Cosmetic dentists know
that the most esthetic veneers
are also the ones that involve a certain
degree of modification to the natural
enamel of teeth. In most cases, 6 to 10
teeth on an arch are artistically shaped
to ideal contours so that a thin
porcelain veneer can be bonded in a
harmonious balance between form and
function.
The benefit of having
veneers is that your smile will
be instantly transformed into the one
you've always dreamed about - with the
ability to control the shape, color, and
translucency.
However, even though preparations are
minimal, veneers must be considered
irreversible with an average life
expectancy of 15 years. Wouldn't it be
great to have veneers without so
much"drilling" and to leave more tooth
structures intact? Wouldn't it be better
to not grind at all? The answer is not
that simple.
With advancements in
technology, ultra thin veneers
have become very popular in the field of
cosmetic dentistry. They can be made as
thin as 0.3mm.
But be careful!
Unless your natural teeth are small and
naturally have spaces between the teeth,
randomly placing these without proper
screening and designing will lead to
overbulked restorations that often look
way too big. Other problems such as lip
strain/protrusions have also been
reported.
There are great uses
for ultra thin veneers for
those fitting the criteria. There are
several minimal preparation and
“no-prep” ceramic veneer options
including Lumineers and Vivaneers for
patients seeking an alternative to
traditional dental veneers. Benefits
include minimal prepping and bonding
entirely on enamel which has a much
higher bond strength as well as less
sensitivity.
Minimal preparation veneers
may be suitable for patients seeking to
address a number of cosmetic dental
conditions, including:
- cracked teeth or chipped teeth
- discolored or stained teeth
- diastemas (gaps or spaces)
between teeth
- Misshapen or slightly misaligned
teeth
- slightly crowded teeth
- worn teeth
- small teeth
If you would like to
see if you are a candidate for a veneer
procedure, come see us for a
thorough exam and to discuss your
specific cosmetic dental needs. We will
be more than happy to sit down and
explain the various cosmetic dentistry
options available.
