What Do Teeth Look Like Under Veneers? Uncovering the Truth

If you’re considering getting veneers, you might be thinking, “What do teeth look like under veneers?” Tooth veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves applying a thin layer of tooth-coloured materials, which are almost always porcelain or composite resin, to the surface of your natural teeth, resulting in a brighter, more even smile.

But what lies beneath these custom-made veneers?

In this blog post, we’ll uncover the truth about what your tooth’s surface looks like under veneers, including the preparation process, common materials used to make veneers, and the potential pros and cons of this popular procedure. 

 

Revamp Your Smile with Dental Veneers: Here’s Why You Should Consider Them

There are various reasons why people may consider getting dental veneers. Veneers fix numerous dental aesthetic problems, such as: 

 

Discoloured or Stained Teeth

Dental veneers can help conceal teeth that have become discoloured or stained due to excessive fluoride, tetracycline stains, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or other causes. 

 

Chipped or Worn Teeth

Worn or chipped teeth can be fixed with the help of dental veneers. This is particularly useful if you frequently grind your teeth or play contact sports. 

 

Misaligned Teeth

Dental veneers are often used to improve the appearance of crooked or misaligned teeth. They can help to create a more even and aligned smile. 

 

Gaps in Teeth

Another reason people may opt for dental veneers is to fill gaps between teeth. This can improve the overall appearance of your smile and boost your confidence. 

 

Irregularly Shaped Teeth

Finally, dental veneers can help to address irregularly shaped or sized teeth. This is particularly useful if your front teeth are different shapes or sizes. 

 

Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Veneers? Here’s What You Need to Know

Generally speaking, people who have healthy teeth and gums are good candidates for veneers. This means that a thorough examination by our experienced dentist is necessary to determine if veneers are an appropriate option for you. If you suffer from gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health, these issues may need to be addressed before considering veneers.

Additionally, teeth that are severely misaligned or have large gaps may require orthodontic treatment before veneers can be applied. This is because veneers are primarily a cosmetic solution and do not address issues with teeth alignment. It is also important to know that veneers are a permanent solution, as a small amount of enamel must be removed from the tooth to apply the veneer. Therefore, only those who can commit to maintaining good oral hygiene habits.

Overall, you are a good candidate for dental veneers if you have healthy teeth and gums and are looking for a cosmetic solution to improve your appearance. 

 

Step by Step: The Veneer Procedure Explained

Depending on the type of veneers you opt for in consultation with one of our highly skilled and well-experienced dentists, you could have a brand new smile in just one sitting! 

 

 

The steps involved in creating a new smile include the following, which could be done in the first meeting or require up to three sittings. 

 

Consultation

The first step involves a detailed consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists to discuss your dental goals, needs, and concerns. They may examine your teeth and recommend options, such as veneers, if they are the right solution for your dental concerns and lifestyle. 

 

Preparation

Once you decide to proceed with the veneer treatment, our competent dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a small layer of tooth enamel from the surface. This is done to make space for the veneer to fit comfortably and appear natural and is a certain procedure for porcelain veneers. If required, we may do it for composite veneers as well. 

 

Taking Impressions

If you are getting porcelain veneers, the next step will be for us to take an impression of your teeth after they have been prepared and send them to the dental laboratory to fabricate the veneers. 

 

Selection of Shades

During this stage, you and our skilled cosmetic dentist will choose the shade of veneers that best matches your natural teeth. It is important to achieve the right colour to make the veneers appear indistinguishable from the rest of your teeth. 

 

Temporary Veneers

In the case of porcelain veneers, we may place temporary veneers made of acrylic resin while waiting for your customised veneers to be ready. This helps to protect the tooth and maintain its appearance during the interim period. 

 

Layering and Bonding

Once the veneer colour is decided, we can begin layering the composite resin onto your teeth. Very precise layers of the resin are applied and then hardened with a special light.

If you have opted for porcelain veneers, this will take place about three weeks after we take your dental impressions.

Once your customised veneers arrive from the laboratory, we will check their shape, fit, size, and colour. Our skilled dentist will make adjustments to ensure a perfect fit if necessary.

After that, the veneers will be carefully bonded to your teeth using a special dental adhesive. An exception to this are CEREC porcelain veneers which can be fitted on the same day. 

 

Finishing and Polishing

Lastly, the dentist will polish the veneers and check your bite and comfort level. You may be asked to return for follow-up appointments to assess your progress and ensure that the veneers are serving you well.

Remember, the process may seem extensive and invasive, but in fact, it does not take more than three sittings and is minimally invasive, with only about 0.3mm of your tooth enamel removed to fit the veneers. 

 

Smile Confidently with Dental Veneers: Discover Their Top Advantages

Dental veneers offer a range of cosmetic and functional benefits, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to improve their smile.

Below are five key benefits of dental veneers: 

 

Natural Appearance

Veneers are designed to look as close to natural teeth as possible, providing a seamless, aesthetically-pleasing look that can boost confidence and self-esteem. 

 

Versatility

Veneers can correct various dental issues such as chipped, cracked, or stained teeth, uneven spacing, and misshapen or small teeth. 

 

Durable

Veneers are made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand normal wear and tear, making them a long-lasting solution for dental imperfections. In case you grind your teeth, we will provide mouthguards to protect the veneers from displacement or breakage. 

 

Minimally Invasive

Unlike other cosmetic dental procedures, veneers require minimal removal of tooth structure, making them a less invasive alternative, while some composite resin veneers do not require any modification at all. 

 

Stain Resistant

Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining from food and drinks, making them an ideal option for those who enjoy coffee, tea, or red wine. 

 

Minimal Maintenance

Veneers need little more care than healthy teeth do. Thorough brushing, flossing, mouthwash rinses, and regular dental check-ups are all that is required to keep this treatment in the best possible condition for many years. 

 

Are There Any Cons to Getting Dental Veneers?

Like any treatment, dental veneers can have certain disadvantages, such as