What Do Teeth Look Like Under Veneers? Natural-Looking Smile
Dental veneers are becoming increasingly popular in cosmetic dentistry. They offer a quick and effective way for those needing a smile makeover to get the perfect Hollywood smile. Veneers are thin shells placed over the surface of your natural teeth to cover imperfections, such as chipped, broken, crooked or worn teeth, or to whiten teeth that are stained or discoloured. One of the most frequently asked questions about veneers is what teeth look like under veneers. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the makeup of dental veneers, how they work, and what natural teeth look like under composite and porcelain veneers.
What Are Veneers?
First of all, let’s define veneers. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials designed to cover your teeth’ front surface. They are typically made of either porcelain or composite material. They can be used to fix various dental issues, including chipped or broken teeth, worn teeth, crooked teeth, discoloured teeth and more.
There are two main types of veneers: porcelain and composite. Porcelain veneers are typically the more popular because they are more durable and stain-resistant. Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental laboratory and are bonded to your teeth using a special adhesive. Composite veneers are made from a resin material and are typically less expensive than porcelain veneers. These veneers are applied to your teeth in a single visit to your dentist and can be repaired or replaced easily if damaged.
One of the biggest benefits of veneers is that they can help restore your confidence and self-esteem. If you have been unhappy with the look of your teeth, veneers can give you a smile makeover that can last for years. Additionally, veneers can help protect your teeth’s surface and alleviate discomfort if you suffer from tooth sensitivity.
Another benefit of veneers is that they require very little preparation. Your cosmetic dentist will only need to remove a small amount of your tooth enamel to create a space for the veneer. This makes the process quick and relatively painless compared to other dental procedures.
When you get veneers, your teeth will look natural and healthy. Nobody can tell you you have veneers unless you tell them. Veneers can be designed to match your natural teeth colour, and when properly cared for with good oral hygiene, they can last up to 20 years.
How Do Veneers Work?
Preparation of the Teeth
Before placing veneers, your dentist will evaluate your teeth to determine if they are healthy enough for the procedure. They will also assess the colours and shapes of your teeth to determine the appropriate shade and shape of the veneers. If you have cavities or gum disease, your dentist must treat these issues before placing veneers.
A small amount of tooth enamel is removed to prepare the teeth for veneers. This helps create a surface for the veneers to adhere to and ensures that the final result looks natural.
Procedure for Placing Veneers
After preparing the teeth, your cosmetic dentist will take an impression of your teeth. This impression is used to create temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being made.
Once the permanent veneers are ready, your cosmetic dentist will remove the temporary veneers and place the permanent ones on your teeth. To ensure a perfect fit, the dentist may need to adjust the veneers, grinding them down or reshaping them as necessary.
Placement of Veneers
Once the veneers are placed, your smile will be transformed. You can expect a brighter, more symmetrical, and natural-looking smile. Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and can last 10 to 15 years with good oral hygiene practices. Composite veneers, on the other hand, may need to be replaced more frequently.
Maintenance and Care of Veneers
To ensure the longevity of your veneers, it is important to practise good oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily and flossing daily will keep your veneers and natural teeth healthy and clean. It is also recommended to avoid biting down on hard objects or foods and using your teeth to open packages.
If you notice any issues with your veneers, such as tooth sensitivity or damage, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can check the veneers and make the necessary repairs to maintain your beautiful smile.
What Do Teeth Look Like Under Veneers?
The Appearance of Teeth Before Veneers
Before getting veneers, it’s essential to understand what your natural teeth look like. Generally, healthy teeth are of uniform size and shape, with a smooth and glossy surface. However, teeth may become worn or discoloured over time due to ageing, smoking, poor oral hygiene, or excessive consumption of certain foods or beverages. Teeth may also be crooked, chipped, or broken due to accidents or injuries.
Differences in Appearance of Teeth with Veneers
After getting veneers, the appearance of your teeth changes significantly. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to match your natural teeth’ colour and shape, making distinguishing between them and healthy teeth hard. In contrast, composite veneers are less shiny and tend to discolour over time, requiring regular teeth whitening. Good cosmetic dentists can recreate healthy teeth’ natural nuances and clarity, resulting in a natural-looking smile makeover. Additionally, veneers are an excellent way to fix tooth sensitivity, improve bite alignment, and restore function to damaged teeth.
Ways to Ensure Natural-Looking Veneers
If you plan to get veneers, there are several ways to ensure you get natural-looking ones:
Choose a reputable cosmetic dentist with experience in cosmetic dentistry. They will examine your teeth, determine the best type of veneers for your situation, and create a smile makeover plan that suits your unique needs.
Choose a tooth colour that matches your natural teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will provide samples to help you make the right decision.
Practise oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing daily, to prevent stain buildup and plaque formation on your veneers.
Avoid excessively hard or sticky foods that may damage your veneers.
Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and dental cleanings to maintain good dental health.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Veneers
Pros of Veneers
There are several advantages of dental veneers. First of all, they can transform the look of your smile immediately.
Veneers can instantly change your teeth’ shape, colour, and size, making them an excellent choice for people who want a smile makeover.
Secondly, veneers are stain-resistant and can last up to 10 to 15 years with good oral hygiene.
Unlike teeth whitening, which may require multiple sessions a year, porcelain or composite veneers are a one-time investment worth the cost.
Finally, veneers fix more than just chipped or broken teeth. They can improve the appearance of crooked, worn, or misshapen teeth without the need for braces.
Cons of Veneers
Despite their many perks, veneers come with some downsides. One of the most significant drawbacks of veneers is that they require the removal of natural tooth enamel. This is irreversible and could make the tooth more susceptible to decay.
Additionally, getting veneers is a complex procedure that requires a cosmetic dentist, which can be costly. Temporarily, you would have to wear temporary veneers as the permanent ones are being produced.
Finally, people with veneers may experience tooth sensitivity or discomfort in the first few days or weeks after the procedure.
Factors to Consider Before Getting Veneers
Before opting for veneers, it’s essential to understand that only some are good candidates for the procedure.
Firstly, patients must have healthy teeth before getting veneers. Any decay or gum disease must be treated before veneers are installed.
Secondly, patients need to know what their teeth will look like under veneers. While veneers can be customised to match the rest of your teeth, the colour or shape of the veneers may not look natural.
Finally, patients must be prepared to maintain good oral hygiene after getting veneers. Brushing twice daily and flossing regularly will keep your veneers and natural teeth healthy.
Conclusion
Dental veneers are a great solution for many dental problems, from discoloured and worn teeth to chipped or broken ones. Both composite and porcelain veneers are available, with traditional porcelain veneers being made from tooth-coloured materials that look natural on the tooth’s surface. If you’re considering veneers, choosing an experienced cosmetic dentist who can recommend the best action for your smile makeover is important. After getting veneers, good oral hygiene is crucial, as they do not fix underlying dental problems. Lastly, the benefits of porcelain veneers include their ability to cover a wide range of dental issues while maintaining a natural look. Composite veneers may be a good option if you’re looking for a temporary solution. Discuss this with your cosmetic dentist if you have tooth sensitivity before getting veneers. In conclusion, veneers can transform your smile, but it’s important to research and choose the right option for your needs. Visit our clinic in Townsville, QLD or contact us on (07) 4801 7035 today to book your first consultation!
References
Porcelain for veneers https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9893514/
Fracture strength of different veneers on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) frameworks in implant-supported single crowns https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35986930/
