A Confident Smile with Veneers

Everyone wants a beautiful smile. And veneers are a great option to obtain it. For those who are dissatisfied with the color, size, or shape of their teeth and want to feel more confident in their smile, veneers are the answer.
 

What are veneers?

Veneers are cosmetic materials that cover the surface of your teeth resembling natural tooth enamel. They help your teeth appear whiter and more aligned, giving you a fuller and more beautiful smile.
 

Who are veneers suitable for?

Veneers are suitable for individuals who want to enhance their natural smile by addressing various dental issues, such as:

• Discolored teeth, such as dark or stained teeth

• Front teeth that are spaced too far apart

• Slightly crooked teeth

• Small-sized teeth

• Uneven or irregular tooth tips

Types of veneers

There are two types of veneers:

1. Ceramic (Porcelain) Veneers

   • Strong and durable

   • Mimic natural enamel color with a shinier surface

   • Designed and produced in a lab; takes longer to complete and is more costly than composite veneers

   • Lifespan: approximately 10–15 years

2. Composite Veneers

   • Made from the same material as dental fillings

   • Can be applied directly to the tooth’s surface, allowing completion in one visit

   • More susceptible to staining from food and drinks compared to ceramic veneers, resulting in color changes and reduced shine over time

   • Lower cost than ceramic veneers

   • Lifespan: approximately 5–7 years

What to know before getting veneers

The process of getting veneers involves a slight grinding of the teeth’s surface, leading to permanent enamel loss. It is crucial to learn the details and consult with your dentist before making a decision.

Steps for getting veneers

1. Initial consultation:

   • Discuss your dental issues and desired outcomes with your dentist.

   • The dentist examines your oral health and collects data through pictures, intraoral scans, or mouth impressions. This is required to design the veneers.

2. Veneer design:

   • Your dentist uses the collected information to design the veneers.

3. Design presentation:

   • You will review the designed veneers and test them out via a smile simulator to help with your decision-making.

4. Tooth preparation:

   • If you decide to proceed: your dentist will first grind your teeth in preparation for the veneers and take a mouth impression or digital scan, then apply temporary veneers.

5. Veneer creation:

   • The impression or scan is used to design and shape the veneers, which takes approximately 10–14 days depending on the number of veneers needed.

6. Final application:

   • The temporary veneers are removed, and the permanent veneers are tested and fixed inside your mouth using dental glue.

7. Follow-up appointment:

   • A follow-up appointment is scheduled one week after your procedure for a post-treatment evaluation.

How to care for your teeth after getting veneers

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.

• Visit your dentist for check-ups every six months.

• Avoid gnawing or prying on hard objects, as this can cause the veneers to dislodge, chip, or break.

The Dental Center at Bumrungrad International Hospital

Bumrungrad’s Dental Center has experts from all fields of dentistry to provide advice, diagnoses, and treatment for all dental conditions, including general dental care. The center is equipped with modern technology and a cleaning system that meets international standards

Information by Dr. Suchaya Tantrachot