All you need to know about veneers BEFORE and AFTER installation

The topic of veneers is so widespread around the world that every month more and more patients who want a beautiful natural smile, also called a Hollywood smile, are interested in this service. With the increasing popularity comes a lot of questions about dental veneers: how long do veneers last, can veneers come off, what happens to the teeth before placement, is it painful to place veneers, what are the disadvantages – just a few things to know before the placement of ceramic veneers.

In order to find answers to your questions, it is best, of course, to make an appointment with a dentist, where you will get a comprehensive answer to each of your questions. However, you may not always have the time or confidence to find out if you really need veneers. To get rid of the hassle of searching for answers in questionable sources and get the most information regarding this service of aesthetic dentistry, check out the following most popular questions about veneers and the answers to them.

What do I need: a crown or a veneer? How many veneers do I need?

In each individual situation, the doctor collects data. This takes the form of photos, 3D dental scans, 3D tomography, and in some cases additional manipulation to analyze your dentition.

In the case of a stable bite, without tooth misalignment relative to the opposite row, as well as in the absence of fillings, veneers will be the best solution, as it will be a minimally invasive method of improving the smile. 

In other cases where the teeth have undergone any changes, a crown may be required.  Today, crowns can also be made of ceramic, and there is no difference from a veneer.

How many veneers do I need?

This is a very individual parameter and depends directly on your main goal.

You need to install at least four veneers on the front teeth. This option is more suitable for those who want to improve their smile a little bit, but not redecorate. 

The average option is 8-10 veneers on the upper jaw, which just covers the entire smile zone.

The maximum variant consists of 28 restorations.  In this option there is a complete restructuring of the masticatory system on the teeth, as well as a change in shape and color.

How long do veneers last?

Depending on the laboratory quality of the veneers and the precision of the dentist, veneers can last from 5 to 15 years, or even longer with good hygiene.  Most of all, the preparation of the tooth and the gluing protocol influences how long the veneers will last: how badly it was ground down, to what layer of the ground down tooth the veneer is glued, what glue is used and what protocol is used by the doctor.

Can a veneer come off and why?

There is such a possibility, but it can only happen if the dentist neglected the gluing protocol or saved money on something when gluing the veneers. Usually it is either the adhesive itself or the cement.

To be sure of the quality of the material, you can ask your doctor what adhesive cement he uses. The best adhesive cement systems are Variolink and PANAVIA. If the dentist follows the adhesive protocol correctly, the veneers will bond securely to your teeth.

If this happens to you, don't panic and mentally calculate how much it will cost to put in another veneer. See a good doctor, and he or she will be able to put your veneers in place without having to order a new product.

Can you put a veneer on 1 tooth?

It is possible to install a veneer on one tooth. But, as the saying goes, any whim for your money, because such a product will cost you quite a lot (from 800-1000 euros and more). Why so? This is due to the expensive work of the master artist. It is one thing to make 4 veneers and color them in the same color, and quite another thing to select the desired shade, to create the necessary effects so that this one veneer does not stand out against the rest, especially if we are talking about the front teeth. After all, the neighboring teeth can be of different colors. This is very painstaking work that requires a lot of time, skill, and experience, which only a single dental technician has and specializes in such cases. Usually, such artists are few and very expensive.

Is it necessary to remove the nerve from the tooth under the veneer?

Usually, it is not necessary to depulpate a tooth, but there are cases where it is necessary. For example, when a patient has crooked teeth and does not want to wear braces or aligners, but wants a beautiful smile without pain and suffering (read more about veneer alignment). In such single cases, it is possible that when the tooth is edged, it will need to be depulped and then the veneer will be placed. But you need to look at your individual situation, as in some cases it will be better to put a dental crown.

Can cavities occur under veneers?

Yes, tooth cavities can develop under veneers if you don't brush your teeth or practice good oral hygiene. In other cases, it is excluded, because on the ceramic veneer bacteria can not "stick", but on the tooth – easily. So watch your hygiene and don't forget to have your teeth professionally cleaned by your dentist.

Can I get veneers if I have no teeth?

Unfortunately, if the patient has no teeth, it is not possible to have veneers installed, because there is nothing to attach them to. In the case of adentia, only implants, dentures or crowns can be placed.

At what age can I have veneers?

Generally, veneers are placed after the age of 18, but there are no age restrictions, as such, and they can be placed much earlier.

What are the contraindications to veneers?

Perfect teeth ☺. But seriously speaking, here you can find a complete list of when veneers are prohibited and what are the requirements before the procedure.

Does it hurt to put veneers?

Because veneers are considered an invasive procedure, you may feel some discomfort when you receive anesthetic injections and after the teeth are grinded.  Also, your teeth will become more sensitive than before after the placement. But overall, getting veneers is not painful when compared to having surgery to remove a wisdom tooth or placing an implant.

Can I get veneers for periodontal disease?

If you have periodontal disease, then dental veneers make no sense. First, you need to treat periodontal disease, stabilize the teeth and then proceed to the aesthetic part, where, depending on the situation, the decision to install veneers or crowns will be made.

Can I get veneers when pregnant?

During pregnancy, it is worth refraining from this venture, because during the procedure to install veneers a lot of anesthesia is used, which may have a negative impact not only on the body of the woman, but also on the health of the fetus. Therefore, it is better to postpone this procedure until you give birth.