Veneers and Worn-Down Teeth

In dentistry, a veneer is a layer of material placed over a tooth. Veneers are prosthetic devices used by cosmetic dentists that can improve the aesthetics of your smile and protect the surface of the tooth from damage. A dentist can use a single veneer to restore a single tooth or several veneers on multiple teeth to create a big bright “Hollywood” type smile.

With the help of ceramic veneers, you can get rid of, for example, unaesthetic gaps between the front teeth, defective color and position or anomalies in the position of the front teeth. They are also a solution to aesthetic defects caused by tooth breakage, tooth erosion or multiple fillings on the front teeth. If you suffer from any of these issues, you may be a good candidate for ceramic veneers. If you suffer from any gum disease, for example untreated periodontitis, this problem needs to be cured first before veneers can be applied. If your teeth are extensively damaged (a large number of fillings, severe damage to the enamel), full ceramic crowns may be a better solution. Talk to your dentist about which may be right for your case.

Dentists also recommend using thin porcelain veneers to strengthen teeth that are worn by aging, mechanical use, or poor oral hygiene. Veneers can also be applied over yellow or stained teeth, which in many cases, will keep your teeth white for a long time, due to the stain-resistant nature of the ceramic material used in veneers. In many cases, minimal or no tooth preparation is required when using porcelain veneers.

Before application

During the first consultation, you will discuss your ideas regarding the appearance of your teeth with the doctor. It is important that he correctly understands what you yourself see as the biggest problem. The doctor will also choose the right shade of ceramic veneers together with you. Before the procedure, you will probably be asked about your general state of health, especially if you suffer from allergies to certain drugs or anesthetics.

Anesthesia

The application of veneers is a very gentle, practically painless procedure. Fine grinding of the teeth and application of veneers is performed under local anesthesia, which guarantees you painlessness.

Procedure for applying ceramic veneers

If you have healthy teeth, the application of ceramic veneers takes place in two stages. First, the doctor lightly grinds the front part of the teeth (by a maximum of 0.4 mm) and takes an impression of the dentition. He sends the impression to a dental laboratory, where the veneers are made. Production usually takes 10 days, and during this time you can use temporary veneers usually made of photo-composite (the material from which "white fillings" are made).

During the second session, the definitive veneers are tested and, if there are no functional or aesthetic problems, they are permanently bonded to your existing teeth. After bonding the veneers, polishing is done to make the new look of your teeth perfect. Current technology offers the entire procedure in a single visit – making an electronic impression of the teeth, modeling the veneers on the computer, making the final work and gluing.

After the procedure

The doctor will provide you with all the information regarding the care of ceramic veneers. The basic element is perfect oral hygiene, which removes all dental plaque. A doctor or dental hygienist will teach you perfect oral hygiene. Care should be taken when biting very hard pieces of food.

How long do dental ceramic veneers last?

Aesthetic dentistry currently has ceramic veneers with a very long life, minimal risk of loosening and colorfastness. However, the lifespan of ceramic veneers also depends on the care of the teeth and gums, on the quality of one's own teeth and on the client's handling of ceramic veneers.

Why Are My Teeth Wearing Down