Have you ever considered investing in dental veneers? Think about it as it takes five pairs of muscles to smile but only one set of teeth to impact our self-confidence! They also say it takes a single glance to form a first impression of someone, and as you know, first impressions last! No wonder so many people are opting for dental veneers. The first impression alone can be a daunting thought to process, especially if you are unhappy with your smile, as it's the first thing people notice. Furthermore, our smile is directly linked to our confidence levels when interacting with others and our overall mood. In fact, how we feel about ourselves can negatively impact our mental health, which has a knock-on effect, causing us to be self-conscious about the way we look. In addition, cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth can play a significant role in how we perceive others see us, leading to even more emotional turmoil. Some of the primary reasons people resort to dental veneers include improving self-esteem, appearance, and self-confidence.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin sheaths made from porcelain or resin. These sheaths are shaped, texturized, color matched, and placed over your existing tooth or teeth. The veneer creates a new tooth surface and a clearer, brighter appearance. In addition, by coating the original tooth with a veneer, the tooth is strengthened and appears whiter, thus creating a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

Types of dental veneers

Several types of veneer are available, ranging from permanent solutions to trial or snap-on veneers. Each has its own benefits and can target a range of dental issues such as misshaped, discolored, or cracked teeth.

Porcelain

Although a little pricey, porcelain veneers are the most popular because of their resistance to staining and their ability to treat cracks and chips effectively. In addition, each veneer is custom-made to fit each tooth, creating a natural look bespoke to your smile.

Lumineers

The material used to make these veneers is more translucent than porcelain veneers. This makes them a less favorable option for targeting discolored teeth.

Ultra-thin veneers

The veneers are made using ultra-thin porcelain. This type of veneer is popular because very little enamel is removed from the original tooth. Therefore, preserving the original tooth and providing it with a new and brighter surface.

Laminate veneers

These veneers are thinner than traditional veneers but require less enamel removal when fitted.

Composite veneers

Made from a tooth-colored resin rather than porcelain, these veneers are affordable. However, they are not as durable as porcelain veneers.

Emax veneers

Made from porcelain, these veneers are fitted to the tooth without the need for tooth etching.

Why are dental veneers so popular?

While dental veneers are primarily used to create an even smile or strengthen weak or chipped teeth, they can also correct other dental issues. In addition, a significant advantage of using veneers is they allow you to target multiple problems all at once, which is excellent news for those with more than one issue to resolve. For example:

Discolored Teeth

Certain foods, drinks, and smoking can cause staining of the outer enamel. Age can also be a contributing factor, as can certain medications and excessive fluoride exposure.

Crooked Teeth/ Uneven Teeth

Genetics plays a role in crooked teeth. For example, if your jaw is too small to accommodate your teeth, it can result in crooked or skew teeth.

Worn Teeth

Teeth can become worn due to several factors, including uneven contact, teeth grinding, abrasion from toothpaste/toothbrushes, and erosion caused by fizzy drinks or acidic food substances.

Gaps / Small & big teeth

Small teeth, gum disease, tooth loss, and even bad habits such as thumb sucking can cause teeth to shift out of their original position.

How can dental veneers benefit me?

Veneers are an effective treatment for many dental issues and can help resolve gaps, chipped, broken or misshapen teeth. And while these problems can also be resolved with traditional braces, veneers have some pretty exciting benefits.

Improved confidence

Insecurities that stem from a less-than-perfect smile can affect your confidence levels. If you find that you hide your teeth in photos or feel self-conscious smiling when socializing with friends, chances are veneers can help you feel better about your appearance.

Resolve dental problems

If left unresolved, chips, gaps, and misaligned teeth can result in poor oral health the older we get. Veneers can help to resolve these issues, thus avoiding serious oral disease.

Faster than Traditional Braces

Veneers are a faster option than traditional braces.

Low Maintenance

Veneers require the same level of care you would give to your teeth typically. For example, you need to clean them regularly, avoid excessive amounts of sugar and have regular check-ups with your dentist and hygienist.

Not Invasive

Contrary to popular belief, veneers are do not require the removal of significant amounts of tooth enamel. In fact, only ½ mm of enamel is usually removed from the front of the tooth to make space for the veneer.

Durable

Veneers are not permanent but can last for 10-15 years and resist staining better than natural teeth.

What are the cons of dental veneers?

Dental veneers have some drawbacks that may affect your decision when considering them as a solution.

Sensitivity

Veneers can cause natural teeth to become more sensitive to hot and cold when eating or drinking.

Irreversible

Veneer treatment cannot be reversed; therefore, you need to be confident that this is the treatment you want before going ahead.

Fact vs. fiction

Gone are the days when veneers required excessive drilling and looked overly perfect or downright false. Nowadays, technology ensures they are made from durable, high-quality materials and fitted with very little damage to natural teeth. Very often, little to no drilling is required, and the veneer can simply be placed against the tooth, thus reducing damage to the natural teeth and prolonging the lifespan of the veneers. Furthermore, veneers can be made according to your desired color, therefore, mitigating the problem of a fake overly white appearance.

Last bite

However, when considering veneers as an option to resolve dental issues, it's best to get professional help from a reputable dentist or clinic. This will ensure your treatment goes to plan and you obtain the smile you've been dreaming of rather than expensive bills for further dental treatment.