Veneers are wafer-thin shells, custom-made from tooth colored materials and designed to cover the teeth’s front surfaces to improve their appearance. Sometimes referred to as porcelain veneers or in some cases, dental porcelain laminates, the role that veneers play remain the same. They are used to change the shape, color, size and length of some
people’s teeth to make them look more attractive. People sometimes ask are veneers safe to use? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’. Veneers were invented in 1928 for use by actors in a movie shot in California. Since then, they have been safely used by tens of millions of people from all walks of life.
Type Of Veneers
The two most common types of veneers are porcelain veneers and veneers made from resin composite materials. However, it’s possible to have veneers made from a variety of ceramics, porcelains, composites and zirconia. Many people prefer porcelain veneers for their ability to resist stains and mimic natural teeth’s light reflecting properties.
Our dentists will discuss your options with you when choosing the material from which your veneers will be made. You will look at the pros and cons of the different types
of materials, how long they last, their cost and any other information you need to make an informed decision about what is the best choice for you.
Benefits Of Veneers
Veneers provide dental patients with a wide range of benefits. They provide people with several different aesthetic issues with their teeth an excellent solution. Veneers can
restore stained, chipped, broken, worn, slightly misaligned teeth or fill gaps between teeth and help create a beautiful smile. Three other benefits veneers offer include
natural looking, stain-resistant teeth that the gum tolerates well. Plus, veneers come in colors that help make dark teeth look whiter. Veneers also tend to look better and are stronger than crowns. And they do not require reshaping the tooth as much.
See Also: Benefits of Veneers
Do Veneers Ruin Your Real Teeth
In addition to asking are veneers safe, some people often want to know are veneers bad for your teeth in the long term? Putting veneers on your teeth are not bad for them. However, your teeth are permanently changed when a veneer is used to correct stains, chips and other tooth imperfections. The size and shape of the teeth are changed before the veneers is placed over it and bonded to them. Often the amount of tooth material removed is fingernail thin. Still, if the veneer is damaged or removed, a replacement veneer or another type of tooth covering will be needed.
Are Veneers Safe Long Term
With proper care, most people are able to wear their porcelain veneers for 10 to 15 years or longer. The veneer is generally very sturdy. To make it last for a decade or more, people have to practice good dental hygiene. People with a veneer simply have to brush and floss daily and refrain from doing things that can damage their teeth. Trying
to tear open plastic bags or remove bottles caps when you have veneers will shorten its effective lifespan. Having a dental hygienist use power polishing equipment, ultrasonic
scalers and heavy duty manual scalers can also damage your veneers. Dental hygienists using coarse pumice polishing pastes or acidulated fluoride during a fluoride treatment can also damage your veneers. This can reduce the length of time it will last.
Risks Factors
Although having a veneer is a safe, effective option for improving your smile, there are some potential risks factors to consider. One of the risks associated with having a veneer is that it’s a non-reversible process. Once you put a veneer on your teeth, you will always need to have one. Another risk is some enamel on front surface of the tooth on which the veneer is placed is filed down. Some drilling will be necessary. Eating and drinking hot and cold things for years may cause the veneer to crack and need repair or replacement.
Tooth Decay, Gum Shrinkage, Veneer Damage And Tooth Sensitivity
Failure to maintain proper oral hygiene can result in tooth decay under the veneer. This can cause the veneer to fall off. The gum shrinks about 1 to 2 millimeters every 10 years. As a result, once hidden margins of your veneer at the gum line may become visible. Over a number of years, chewing hard food may cause a veneer to break, chip or fracture and require repair. In 11% of cases the damaged veneer may need to be replaced. Some say veneers show stains after about 10 years. Others experience tooth sensitivity for about a week after a veneer is put in place.
It May Fall Off
There’s a chance the veneer may fall off due to improper care, tooth decay, bite stress or bonding cement failure. In many cases the dentist can clean and re-attach the veneer
if it’s intact and still fits properly.
Are Veneers Permanent
The average person who has a veneer bonded to their teeth can expect it to last 10 to 15 years. After that period of time, the veneer may need to be repaired or replaced. One key to the longevity of the veneer is making sure to practice proper oral hygiene. Not biting off metal bottle caps or chewing on other very hard non-food items can also help. A veneer can be a permanent solution to many of the cosmetic problems people have with their teeth. The veneer is durable enough to easily last a decade or more without
any problems. However, people who have a veneer installed should anticipate having to repair or replace it in 10 to 15 years.
Who Is A Candidate For Veneers
Almost anyone who needs cosmetic issues with their teeth addressed is a good candidate to have a veneer installed. The aesthetic and physical problems people have with their
teeth that a veneer can solve is very diverse. A veneer is a good option for people who have uneven, misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth. People with teeth that are broken,
chipped or worn down are also good candidates for a veneer. Discolored teeth caused by root canal treatment, large resin fillings or excessive fluoride can also benefit from
a veneer. Having a veneer installed can also help people with teeth stained by the use of tetracycline or other drugs. A veneer can also be used to close gaps between teeth.
The Process For Installing A Veneer
One thing people often want to know before deciding to get a veneer is how long veneers procedure take. The answer is, it varies depending on the dental problem the veneer is
being used to address. The method being used also determines how long the procedure will take. If the dentist attaches the veneer using the direct method, the process can be completed in one visit. If the dentist uses the indirect method for attaching the veneer, two visits to the dentist will be necessary. The number of teeth being treated and the amount of tooth material that must be removed also determine how long the procedure takes.
Contact Dr. Abaian
To know where to get veneers in Los Angeles and the cost of veneers in Los Angeles, contact Dr. Michael Abaian. He will provide veneers before after photos and show you how to care for veneers properly. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Abaian will give you the details about your options, prices and how long the process takes. We make getting veneers fast, easy and affordable.
