If you have abnormal teeth that cause you to lose confidence every time you smile, speak, or chew food poorly—whether due to misaligned teeth, gaps, chips, wear, cracks, uneven tooth proportions, teeth that do not align well with the lips, face, or smile, or discoloration such as yellowing, darkening, or staining,
Improving the condition of your teeth with veneers (Veneer) is one option that can help correct these defects. You will regain a confident smile and better use of your teeth. Veneers also help conserve more tooth structure compared to crowns.
What is a Veneer?
Veneer is a thin, white, translucent material similar to natural tooth enamel that is bonded to the front surface of the teeth. It makes the teeth look more aligned and proportionate to the face and lips, while also appearing whiter. Typically, veneers last 10-15 years depending on tooth use and care by specialized dentists, using medical-standard services and quality materials.
What dental problems can veneers solve?
Veneers can address many dental issues such as:
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Correcting abnormal tooth shapes
- Fixing minor misalignments to create a beautiful arrangement
- Restoring chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Teeth with abnormal enamel surfaces
- Yellow or dark discoloration caused by tetracycline antibiotic use
2 Types of Materials Used for Veneers
- Composite Resin is a mixture of resin and silica, offering color durability and strength but less smoothness and gloss compared to ceramic materials. In treatment, dentists use tooth-colored filling material combined with bonding agents applied directly to the tooth surface to change the shape and color. Composite resin has the advantage of quick application and lower cost than ceramic. If damaged, partial repairs are possible without full replacement. However, if the material is not well controlled at the edges, it can cause bad breath or gum inflammation.
- Ceramic is currently the most popular material for veneers due to its strength and translucency, resembling natural teeth. It bonds well to enamel, has high color durability, and resists staining from drinks, food, and smoking. Because ceramic is strong, dentists need to remove less enamel during preparation, reducing the risk of tooth sensitivity after treatment.
Steps for Ceramic Veneer Procedure
- The dentist designs a smile to correct dental imperfections, matching the smile and face.
- A sample model of the designed smile is created for patient review.
- The dentist removes some of the original enamel, takes an impression, and lets the patient choose the desired tooth color.
- The case is sent to the lab for 7-14 days of production. Meanwhile, the dentist places temporary veneers for the patient. Once the ceramic veneers return, they are bonded permanently to the teeth to complete the process.
Preparation Before Getting Veneers
- Patients must have tartar removed and teeth cleaned.
- If there is tooth decay or gum inflammation, it must be treated first.
Care After Getting Veneers
- Brush teeth thoroughly and floss regularly 1-2 times daily.
- Avoid biting hard objects and using front teeth for biting or chewing hard items.
- Visit the dentist every 6 months.
- If you grind your teeth at night, a bite guard is necessary to protect the veneers from damage.
Dr. Alisa Tapananon
General Dentistry Specialist
Dental Center, Phyathai 2 Hospital
