Dental Veneers

A Dental Veneer is a cosmetic product which is customized for a patient to improve their facial appearance. They are thin shell-shaped coverings for the visible portion of the tooth. It gives an effect similar to a natural tooth. Veneers provide an answer for patients who wish to have a permanent solution for their dental problems, particularly for those who have not benefitted from regular teeth whitening and other dental procedures.

A dental veneer protects a tooth from further damage and, at the same time, helps maintain an aesthetic smile. They help in improvising the look of your teeth by giving them a natural appearance. It is an artificial product that does not strengthen the tooth but enhances the smile of a person.

How many types of Veneers are available?

There are different types of veneers available based on the materials they are made of.

• Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain is the most common type of material used for veneers. It is a widely used material because of its qualities such as its natural-looking surface, does not stain easily, and at the same time, it is strong and lasts longer. These veneers are about 0.5mm in thickness and hence require only a small amount of enamel to be removed from a tooth to fit them.
• Composite Resin Veneers: The main advantage of composite resin veneers is that they can be easily fitted and repaired quickly in case of damage. It is made out of tooth-colored filling material and bonded to the tooth. It costs less as compared to a porcelain veneer. 
• Instant Veneers: These are ready-made veneers that can be fixed immediately to a patient, and they are also cheaper compared to porcelain or composite veneer.
• Lumineers: These veneers are just 0.2mm in thickness and are becoming very popular among dental patients. The process of fixing these veneers does not involve the removal of enamel from the natural tooth.

What is the procedure for veneers?

The primary step is to consult your dentist and take advice on the type of veneers that will be most suitable for your cosmetic needs. At this stage, impressions of your tooth can be taken. The secondary step is to prepare the teeth for the actual procedure. A thin layer of enamel is removed from the tooth to which the veneers are to be fixed. The thinning of the enamel will create a place for the new veneer. This process does not require anesthesia as only minimal drilling is done. The veneers are finally attached to the teeth once the dentist has checked them for a bite and other alignment concerns.

What are the benefits of dental veneers?

• The veneers are very useful in solving minor cosmetic problems.
• It offered a simple solution to get a bright smile at an affordable cost.
• Minor cracks, discolored teeth, and gaps between the teeth could be hidden by the veneers.
• The veneers provided an excellent solution for those with enamel abrasion of the teeth.
• Veneers are stain-resistant, and hence you don’t have to fear discoloration.

Call us at Potomac Dental Group or schedule an online appointment to know more about Dental Veneers.