Achieving the perfect smile today is possible thanks to the popularity of dental treatments such as dental veneers. In recent decades, it has become the procedure of choice for many artists and celebrities, but do you really know what it is?

Some patients arrive at the dentist’s office with preconceived ideas that do not reflect the reality of the matter. For this reason, we have answered some of the most important questions about this procedure so that you understand what you will be undergoing once you have agreed to undergo it.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are custom-made shells that have been bonded in front of the tooth to improve the appearance of the tooth. Their image is very similar to that of a real tooth and their main purpose is to hide or correct some of the following dental problems [2]:

• Stains and discoloration
• Chips and small missing pieces
• Decay
• Crookedness
• Gaps between teeth

People who often wear dental veneers are those who are looking for long-term solutions to persistent problems that other dental treatments such as orthodontics or teeth whitening have failed to fix. For this reason, it should be recommended by the dentist during a medical consultation. 

What is the difference between a dental veneer, a crown and a dental implant?

These three pieces have specific functions and handle different appearances that are worth clarifying. Generally, the level of coverage over the original tooth is what makes one different from the other [4].

In detail, a dental veneer acts superficially as it covers only the front of the tooth while a crown covers the entire tooth either because it is worn down or is to be used to support a dental bridge.

On the other hand, a dental implant replaces the entire tooth, and in its place, a screw is embedded replacing the natural root of the tooth plus a crown so that it covers the space and fulfills the aesthetic and chewing functions that the denture needs.

6 advantages of using dental veneers

Among the main benefits, we find that dental veneers:

• Conceal imperfections: dental problems such as poor tooth coloring, interdental gaps, fissures, enamel wear or minor trauma are concealed thanks to the use of veneers.
• Require little recovery time: when dental veneers are fixed to the tooth, daily activities can be resumed immediately.
• Are a minimally invasive treatment: It is not necessary to grind the tooth as in the case of crowns in order to place the dental veneer. Their implementation is quick, simple and painless.
• Create a natural result: they can reproduce a natural color that does not allow to differentiate which tooth has a veneer and which does not. In addition, the size of the veneer can be adjusted to match the smile design and the face.
• Are durable: The different materials used to make dental veneers guarantee their durability over time. All you have to do is take care of your oral hygiene and avoid the habit of opening things with your teeth.
• Improve self-confidence: a better smile design makes patients experience increases in their security and confidence to relate to other people.

You might also be interested in reading: 3 things you should know before a smile design

What types of dental veneers are there?

Dental veneers are differentiated by the type of material they are made of. Among the most commonly used, we find [3]:

Ceramic dental veneers

These have the following benefits:

• They look natural and ultra-bright
• They are made by means of a mold taken from the patient’s teeth
• They are highly resistant
• They guarantee greater durability

Resin Dental Veneers

These have the following benefits:

• They look natural and more matte
• They are made directly on the teeth
• Their cost is much lower than that of ceramic veneers
• They are resistant and require more maintenance

How long do dental veneers last?

This will depend on the material chosen for the dental veneer [5]. For example, resin veneers are estimated to remain flawless for 5 to 10 years, while porcelain veneers usually last 10 to 20 years. In any case, consult your preferred dentist for the material that best suits your needs.

In summary

Dental veneers are very thin shells that are placed on top of the teeth to adjust their shape, color and size. Among its main benefits, it conceals very well some dental imperfections such as poor tooth coloring, interdental gaps, cracks, enamel wear or minor trauma.

Depending on the material, they can last from 5 to 20 years. In addition, it is an outpatient treatment that generates natural results, increases patients’ self-confidence and does not need to wear down or remove the original tooth for its implementation.

At BetterMe, we will soon have cosmetic dentistry services available for all our patients in Colombia. We have personalized assistance to coordinate every detail of your trip and treatment. Follow us on social networks or contact us to keep up to date with our latest news.

Another post that might interest you: Celebrities before and after smile designs

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References:

[1] EverydayHealth.com. 2022. The Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers – Dental Health Center – EverydayHealth.com. [online] Available at: <https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/experts-pros-and-cons-of-veneers.aspx> [Accessed 22 July 2022].

[2] Fletcher, J., 2022. Dental veneers: Cost, procedure, and results. [online] Medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-veneers> [Accessed 22 July 2022].

[3] Gotter, A. and Larson, J., 2022. Dental Veneers: Benefits, Procedure, Costs, and Results. [online] Healthline. Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers> [Accessed 22 July 2022].

[4] Hecht, M., 2019. Veneers vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?. [online] Healthline. Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/veneers-vs-crowns> [Accessed 22 July 2022].

[5] Larson, J., 2020. How Long Do Veneers Last? Porcelain and Composite Veneers. [online] Healthline. Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-veneers-last#longevity> [Accessed 22 July 2022].

[6] Meijering, A., Roeters, F., Mulder, J. and Creugers, N., 1997. Patients’ satisfaction with different types of veneer restorations. [online] Science Direct. Available at: <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030057129600067X> [Accessed 22 July 2022].

[7] North Sydney Dental Practice. 2022. Dental Veneers vs Crowns or Implants North Sydney Dental Practice. [online] Available at: <https://www.northsydneydentalpractice.com.au/dental-veneers-vs-crowns-or-implants/> [Accessed 22 July 2022].

[8] The Perfect Smile Studios. 2022. Advantages of Veneers | The Perfect Smile Studios. [online] Available at: <https://www.theperfectsmile.co.uk/veneers/what-are-veneers/pros-and-cons> [Accessed 22 July 2022].