diligently use mouthwash. Mouthwash can help clean food residue that sticks to the surface. Not only that, mouthwash is also effective against bacteria lodged in the mouth and freshens breathing.

Therefore, it is necessary to add mouthwash in your daily oral and dental care routine. Gargle after brushing your teeth and flossing. This is done so that germs and food residue that may still stick to the surface of the teeth or gums can be completely lost.

Make sure you use the mouthwash according to the dosage. Mouthwash that is used excessively can cause side effects that adversely affect your body.

4. Avoid hard and sticky foods

It is important for you to pay attention to every food and drink that will be consumed every day. This is because a number of foods can cause the veneer layer to break down and even break due to its hard or sticky texture.

If you want to eat fruits and vegetables that are firm (apples, broccoli, and carrots) you can steam them first so they are soft. You can also cut large, hard foods into smaller pieces so they can be mashed easily.

5. Stop the habit of biting objects

You should also avoid biting hard objects such as pencils, ice, or fingernails. You also shouldn't open water bottles or bite into plastic containers with your teeth. Both of these can erode the veneer layer.

In principle, you should avoid anything that can damage natural teeth. The reason is, anything that can damage natural teeth can also damage the veneers.

6. Wear a mouth guard

Source: Sekhon Dentistry

Remember, the veneer layer can crack or even break under heavy pressure or impact. Therefore, so that the veneer layer does not crack or break, use a mouth guard when you want to exercise.

6. Check with the dentist regularly

One other important thing that you should not miss is to regularly check with the dentist. With regular check-ups, your doctor can ensure that your veneers and teeth are in good condition and healthy.

If at any time the doctor finds a problem with your teeth, the doctor can immediately determine the right treatment.