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Exactly what are porcelain veneers and how do you know if they are the right choice for you?
Perhaps you have had caps put on your teeth after a root canal. If they are whitish in color, most likely they are porcelain. Porcelain is also what is used in fine china, figurines, older bathtubs and sinks. Some floor tiles are made out of porcelain.
Today, the science, or perhaps art, of manufacturing dental veneers has been able to produce more translucent and natural looking ones. It used to be you could tell at a distant who had shelled out megabucks to have their teeth capped. They definitely had what was termed a "Hollywood smile". Their teeth looked fake, too white and not as tooth like in shape. Now, they can appear much more natural and are more comfortable to wear. They are sculptured to look more real, with all the curves and crevices of normal teeth.
When you have perfectly healthy teeth capped with veneers just to improve their look, it falls into the category of cosmetic. Similar to plastic surgery, it is rarely covered by insurance companies because it is elective and not medically necessary. However, if your teeth are badly chipped in an accident, are genetically misshapen to where it is harder to chew or something just as dramatic, then they very well may be covered.
What can veneers do? They can correct -
- Worn enamel that may expose the tooth to decay. The hard white surface of your tooth certainly becomes discolored over time in spite of brushing regularly, mostly by the choices made in medications, caffeine or tobacco use, etc.
- Normal wear and tear through chewing and grinding will eventually make your teeth smaller and more uneven as time goes by. Older teeth have a tendency to crack or chip.
- There may be a genetic malformation of your teeth. They grew in crooked or with gaps in between them. If not too sever, instead of braces, veneers can be an option.
- Uneven teeth that cause your bite to misalign, making it harder to process foods and results in jaw tightness or pain.
Veneers come in two varieties - porcelain and what is called composite resin. The porcelain lasts longer and is less subject to staining, but they are also more expensive. Either method requires multiple visits to the dentist chair. First, your natural teeth must be drilled. They are grounded down to about half their size or more in order for the veneers to be cemented in place an fit snugly. That can be painful and so anesthesia is required. Before they are grounded down, a mold is taken and sent off to a dental lab to construct the veneers. That way, each one is custom fitted to your mouth and teeth. That is why they are so pricey. Each is virtually handmade.
A temporary cap will be placed on your teeth while you wait for the permanent veneers to come back. It can take several weeks to a month or more to get them manufactured and returned. When they do come in, you are back in the chair for final minute adjustments. The fittings may cause gum irritation and sometimes more anesthesia is required.
Veneers come in a variety of colors, just like regular teeth do. You and your dentist will decide how "white" they should be. That is a personal choice.
When are veneers appropriate?
If you have minor chips or cracks, a white resin bonding that is virtually painless and takes only a visit may be a better option. However, the bonding will wear down and need to be redone over time. Still, they are a lot more inexpensive and can lengthen and strengthen teeth worn down by time and age.
Many cosmetic dentists will try whitening methods first for people with discolored teeth. A chairside whitening can make a dramatic difference. But for really badly stained teeth from antibiotics and/or tobacco, these methods may not produce satisfactory results for all patients.
It really boils down to you and your feelings about your smile. People who go through the process of getting veneers are rarely disappointed. Besides being aesthetically better looking, veneers can give teeth protection to damaged teeth, shielding the nerve from exposure and pain. But that it not their primary purpose.
Only you can decide if they are worth the time, effort and money. Each one can average over $1000.00 dollars. However, to some people it is well worth it. A smile is an important thing. People notice your smile more than you realize. It can affect your well being, your self-image and your personality. Your smile says a lot about you. A broad, white smile conveys friendliness, confidence and likeability.
If you are mulling over the idea of getting porcelain veneers, talk it over with your dentist. Together, you can decide if they are the right step to take.