People with discolored or stained teeth resort to a very expensive cosmetic procedure known as porcelain veneers.
Dental veneers are defined by experts at the Cleveland Clinic as a shell that “covers the front surfaces of your teeth.” They are usually made of tooth-colored composite material or porcelain and are meant to be permanent.
Veneers differ from crowns because the crown covers the entire tooth. A crown is used to repair damaged teeth, giving them strength and protection, while a veneer, as the name suggests, is cosmetic only.
Who needs veneers?
According to experts, cosmetic veneers are used for those who want a more beautiful smile. They can help hide broken teeth, gaps in the spaces between teeth, stains that cannot be removed, small or misshapen teeth and other imperfections.
People with extensive cavities or gum disease may not be good candidates for veneers, Cleveland Clinic experts say. Such health issues may need to be corrected before a dentist would consider veneers.
What are the different types of cosmetic veneers?
There are different types of cosmetic veneers:
- Porcelain
Porcelain veneers are usually custom made to address individual defects. A certain amount of the original tooth enamel must first be removed to create a “roughening” that allows the veneer to set.
- Composite veneer
According to the Cleveland Clinic, these veneers are used to hide "mild" cosmetic issues. They are typically made from the same materials used in cosmetic white dental fillings.
- Peels that require no preparation.
These veneers are a less invasive option. They are ultra-thin porcelain shells designed to permanently improve the shape, color, and aesthetics of teeth, and require the removal of less enamel from the original tooth. However, not everyone is a good candidate for these veneers.
- Removable veneers
These veneers appear over and over your original teeth, like retainers, and help hide imperfections. The downside to these veneers is that they can make eating more difficult and even impede speech.
Before you get any of these options, your dentist should examine your mouth to see if you are a good candidate for veneers. If you are, the next step is for your dentist to remove a small piece of enamel, and then take a small impression of your teeth.
Often times it can take weeks for the new veneer to arrive at the dentist's office from the lab.
After once again checking your mouth to ensure the shape, color and fit of the veneer, your dentist will bond the veneer in place using dental cement.
It is worth noting that caring for cosmetic veneers is similar to caring for your real teeth, by brushing and flossing your teeth and checking them regularly with your dentist. It is preferable to use a brush with soft bristles and a non-abrasive toothpaste.
Experts also recommend avoiding crunchy foods such as carrots, apples, and tough meats.
Dandruff can also stain your skin, so try to avoid things like berries, red wine, coffee and tea, Cleveland Clinic experts say.