Everyone wants a perfect smile. If you look in the mirror and are unhappy with the shape, color, or positioning of your teeth, dental veneers might be right for you! Dental veneers are very thin protective shells that are applied to the external surface of the teeth to make them more pleasing to the eye. They can be applied on both dental arches (upper and lower) and on one or more teeth.
Aesthetic veneers: uses and materials
Veneers allow you to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile: allowing you to change the shape, color and position of your teeth. However, through veneers it is also possible to functional restoration, as well as morphological, of the dental elements. It is possible to: re-establish correct chewing and joint functions. The application of veneers takes place in a few sessions and is quick and painless. In some cases, it is not even necessary to grind the teeth and therefore no anesthesia is required.
Aesthetic veneers can be made of various materials, but only the use of quality materials allows for a successful operation and long-lasting maintenance of the result.
Ceramic or composite dental veneers
Generally, dental veneers are made of ceramic (vitrified porcelain) or composite resins. Composite veneers have the advantage of being less expensive, however they can, over time, lose brilliance and brightness. In fact, they last on average 5-7 years. However, they are less invasive, as they are applied in a single session, do not require filing, and can only require a subsequent polishing session. They do not involve grinding, i.e., the remodeling of the surface of the teeth in the same way that porcelain veneers do. The composite is applied directly to the teeth, without damaging the enamel and tooth structure.
On the contrary, ceramic veneers, although more expensive, have a more natural color that lasts over time. They last on average 10-15 years. They are made in the laboratory and involve filing the tooth. An exception is made by no-prep aesthetic veneers, which do not require any type of preparation (teeth filing).
Composite dental veneers
Today's composite materials can provide a beautiful, realistic appearance, preserve tooth structure and can last a long time. With this technique the resin is applied in layers on the tooth and sculpted directly in the mouth to obtain the desired aesthetics. Composite veneers are used in situations where chipping or discoloration of natural teeth occurs. They are also used where there are small misalignments to give a more aligned appearance to the teeth. The biggest advantage is that it is an additive, reversible process that can be removed and replaced as needed. If done correctly, it results in a treatment with excellent aesthetics. The disadvantage is due to the fact that it requires further periodic finishing sessions, a higher risk of fracture than ceramic ones. Furthermore, we have a risk of discoloration over time due to the porosity of the material, risk of loss of initial shine and susceptibility to superficial scratches.
Ceramic dental veneers
Therapy with ceramic dental veneers in some cases involves the removal of a thin layer of enamel (0.3-1 mm). The second step is represented by the gluing of a thin sculpted porcelain coating. The technique is used when the need to change the color is higher, malformations or misalignments of the teeth or the patient's aesthetic needs are extremely high, and the composite veneers could not fully satisfy expectations. Today, however, there are also conservative techniques that can avoid filing the enamel. Ceramic veneers have extreme stain and chip resistance compared to composite veneers. Overall, both procedures can provide beautiful, natural cosmetic results.
It is very important to always maintain correct oral hygiene, using toothbrush and dental floss. It is also advisable to carry out regular check-ups at the dentist and periodic professional dental cleaning. To help you choose veneers, it is a good idea to contact your dentist and evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of each type of material.
