Dental veneers are customized coverings for teeth that work by being bonded to a tooth's outer surface. Their purpose is to improve the color, size, and shape of teeth and they can do so when they are properly made and installed.
However, there are difficulties that can result in a veneer not meeting the patient's expectations or where it is damaged after installation. Below is a look at some of the biggest challenges with veneers.
Veneers That Do Not Match Surrounding Teeth
There are a number of issues that can affect the color of a dental veneer, including the color of the tooth to which it is being bonded as well as that of the substance used to bond it to the tooth.
A dentist must carefully consider all of these factors to ensure that their patient's veneers match the teeth around them.
They must also ensure that veneers do not become discolored around the edges. This can happen during sealing if there is moisture present.
Misaligned Veneers
When veneers are not properly aligned, this can result in chipping at their edges in addition to tooth decay. These are just two of the potential problems.
There are other issues that can arise, such as veneers that have rough edges or that overhang. Dental floss can get caught on rough edges, which may result in poor oral hygiene and an increased risk of gum disease.
Speech Problems
Veneers that are too long can cause speech problems. Even when correctly sized, veneers will still require an adjustment period during which the patient will have to grow accustomed to talking with them in place; however, overly long veneers can result in certain specific challenges.
Patients may have difficulties with pronouncing certain words such as those containing the letters V or F. Veneers that are too thick may make it difficult to pronounce the S sound. In most cases, adjusting is a matter of practice and speech problems will go away over time.
Ensuring a Straight Smile
This requires an accurate analysis of the patient's whole face rather than just their mouth. A competent dentist will be aware of how the patient positions their head naturally when examining their facial plans.
By drawing a vertical line through the middle of the face, they will have a more precise frame of reference with regard to their smile and thus be able to make it straight.
Damage to Veneers
One of the biggest challenges with veneers has to do with the patient. Namely, destructive habits that they may have, such as bruxism.
Bruxism is excessive teeth-grinding that is unrelated to normal oral functions like eating or talking. It can place a considerable amount of stress on teeth that have been restored with veneers. In patients with bruxism, veneers that lengthen the incisors and canines are at a high risk of fracture unless the molars and premolars are lengthened as well.
In order to protect veneers, dentists often recommend protective guards for patients with bruxism. Along with bruxism, the habit of chewing hard items (like ice or even fingernails) is known to break or weaken veneers.
Tooth Sensitivity
In order to install a veneer, a dentist is required to remove tooth enamel. If too much enamel is removed, the tooth may become sensitive. In some cases, the pulp within the tooth may die.
If a lot of enamel has to be removed to attach a veneer, a crown may be a better option.
The installation of dental veneers requires precision at all stages of the process. Understanding this is important for overcoming the main challenges and for ensuring that the patient's expectations are met.
To learn more about dental veneers, contact us today.
