Cosmetic Dentistry - VeneersMany people who want a gleaming Hollywood smile opt for cosmetic dentistry veneers. It’s hardly surprising when you consider that dental veneers made their debut in a Tinseltown movie shoot.

Those veneers were primitive by today’s standards. They consisted of acrylic caps that would only stay in place for a few hours.

Cosmetic dentistry veneers have come a long way since then but are still a favorite means of enhancing appearance among Hollywood stars. Many of these celebrities’ awesome smiles – including those of Demi Moore, Jennifer Garner, Emily Blunt, and Tom Cruise – owe much to veneers.

How Dental Veneers Have Evolved

Although cosmetic dentistry veneers appeared on the scene nearly one hundred years ago, they are relatively new compared with other cosmetic dentistry treatments that have their origins in ancient civilizations.

Veneers were invented in 1928 by Californian dentist Charles Pincus and gradually became popular with the general public as well as film stars. However, problems persisted in finding an effective method of grip.

Then, in the 1950s, Dr. Michael Buonocore hit on the idea of etching tooth enamel with a weak acid to give veneers a better grip. This was followed, in the1980s, by the discovery that porcelain veneers could themselves be etched with hydrofluoric acid to further improve the adhesion of veneers to teeth.

This resulted in veneers that were less costly and easier to fit, making them a popular mainstream option in cosmetic dentistry.

Solving the Problem of Unsightly Teeth

Cosmetic dentistry veneers are tooth-colored shells that are cemented onto the front of teeth to improve the appearance of a smile by masking discoloration or cracks or closing gaps between teeth. They also protect the surface of the tooth from damage.

Veneers are individually crafted for each patient, and new materials have enabled veneers to be made thinner, so the outer surface of the tooth doesn’t have to be trimmed back.

Modern veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin. Over the past few decades, technological advances have produced veneers that look very natural. Being translucent, veneers also interact with light in the same way as natural dental enamel.

People with an uneven gum line can particularly benefit from veneers, which will create a tidier look, more in proportion with the teeth. Veneers can also be used to correct teeth overcrowding, reshape teeth and close gaps, increase the dimension of teeth, thicken them, and make them longer or squarer.

Dental veneers are often the cosmetic treatment of choice for celebrities because dramatic results can be achieved quickly.

Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers

According to the DocShop platform, which helps patients find healthcare professionals, veneers look so realistic because they’re made from advanced materials that closely resemble the appearance of natural tooth enamel.

Besides a natural appearance, other benefits of modern dental veneers include:

• Greater resistance to staining than natural teeth.

• Porcelain is tolerated well by gum tissue.

• Dark teeth appear lighter.

Veneers typically last many years and can be fitted with little or no anesthetic, but, like natural teeth, can break or chip. Small chips can be repaired, or a new veneer fitted.

Although veneers are strong, they can be damaged by habits such as chewing on ice or pencils or biting your fingernails.

Once cemented, the color of the veneer cannot be changed. If you plan on whitening your teeth, you need to do so before getting veneers.

With veneers, a tooth can become more sensitive to hot and cold drinks and foods and beverages.

Advantages of Porcelain Veneers

Today’s ultra-thin porcelain veneers, which have benefited from further improvements in bonding agents, can last for up to 15 years. They are also thinner than ever, which means a minimal preparation of the tooth.

Porcelain veneers are also more resilient to staining than natural teeth and require no special routine of oral hygiene, although a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste is recommended to avoid damaging the shells.

Are Dental Veneers a Good Investment?

Veneers offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth's color and shape. The procedure typically doesn’t require the extensive reshaping of a tooth that crowns entail, and veneers provide a stronger, more aesthetic alternative to tooth bonding.

Although veneers are generally more expensive than other cosmetic dental treatments, many people see them as a worthwhile investment because they provide a huge boost to self-confidence. Besides giving you a great smile, veneers will also protect your teeth from damage.

Over the past 30 years, advances in cosmetic dental technology have created veneers that are increasingly lifelike and more convenient, and digital imaging enables dentists to provide patients with veneers that are a near-perfect match with their natural teeth.

The fitting of veneers is among several hi-tech dental procedures – such as implants, crowns, laser treatments, teeth whitening, and 3D tooth printing – that are defining a new era in cosmetic dentistry. Veneers can also be combined with other treatments to create comprehensive cosmetic results.

Are Cosmetic Dentistry Veneers Right for Me?

If your teeth are basically healthy but showing signs of natural wear and tear – such as staining or chips – porcelain veneers may well provide the solution to give you a winning smile. It can be possible to prepare teeth for veneers without an anesthetic, and little tooth structure is lost during the procedure.

If you tend to grind or clench your teeth, veneers may not be for you: the pressure can crack or chip the porcelain shells. Nevertheless, your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect your veneers while you sleep. Teeth with veneers can still decay, possibly requiring full coverage of the tooth with a crown.

The only way to find out for sure whether dental veneers are right for you is to ask a specialist in cosmetic dentistry who uses cutting-edge veneer materials and techniques.