So veneers or laminates are like a cover for the teeth, they are designed to cover the front surface of the teeth. They provide an excellent solution for smile designing or smile makeover. Veneers can correct various dental problems like ;
- Crowded or spacing between the teeth
- Stained or discoloured teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Uneven teeth of different sized teeth
- Bite correction
Veneers provide a viable solution for anyone looking to fix their front teeth, whether the alignment, colour, size or teeth position. They can also be used to align teeth to a certain extent in patients who are unwilling to go ahead with Orthodontic treatment. There are several advantages of this treatment like :
Short duration - the whole treatment can be completed in one or two sittings within a week. Very comfortable and painless procedure.Highly aesthetic results - Veneers can completely alter or give a complete makeover to one’s smileLasts for a long time - A well fitted veneer can last upto 10 to 15 years.
Easy maintenance - They are relatively easy to Clean and maintain as compared to other prosthesis
TYPES OF VENEERS
(A) Ceramic Veneers
This is the most durable and long lasting veneer. It also gives the best aesthetics and retains it colour and polish for a very long time. They do not chip, break or fracture or get dislodged over time.
PROCEDURE
This typically takes two to at the most three sittings. These are fabricated in the dental laboratory
and then cemented onto the prepared teeth.
Step 1: In the first sitting a detailed discussion is initiated with the patient. This is of utmost importance to understand the expectations and what exactly the patient desires in their new smile. After this a thorough oral examination is carried out.This is followed by intra and extra oral photographs and impressions for a study model and treatment planning. After this at Dr Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic we also do a digital smile designing for the patient. In this we can show the patient how the veneers will look on their face and what will the new smile be like. Once the patient and the cosmetic dentist are agreeable on the course of treatment we than go ahead with the main clinical procedure.
Step 2: At this stage after adequate anaesthesia and isolation, the teeth are prepared. The labial or outer surface of the teeth need to be reduced to for the veneers to be placed. The enamel surface is trimmed and the final impression is recorded.After this we immediately fabricate temporary veneers to cover the prepared teeth. These protect the enamel while the final prosthesis is being fabricated.
Step 3: At Dr Kandhari’s Skin and Dental Clinic we try to provide our patients with the final veneers within two to three days. Once they arrive the patient is called for the final appointment. After the checking the fit , color, shape and size we fix them with a temporary glue.
Once the patient is satisfied the final cementation process is completed. In about one week’s time the complete smile of the patient is altered. this can easily last upto fifteen years if maintained well and regular brushing and flossing is followed by the patient.
(B) COMPOSITE VENEERS
This is also known as a chair side veneer. This is completely moulded and prepared by the dentist in a single sitting on the dental chair. No lab is involved in this and the patient can go back with a new smile on the same day.There are two main advantages of this type of Veneer :
- It can be completed in a single sitting so patient does not need to wait.
- More economical as compared to ceramic veneers.
PROCEDURE
After a thorough consultation and oral examination, at Dr Kandhari’s Skin and Dental clinic we go ahead with the intra and extra oral photographs as well as some profile shots. This aids us in the treatment planning and veneer preparation.Once the patient and the cosmetic dentist are on the same page we begin the procedure. In this the amount of tooth structure to be removed varies on the case. In some cases minimal or no preparation is needed like in cases where we need to build up the tooth or make them bigger or close the gaps between the teeth.In other situations some amount of tooth structure needs to be removed like when we are trying to align the teeth or cover some dark stains and discolouration. After the tooth preparation the veneer is built up layer by layer with composite and moulded to the tooth structure.Once completed it is finished and polished well and completed.
The main disadvantages of composite Veneers are :
- They get discoloured or stained easily with time as composite tends to absorb colour from our food and drinks.
- Can get chipped or fractured easily as compared to ceramic veneers.
(C) LUMINEERS
These are also ceramic or porcelain veneers but are much thinner than conventional veneers. They are also known as no prep veneers. They can be considered in areas which do not require any tooth preparation.
The main disadvantage of this system is because of it being much thinner, they tend to chip off or break more easily as compared to conventional ceramic veneers. Although the quality and finish of these veneers are excellent, one needs tone more careful with them.
PRECAUTIONS
- Minimal biting forces should be applied to the front teeth once the veneers have been cemented. Like biting into a hard apple or having a hard cookie. Also certain activities like opening a bottle with your teeth should be completely avoided.
- Regular flossing is very important in between the veneers to avoid any kind of food impaction and to maintain the gingival health. This ensures the gums around the veneers are healthy and adapted well to the gender margins.Hence, if the veneer procedure is done well by a proficient cosmetic dentist and the treatment planning is done well. It can last for a very long time and give a fabulous aesthetic result.
Specialists
Dr. Gargi Kandhari
Before/After
