Dental restoration procedures are among the most common day-to-day jobs for dentists worldwide. The most commonly requested methods include veneers and crowns. This article clears the air on some of the most common questions asked about veneers.
A veneer is a super-thin coating of ceramic or composite resin material bonded to the front of the tooth. Some conditions that may necessitate the use of a veneer include discoloring of the teeth and chipping, cracking, breaking, or misalignment of the teeth. The simple procedure requires minimal anesthesia and is an excellent way to improve the appearance of the teeth.
A crown is a bit thicker than the veneer and is made of either porcelain entirely, a metal alloy, or a fusion of porcelain and a metal alloy. The most significant distinguishing feature of the crown is that it covers the whole tooth, rather than just the front as the veneer does.
In some situations, veneers are more applicable compared to using a crown. If the damage on the tooth is minimal, a veneer is a more practical option. They perform exceptionally well to cover defects such as stained or chipped teeth or gaps in the dental formula. If done well, the veneer is made to last for a lifetime with few side effects while maintaining the high aesthetic value they were intended to bring.
Typically, the process involves three steps: diagnosis and development of a treatment plan, preparation of the veneer, and installing it.
The first step is to buff the teeth to accommodate the veneer's thickness. After this, a mold of the tooth is made and produced in the laboratory. Their production usually takes a few days.
When the veneer is ready, it is tested to make sure that it fits and that the shade matches the rest of the teeth. Adjustments can be made to its shade at this stage and cannot be altered after it is bonded. It is important to participate in this stage to make sure that the veneer fits right and is the proper shade.
A specific bond is then applied to the tooth then a special cement is coated on top. The veneer is then installed, bonding with the special adhesive already used.