Dental Veneer, Here's What You Need to Know

Dental veneers are medical procedures that aim to improve the appearance of one's teeth by attaching veneers to the front of the teeth. Veneers can mask defects in the teeth, such as the shape, color, and size of teeth that are not in accordance with the wishes of the patient. Veneers are generally made of resin or porcelain, and will stick permanently to teeth. Unlike dental implants or dental crowns, veneers only cover the front, not completely replace the teeth. Dental implants change teeth to their roots, while crowns cover all parts of the crown, not just the front. Dental veneer installation procedures in patients can be done either prep or no-prep or minimal prep. In the preparation of dental veneers, the part of the teeth to be installed will be crushed first until it reaches the bottom layer of the tooth enamel so that the veneers are installed properly. Tooth grinding will change its shape permanently and this procedure is often quite painful, so it must be assisted with local anesthesia or anesthesia. While the installation of a no-prep dental veneer only changes the tooth enamel slightly and does not erode the bottom of the tooth enamel. The installation of a no-prep dental veneer does not require local anesthesia.

Dental Veneer Indications

Dental veneers are commonly asked by patients for cosmetic reasons and to improve their appearance. With veneers, the color of teeth can be brighter, and can make someone's smile more symmetrical. Dental veneers can also be used to improve:

• Broken or damaged teeth.
• Cavities between teeth that are not uniform.
• Sharp or irregularly shaped teeth.
• Smaller teeth than the surrounding teeth.
• Discoloration of teeth that cannot be removed with teeth whitening.

Veneers cannot be carelessly installed on each person. Some people who should not undergo dental veneers are:

• People whose teeth are not healthy, like people with gum disease.
• People whose tooth enamel has been crushed, so that the veneer cannot be installed.
• People whose teeth are brittle can be caused by decay, fractures, or the presence of large dental fillings.

Dental Veneer Warning

Keep in mind that the dental veneer procedure is an irreversible procedure. That is, if during the dental veneer procedure there is a change in the shape of the teeth, these changes cannot be reversed as before. Another risk is that teeth that have veneers attached are more sensitive than other teeth. This happens because of the erosion of tooth enamel as part of dental veneer preparation. The loss of enamel will make the inside of the teeth more sensitive to disturbances, such as hot or cold food or drinks. Veneers can also suffer damage like other teeth. Especially for patients who have the habit of grinding their teeth, it is not recommended to undergo a dental veneer procedure.

Dental Veneer Preparation

Before a dental veneer is performed, the patient will undergo an initial check. The dentist will evaluate the condition of the patient's teeth and mouth to make sure there are no signs of tooth or gum disease, such as cavities, gum disease, gum bleeding, or tooth root disease. The doctor will also take a panoramic X-ray of the teeth to ensure dental health. After the initial examination, the patient's teeth will be crushed first to remove the tooth enamel layer. This crushing process can use local anesthesia or without anesthesia depending on the type of dental venner the patient chooses. The patient's teeth to be fitted with veneers are then measured using a special molding tool and this mold will be the basis for making veneers to be installed on the patient. The dentist can also ensure the neatness of the teeth so that the veneers that are installed can be compatible with other teeth. Dental alignment methods can be done through temporary braces. The time to manufacture dental veneers in the laboratory is around 2-4 weeks.

Dental Veneer Installation Procedure

The dentist will schedule a dental veneer to be placed with the patient. The first step in installing dental veneers is to match the size, shape and color of the teeth with the dental veneers to be installed. If needed, the dental veneer will be eroded so that it looks suitable. Once matched, the doctor will thoroughly clean the surface of the teeth to be fitted with veneers to ensure that the tooth surface is clean of bacteria and protected from damage. The dentist will scrub the tooth enamel back, so that the surface of the tooth becomes rough, making it easier for the veneer to stick to the tooth surface and stick for longer. The veneer is then attached to the tooth using a special cementitic material so it sticks firmly. Ultraviolet light can be used to help dry the cement more quickly. The veneer installation process takes approximately 30 minutes. If it feels properly attached, the doctor will make the final veneer settings to make sure the veneer is sticking properly and remove the remaining cement. The doctor will test the ability to bite the patient after the veneer is attached. The doctor will also arrange a control schedule to ensure the veneers are installed properly.

After Dental Veneer Installation

The recovery period of patients after dental veneer procedures is not long compared to other dental medical procedures. Patients who have undergone dental veneers can immediately eat or drink. In some cases, new veneered teeth will feel strange and rough. This usually comes from the remnants of dental cement that sticks and dries on the surface of the tooth. The remnants of the cement will erode on its own, but if it persists after days, the patient can ask the dentist to remove the remaining cement. Porcelain veneers generally can last up to 10-15 years while composite veneers can last for 5-7 years. To maintain the life of the veneer, patients can implement maintenance measures, such as:

• Do not use teeth to open packages.
• Don't chew hard objects, like ice
• Try not to chew food using front teeth.
• Eliminate bad habits like biting Keep your teeth while exercising by wearing mouth protection.