Yahoo Autos Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About Getting Veneers, Answered by Dentists
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Veneers can be life-changing for people, and now, social media platforms (such as TikTok, where #veneers has over 984 million views), are shining a light on this smile-reversing dental procedure. "The pandemic totally shifted the cosmetic market. People are at home, spending more time on their phone on various social platforms—instead of dining out and traveling—and working remotely on Zoom or other meeting platforms," explains Dr. Sharon Huang, cosmetic dentist and founder of Les Belles NYC. "Most people are seeing their face and teeth on the big screen all day and noticing all their teeth imperfections, and people exploring cosmetic improvements are on social platforms discovering what's possible."
There has been a spike in cosmetic procedures (face and teeth) during the pandemic, especially since folks have a lot more time and money to invest in cosmetic procedures, rather than spending their cash on dining out or traveling. Additionally, the sheer volume of people on these platforms means information on cosmetic procedures, such as veneers, can travel fast.
"Social platforms and social media influencers have been extremely effective at increasing awareness of cosmetic procedures as well as the importance of a healthy and attractive smile," explains Dr. Matt Nejad, a cosmetic dentist based in Beverly Hills. "These platforms have a strong effect on reinforcing and encouraging elective cosmetic procedures—information travels faster than ever and these platforms have really had a big impact on veneers as well as other cosmetic procedures."
So, what are veneers?
Veneers are ultra-thin porcelain/plastic shells that are bonded to your teeth and can change their shape, color, size, length, or function. Veneers can be as thin as a contact lens and will help improve a person's smile, lip support, and potentially reduce fine lines around the mouth.
There are two types of veneers: composite veneers and porcelain veneers:
Porcelain veneers are made of porcelain, while composite veneers are made from resin (plastic). According to Dr. Huang, there is a wide range of porcelain veneers currently on the market. "The process of making these thin porcelain masterpieces is the key difference in the result and cost difference between dentists," she explains. "Conventional veneers may be made by a machine, where they are milled or 3D printed (the lowest cost), made by a dental technician (with varying skill level, and are mid-market cost), or made by a master ceramist (the highest cost)."
Handmade veneers are made by a master ceramist with the highest level of training, and they specialize in the design and artistry of recreating textures and characteristics that mimic nature. The majority of veneers on the market are made by a machine or by dental technicians, according to Dr. Huang.
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Who is the best candidate for veneers?
According to Dr. Nejad, there is a wide range of candidates for veneers, considering they can treat a variety of conditions conservatively. "When [veneers] are done with a biomimetic approach (mimicking the properties of natural teeth), they can actually make teeth stronger instead of weakening them—this makes them ideally suited for a lot of patient conditions. They can effectively treat:
Worn and chipped teeth.
Discoloration and staining that can not resolve with whitening.
The size, shape, and contour of natural teeth.
Teeth that are not of optimal size for the patient.
Gaps and spaces.
Genetic conditions affecting enamel condition.
Crowding and rotations—but this is optimally treated with orthodontics (Invisalign, braces, etc.).
What to expect when getting veneers?
The process will vary widely among providers, but below is the general idea of what you should expect when getting veneers for the first time:
Records and planning: The first step is to collect records including photos, impressions, digital scans, etc., so that the treatment can be planned precisely.
Mockup: Once the initial plan is formed, the next step in the process is to show you the final outcome in your mouth with a preview called the mockup. "The mockup is something that is formed over your teeth during a short appointment so that you can preview and evaluate the design," explains Dr. Nejad. "It looks surprisingly realistic most of the time, and you can use this to review any desired changes. The design can be adjusted until there is an approved design, assuming no limitations in achieving the desired change."
Preparation: From there, the treatment proceeds with minimal tooth preparation and a temporary, which is worn until the cementation visit (which is around two weeks).
Cementation: During the cementation visits, the veneers are tried in to confirm their shade and design and then cemented. The ideal cementation method takes more time to get the best seal, long-term durability, and prevent stains, leakage, and odors. Each veneer should be cemented individually, one at a time.
Considering creating and cementing veneers is a specialized craft, it's important to do your homework before choosing a dentist for your new veneers. "Every dentist has their unique style, design, and creative vision, and it is very important to find a cosmetic dentist who makes you feel safe and comfortable and is passionate about their art," says Dr. Huang. "Look at the dentists' portfolio and social media, and ask yourself if these are the teeth you'd like in your mouth."
