Veneers are an affordable, semi-permanent cosmetic solution to fix cracked teeth, correct discolouration, conceal craze lines, and so much more. Many patients opt for veneers to discretely repair minor cosmetic dental issues before they get worse. There are different types of veneers that work in certain circumstances. If you’re considering getting veneers to correct a dental issue then continue reading to find out everything you need to know.
What Are Partial Veneers?
Partial veneers only cover a small portion of the damaged tooth. Composed of laminate, partial veneers, wrap around the front, sides and biting edge of the tooth but they don’t extend all the way to the back. Since this is a mostly cosmetic technique, the idea is mainly to hide the damage so that they’re not obvious to other people.
At the same time, however, partial veneers are still very effective at strengthening and supporting the structure of the tooth in question without altering your external facial appearance in any way, shape or form.
Dental veneers are made to look identical to your surrounding teeth so that no one will ever realize that you’ve had any work done on your teeth. Partial veneers can correct a host of different dental issues including cracks, discolouration, misalignment, irregularly shaped teeth, and tooth gaps, as well as strengthen teeth that are worn down.
Why Are Partial Veneers Needed?
Partial veneers also act as a replacement for eroded tooth enamel which can cause sensitivity, pain, and discomfort. Lost tooth enamel can’t be replaced with natural substances, so partial veneers can be used in its place to protect your teeth from surface damages and sensitivity.
Most people tend to get partial veneers to cover up minor cracks, cavities, and tooth discolouration as a cosmetic alternative to full veneers. Although there are many benefits to getting partial veneers, there are a few important things you should know before making the decision.
Partial veneers can’t always be made to match the precise colour and shape of your other teeth, but your dentist will ensure that the differences are hardly noticeable to the naked eye. Also, once partial veneers are placed, they can’t be whitened. So if you’re planning on whitening or cleaning your teeth, you need to get that done before the partial veneers are placed.
Also Read: Partial vs. Full Veneers
Benefits of Partial Veneers
Aside from the affordability factor, one of the biggest benefits of getting partial veneers is how discrete and comfortable they are. No one will ever know that you’ve had any dental work done unless you choose to share that information.
Partial veneers are paper thin and made out of composite porcelain material that’s bonded directly to your damaged or discoloured tooth. Although they are durable, they must fit the exact shape of your tooth and may be reshaped if need be. It’s important that the dentist fits the veneer to the exact shape and size of your tooth to ensure discretion and longevity.
As long as they’re placed correctly and you take excellent care of your teeth, the chances of partial veneers becoming damaged or discoloured are very slim.
How Partial Veneers Are Placed
The process for placing partial veneers is fairly simple but it can take some time to complete.
Step 1: Consultation
First, you need to visit your dentist for an initial consultation during which they’ll examine all your teeth and diagnose the problem. During this same consultation, they might determine the type of dental procedure that would work best for your situation. They’ll explain all of your options to you so that you can make an informed decision. They may even take a few x-ray images to determine which teeth need correction.
Step 2: Preparation and Mould
Next, your dentist will prepare the damaged tooth for the veneer by removing a small amount of enamel if there’s still any left. Prior to this portion of the procedure, you and your dentist will need to agree whether local anesthesia is necessary and how much of it is suitable for you. That mostly depends on your threshold for pain and discomfort, though. Some patients require very little to no anesthesia whereas others may feel excruciating pain and require a large dose. Make sure you discuss this with your dentist beforehand.
After that, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth, which will either be sent out to a dental laboratory or manufactured onsite if your dentist’s office has the proper facilities. On average, the construction process takes about 2-4 weeks. However, in cases where patients can’t wait that long, a temporary dental veneer can be placed until the permanent one is ready.
Step 3: Bonding
Once the tooth is aptly prepared, the partial veneer can be properly bonded. Before permanently cementing the veneer to your tooth, however, your dentist will want to double check that it’s the correct shape, size, and colour by placing it against the tooth. If any of those components are a little off, then the veneer can either be sent back to the dental laboratory to be corrected or your dentist can make the necessary adjustments in their office.
After installing the veneers in place with the cement, your dentist will then shine a bright beam directly on the tooth with the new veneer. This bright light activates the chemicals in the bonding agent that causes it to harden quickly and immediately to hold the veneer in place. Any excess cement is then carefully removed, and your dentist will test your bite to make sure that all your teeth—especially your new partial veneer—are perfectly aligned.
Partial Veneers at Princeview Dental Group
Princeview Dental Group has been a dental clinic in The Kingsway neighbourhood for more than 25 years. We provide a number of cosmetic and routine dental procedures including partial and complete dental veneer placements, dental emergencies, teeth whitening, and much more. To learn more or to book an appointment at our clinic, please feel free to contact us today!