For many people who have badly formed teeth it can cause a great deal of anguish and a lack of confidence. Perhaps it’s genetics or maybe the teeth haven’t been cared for properly, whatever the reason, the option of surgery to improve bad teeth and improve a smile can be incredibly appealing. The options available to fix bad teeth range from metal braces, plastic gumshield-type devices or more cosmetic fixes such as dental veneers which is what we will be looking at in this article. If you are considering veneers then here is a quick guide as to what they are and how they can help you.
The Process
Veneers are essentially a false tooth that is placed over your existing teeth, they will be perfectly formed to your mouth and the color will be a clean white finish. Veneers are permanent and the process of adding them requires that your teeth are shaved down to accommodate them. It is important to remember that once you have veneers fitted, there is no way of going back to your old teeth. The process will happen over two or three appointments and you should speak regularly with your dentist to ensure that they fit correctly in your mouth and feel comfortable. There will be some pain in both teeth and gums during the process but this will subside once your mouth becomes accustomed to your new teeth.
The Materials
Veneers are almost always made from porcelain, they are easy to clean and have a beautiful finish that looks identical to a real tooth. The veneer is bonded over your tooth using incredibly strong cement-like bonding. The porcelain veneer will never discolor regardless of what you eat or drink which is another reason why they use this material. Your new veneers will be almost as strong as real teeth and whilst it is unlikely that they will break, care should be taken when eating tough food such as apples and toffee. Composite veneers are the other option available to you, they are made from resin and are a far cheaper alternative to porcelain veneers. The downside of using composite veneers are that they are unlikely to last as long as porcelain but they are easier to repair if you do have problems.
Should you Take the Plunge?
If your teeth bother you and have done for some time then veneers will give you a near instant fix, the idea of having your teeth shaven down to accommodate the veneers sounds scary but if your teeth are crooked or broken then veneers will be a perfect option for you. You should remember that this option is permanent before you take your decision and consider all of the advantages and benefits before you make your choice. My honest advice would be that if you, like many, hate your teeth and your smile and you can afford to pay for the surgery then veneers is the best option for you to boost your confidence and get that smile back!