Dental ceramic veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can improve the appearance of your smile by correcting dental imperfections. Veneers are made from a variety of materials, including resin composite, and ceramic. Of these materials, dental ceramic or porcelain veneers are considered the gold standard due to their durability, aesthetics, and ability to closely mimic natural teeth.
What are dental ceramic veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are placed over the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance. They are ideally made out of ceramic and are designed to look and feel like your natural teeth. The process of placing dental veneers typically involves a few visits to the dentist.
Ceramic (porcelain) veneers are commonly used as part of cosmetic dentistry to correct a variety of cosmetic dental issues, such as:
- Discolouration: Teeth that are stained or discoloured due to age, medication, decay, or lifestyle habits like smoking can be masked with ceramic veneers.
- Chips and cracks: Teeth that are chipped or cracked can be repaired and reinforced with ceramic veneers.
- Gaps: Small gaps between teeth can be closed with ceramic veneers.
- Misshapen or uneven teeth: Teeth that are misshapen or uneven can be corrected with ceramic veneers.
- Tooth wear: Teeth that are worn can be restored.
The following images show cases that were treated at our office in Waterloo using adhesively bonded ceramic veneers.
Treatment of worn front teeth with ceramic veneers. Move the slider to the right hand side to see the teeth before the treatment. The appearance of the teeth after treatment with ceramic veneers can be seen when moving the slider to the left hand side.
The following images show the appearance of discoloured teeth before and after treatment with ceramic veneers. The discolouration was caused by decay and old fillings. The subsequent close up images show the same teeth after treatment at our office in Waterloo with ceramic veneers.
What are the benefits of dental ceramic veneers?
There are many benefits to getting dental ceramic veneers, including:
- Natural appearance: Ceramic veneers are designed to mimic the natural appearance of teeth, with the same translucency, color, and texture as real tooth enamel.
- Long-lasting results: With proper care, veneers can last for many years, making them a durable and effective cosmetic dental treatment.
- Non-invasive: Compared to other cosmetic dental treatments, such as crowns, veneers are a relatively non-invasive procedure that requires minimal tooth reduction.
- Stain-resistant: Ceramic veneers are highly resistant to stains, which means that they will maintain their bright and attractive appearance even after years of use.
- Versatility: Ceramic veneers can be used to correct a wide range of cosmetic dental issues, from discoloration to misshapen teeth.
- Improved confidence: If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, veneers can help you feel more confident and comfortable in social situations.
The Process of Getting Dental Ceramic Veneers
Getting dental ceramic veneers typically requires several visits to the dentist. Here is a general overview of the process:
- Consultation: During your initial consultation, your dentist will evaluate your teeth, discuss your goals for treatment, and determine if ceramic veneers are the best option for you.
- Preparation: If you decide to move forward with ceramic veneers, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel from the surface of the teeth. This is necessary to ensure a proper fit for the veneers.
- Fabrication of veneers: Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth or scan your teeth, which will be used to fabricate custom-made ceramic veneers.
- Temporary veneers: While your permanent veneers are being fabricated, your dentist will place temporary veneers over your teeth to protect them.
- Bonding: Once your permanent veneers are ready, your dentist will bond them to your teeth using a special dental adhesive. The veneers will be carefully placed and adjusted to ensure a comfortable and natural fit.
- Follow-up: After the procedure, your dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to check the fit and function of your veneers and to ensure that you are happy with the results.
What are the potential drawbacks of dental ceramic veneers?
While dental ceramic veneers offer many benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Cost: Veneers can be expensive, and they may not be covered by your dental insurance.
- Irreversible: Once your teeth have been prepared for veneers, the process is irreversible. This means that you will need to commit to the treatment before undergoing the procedure.
- Sensitivity: Some people may experience increased tooth sensitivity after getting veneers, particularly if a significant amount of enamel had to be removed during the preparation process. This sensitivity is usually transient in nature.
- Chipping or cracking: While veneers are durable, they can still chip or crack if they are subjected to excessive force or trauma.
Caring for Dental Ceramic Veneers
While ceramic veneers are highly durable and stain-resistant, they still require proper care and maintenance to ensure that they last for many years to come. Here are some tips for caring for your dental ceramic veneers:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, as well as for prolonging the life of your ceramic veneers. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
- Avoid Hard and Chewy Foods: While dental ceramic veneers are highly durable, they can still be damaged by hard and chewy foods. Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails, and cut chewy foods like caramel or taffy into smaller pieces before eating them.
- Wear a Mouthguard for Sports: If you participate in sports or other physical activities, it is important to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and veneers from damage. A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist can provide the best protection and comfort.
- Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth: To minimize the risk of damaging your veneers if you are grinding or clenching your teeth during the night you should wear a nightguard. Nightguards create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, which helps prevent tooth wear, chipping, and cracking caused by grinding and clenching.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, as well as for detecting and addressing any issues with your dental ceramic veneers. Your dentist can evaluate the condition of your veneers, make any necessary adjustments or repairs, and provide guidance on how to properly care for them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dental ceramic veneers can be a great way to achieve a beautiful, natural-looking smile. By practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding hard and chewy foods, wearing a mouthguard for sports, a nightguard if you are grinding or clenching during the night, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help ensure that your veneers last for many years to come. With proper care and maintenance, your dental ceramic veneers can continue to enhance your smile and boost your confidence for a lifetime.
Further Reading
The following links to the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), the American Dental Association (ADA), as well as a link to a German Dental Association describe the treatment with dental veneers.
- Canadian Dental Association – Bonding & Veneers
- American Dental Association – Veneers
- Kassenzahnärztliche Vereinigung – Veneers
