Hints to make your teeth literally shine.
What are dental veneers, you may ask? Well, they’re micro-thin coverings of around 0.5mm or less that are placed on the outer surface of teeth. They were first developed in the 1930’s to improve the teeth of movie stars as newsreel film became more widespread.
Most veneers are utilized for light shade correction rather than significant whitening of teeth, with the main reasons for getting them being missing teeth, misaligned teeth, or changes in tooth color due to previous dental treatment.
If you don’t like the look of your teeth and are thinking of getting a veneer, here’s a short and handy guide to the basics.
1. How Do I Get A Veneer?
The decision to install a veneer is a medical one and can only be made by a qualified dental physician. Previously, root canal treatment was a reason for veneers but any misalignment due to this has been solved by modern orthodontic techniques.
Veneers are also not recommended for people not accustomed with maintaining consistent and regular oral hygiene.
Consult your local dentist about veneers and listen to their expert opinion.
2. Which Type Of Veneer?
Your dentist will advise you on the different kinds of veneer and which ones might best suit your individual requirements. But the most commonly used types are: Composite Materials, Ceramics, and Zirconia. Each of these types have their pros and cons, based on your own specific needs.
Most orthodontic physicians tend to recommend ceramic veneers as they most accurately replicate the tooth’s natural shade and texture. Ceramics manufactured in laboratories allow for a more precise adaptation to the individual tooth, more so than other veneer types.
If you’re getting a veneer because of a chipped tooth, composite materials would be more accurate.
3. How Long Will The Veneer Last?
Most dentists will give a rough time frame of between 10-15 years for an installed veneer, depending on the type, the tooth, and the individual person’s dental hygiene routine.
But there are ways to extend the life of a veneer, such as: using an irrigator for more thorough oral hygiene, not eating foods that are excessively hard in texture, avoiding foods with high acidity contents, and regular check-ups with the dentist.
As with all these suggestions, consult your local dental physician before making any judgments.
