Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are attached to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. While veneers are popular, with influencers and celebrities sporting them, this dental procedure is not for everyone. It is mostly for people with cosmetic issues such as chipped teeth, massive discoloration that whitening cannot fix, gaps, and more. There are a few options when choosing dental veneers, such as porcelain, composite resin, and no-prep veneers.
Porcelain veneers require the dentist to grind down the teeth in the front so that there is room to put the mold of the veneer on. These veneers are made in a lab, and often temporary veneers are put on top while the porcelain veneers are being made. The other type of veneer is composite resin veneer, which is made of a resin material and requires the dentist to etch the surface of the tooth before applying a thin layer of the composite onto the tooth. Much like hardening braces brackets onto the teeth, the resin is hardened with a UV light. There are also no-prep veneers that do not require removing enamel with drills or grinding.
While shaving and grinding the teeth down for veneers may sound like an intense procedure, many people do not think of it that way. This leads people to find flashy dentists or cosmetic dentists who want to perform as many veneer installations as possible for their bank. They may be emboldened by the fact that there is a lack of regulation in dentistry. With the increase in veneer procedures, thanks to trends or viral aesthetics, cosmetic dentistry has had to grow and is often employing people in it for the money and not taking care to turn people away if they are not viable candidates or if they do not perform the procedure well.
This lack of regulation means that more could go wrong in the veneer process, and court cases are rising against dentists who perform unnecessary or incorrect procedures like veneers. Poor installation can lead to the caps falling off or giving the patient nerve damage because too much was shaved off. Some patients, like those who grind their teeth, might experience even worse pain because they should not have gotten veneers to begin with. Some dentists may not have the proper training or rush through putting veneers on patients, leaving unnatural-looking teeth that are far too large for the person’s mouth.
Dr. Yair Lenga, a periodontist in Toronto, says that patients should only have veneers installed when there is a real need for them, and they should not be used as a substitute for proper dental hygiene. He advises patients to seek out a dentist who is a member of a recognized dental association and who has a good reputation in the community. Patients should also ask the dentist for before-and-after photos of previous veneer procedures they have performed to get an idea of the quality of their work.
Additionally, patients should be aware of the risks associated with veneers, such as increased tooth sensitivity, possible damage to the nerves or gums, and a risk of infection. Before getting veneers, patients should have a consultation with their dentist to discuss their options and any potential risks associated with the procedure. Patients should also be aware of the cost of veneers, as they can be quite expensive, and insurance may not cover the full cost of the procedure.
In conclusion, dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that can improve the appearance of teeth. However, they are not for everyone, and patients should only have veneers installed when there is a real need for them. Patients should also be aware of the risks associated with veneers and seek out a reputable dentist with proper training and experience in performing the procedure. With proper care and maintenance, veneers can provide patients with a beautiful and confident.