How Porcelain Veneers Have Changed Over Time?
The benefits of porcelain veneers are enjoyed by many in NYC and it is quite popular. The porcelain veneers, also known as dental veneers are ceramic shells that are lookalike like natural teeth that are made from medically graded materials that are safe for placement on the tooth.
Did you know that porcelain veneers were first made nearly a century ago? It was a fancy idea that originated to use in the film industry for placing it temporarily in the actor/actress’s frontal teeth part to provide the perfect smile required for on-screen purposes. It became instantly famous and was used only by the elite people in Hollywood. But there were no permanent porcelain veneers until 1960 when an acidic solution was used on a trial basis for the ceramic shells to bond on the original tooth. It worked well and the veneers were introduced as permanent veneers that were reachable only to the elite section of people.
Today dental veneers are more of a convenient option that is chosen by many. The advancement in dental technology in the last 30 years has made space for different types of porcelain veneers that uses reflect light to make them stronger like natural enamel. The veneers procedure involves using imaging techniques to make customized veneers for each patient. Now technologically ahead imaging systems use 3D techniques that give a clear picture of the shape and size of the natural tooth and make the veneers on the same day itself that is ready for bonding.
Recently it is discovered that dental veneers can be combined with other dental treatments to enhance the smile experience. Some of the treatments that collaborate with dental veneers are gum reshaping, dental implants, dental bridges and also teeth whitening.
Criteria to Be Fulfilled to Have Porcelain Veneers
A person should fulfill the following criteria to have porcelain veneers:
Should have overall good periodontal health.
Understanding the required results is very important to know if the expected dental goals are realistic or not.
Should maintain good oral hygiene habits after placement of the veneers.
The person should have healthy enamel content on the teeth since a thin enamel layer would be scraped for making veneers.
Who Should Not Choose Dental Veneers?
Having healthy gums is very important for both natural and replaced teeth to sustain. If the person has gum diseases, root canal infections or tooth decay then porcelain veneers procedure is not possible. The person will be eligible once all the teeth infections are treated.
Porcelain veneers are permanent placements on the teeth. The veneers are to be replaced when it is worn out and this becomes a commitment to be religiously followed by the recipient. So knowing the preparedness about it is important.
Another factor that can prove negative for placing porcelain veneers is teeth grinding and teeth clenching. There is no doubt that veneers are durable and strong but the force initiated by clenching and teeth grinding can result in the breaking or complete removal of porcelain veneers.
Is Veneer Placement Painful?
The initial procedure of veneers that includes scraping of enamel is performed using mild anesthesia. So the procedure is completely painless. Once the anesthesia effects wear out, there can be mild soreness in the gums or jaws for a few days. It is manageable with the medicines prescribed by the dentist.
Post Care of Porcelain Veneers
After the porcelain veneers are bonded to the teeth, with proper care they last up to 20 years. The regular care includes brushing, flossing and rinsing to be done twice a day. Here are a few other post-care steps that need to be looked into:
Decaying teeth should be prevented. The underlying tooth can get a cavity but even after treating it the veneer attachment will not be possible again.
Patients with porcelain veneers should not put excessive force on them since it may lead to chipping or cracking of the veneers.
To maintain the color of the veneers some habits such as smoking and consumption of colored beverages should be avoided. Though veneers may remain unaffected in this, the cement used for bonding can start to change its color.
If the gum health is not protected then it becomes difficult to retain the dental veneers. Gum infections affect the appearance of dental veneers.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Some of the benefits of porcelain veneers are:
Easy Method of Treatment – The veneer procedure involves simple procedures that can be completed quickly without much downtime or recovery time.
Minimally Invasive – Instead of removing the broken, chipped or discolored teeth, they can be treated in a better way by just scraping a layer of enamel to make dental veneers. In this way, this process involves a very minimal invasive technique.
Long-Lasting – Dental veneers are long-lasting. It lasts up to 15-20 years with good maintenance.
Good Alternative to Crowns – The preparation and treatment time for veneers are less when compared to dental crowns.
After-Care Techniques Are Easy – Some dental treatments such as implants and dental bridges require more modifications to be done in daily routine life but veneers don’t need any such extensive changes. Regular brushing and flossing are more than enough.
Customized to Requirements – The fact that no two smiles are the same requires the customized making of veneers and differs from person to person.
Stain Resistant – the veneers are stain resistant and colored foods such as tea, chocolate and wine also cannot deter the strong veneers.
Natural Look – The porcelain used in making the dental veneers work and look just like natural teeth
