Porcelain Veneers: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Porcelain Veneers Treatment is required only when an individual believes that he/she may need to enhance the look of their teeth. These porcelain veneers are thin and small pieces of porcelain which is used to recreate the natural look of the patient’s tooth and helps in covering the surface of the teeth. These veneers help is providing more resilience and strength to the teeth. It can be useful for individuals who see a discoloration in their teeth or if their teeth are worn down, chipped or broken. Porcelain veneers can also be considered if the person wants to reposition their teeth. However, consulting a dentist is important before making the decision of getting the porcelain veneers. You need to be sure of the cosmetic improvements which you are looking for before opting for this treatment method.

Your dentist will most probably start with a smile analysis to determine if you need porcelain veneers or not. In addition to this, the dentist may also make a mock-up veneer and make you try it to show you how the final product may look once attached to your teeth. These veneers can help boost your confidence while providing a natural look to your teeth.

Three trips to the dentist is required to get the porcelain veneers fixed in place. The first usually covers the consultation and the other two are needed for the actual application of the veneers. You can go for veneering a single tooth or multiple teeth at the same time.

The diagnosis and treatment need your active participation as you need to make your requirements very clear to the dentist during the consultation period. Your doctor will proceed by examining your teeth and making sure that the dental veneers are appropriate for you. The dentist may also take the X-ray of your mouth for a deeper understanding of how to design the veneers according to your mouth and teeth. In the preparation step your dentist will remove half millimeter of your enamel from the tooth surface. Prior to trimming off the enamel, your dentist may use the local anesthesia on you to numb that area. For the next step, your dentist will make an impression of your tooth which is then sent to the dental laboratory to construct the veneer. Normally, the procedure of making the veneer takes 2-4 weeks after which your dentist receives the final product. The veneer is placed on your tooth temporarily to check if it is perfect which is followed by the permanent fixing of the veneer. Once, the veneer is placed your dentist might ask you for a follow-up to check on the response of your gums to the presence of the new veneers.

Individuals who are dissatisfied with their tooth or think the color, shape or its position needs to be worked up on are eligible for the treatment. However, you need to consult your dentist before getting the veneers placed.

People who are already wearing braces cannot go this treatment as their teeth are already taking the braces’ support.

To get porcelain veneers or not can be a tough decision as this treatment comes with its own set of downsides. Since veneers are permanent, you cannot reverse the treatment anyhow. Thorough consideration is to be given before going through with the procedure. Other side effects may include initial sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages, the underlying dentin of your tooth may also get damaged by the process of removing the enamel.

Individuals who have opted for getting the porcelain veneers need to be very sure of never putting stress on their veneers. Individuals are not allowed to open beer bottles, chew ice or bite their fingernails once they get their veneers fixed.

It may take you a couple of weeks to get completely adjusted to these new veneers. You will need to visit your dentist again in a few weeks to examine if your gums are responding well to the veneers or not.

The cost of dental veneers can vary between Rs 8,000- 15,000 per tooth, depending on the brand and quality of the veneers your dentist is using.

The porcelain veneers once fixed to your tooth, can stay intact for up to 7-15 years. However, after this period of time you may need to get it replaced.

You can use a number of alternatives for dental veneers. Tooth whitening treatments, esthetic tooth recontouring, dental bonding and micro abrasion technique can all be considered before going for this irreversible procedure of dental veneering.