Veneers (Hollywood smile): The comprehensive guide

Published at 24 September 2024

The term “Hollywood smile” is used to describe the gorgeous, flawless white smile often associated with celebrities and movie stars. Veneers are the most prominent way to obtain them. Learn how these veneers can repair defects in your teeth and enhance your self-confidence, through the comprehensive guide to veneers. (1)

What is the meaning of veneers?

Veneers, dental veneers, porcelain veneers, or porcelain veneers are all terms that refer to a cosmetic dental procedure that includes placing thin veneers on the teeth to hide various cosmetic defects, such as cracks, stains, voids, or misshapen teeth. (2)

How to apply veneers

What happens before dental veneers are applied?

During the first visit to the doctor, the doctor manually examines your teeth and gums and requests a panoramic image, if necessary, to ensure that they are free of any problems and to treat them if any. (3)

During the same visit, or at the next visit, if veneers are suitable for you, he will prepare your teeth by filing or grinding a thin layer of them, take molds of your teeth, and send them to the dental laboratory, to make the custom veneers for you. Your doctor places temporary veneers on your teeth after grinding them until the high-quality veneers customized for you are ready, which takes 2-4 weeks in the laboratory. (3)

What happens during veneer application?

During your next visit to the clinic, your doctor will assess the suitability of the shape, color and size of the veneers to your teeth, then clean your teeth well, permanently fix the veneers in place with a special adhesive and a light beam that accelerates hardening, and make sure that everything is fine. This takes approximately one to two hours, and then you can go home and return to your normal activities. (3)

How long do veneers last?

Veneers can last 10-15 years with proper care and can be renewed after that. (4)

The difference between facing and veneers

In general, both facing and veneers are considered a cosmetic dental procedure, concerned with placing a thin layer (veneer) on the teeth. The difference between them is in the material used to make them, which leads to the following differences: (5)

Veneers: The best and highest quality, very thin, natural shape that mimics the colour, shape and size of your natural teeth, and lasts for a long time (10-15 years or more with proper care), and is very rare for it to fall off, discolor or crack. But it is more expensive and requires grinding/filing a thin layer of the enamel.

Facing: looks less natural than teeth, last less (5-7 years with care), and can become discolored or cracked. However, it is less expensive and often does not require grinding/filing a layer of the enamel, but in some cases, it may require removing a thinner layer.

Eventually, choosing a veneer or facing is a personal decision that depends on individual needs and budget.

Do you dream of getting a Hollywood smile? The specialists at the Al-Ahli Hospital Dental Center have high experience in performing various cosmetic surgeries, with satisfactory results and at a reasonable cost, according to patients’ evaluations. Do not hesitate to contact us for any inquiries.

Tips for taking care of veneers

Maintaining veneers is simple, and similar to caring for your natural teeth: (3)(4)

Brush and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup and maintain good oral hygiene.
Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle toothpaste with fluoride.
Avoid teeth whitening products, as they can damage the veneers.
Reduce your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks such as coffee, tea and smoking.
Avoid biting into hard or crunchy food without cutting them into small parts, such as apples and carrots, and try to chew them with your back teeth.
If you grind your teeth during sleep (Sleep bruxism), get a Night guard.
Avoid extremely hot or cold foods in the first period. (7)
Avoid smoking and tobacco products. (7)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do veneers damage teeth?

No, veneers do not damage teeth, but as with your normal teeth, you must take care to brush your teeth daily. (4)

Does veneer discolor over time?

Veneers are considered stain-resistant when you take good care of them and avoid foods that stain teeth over time, such as berries, coffee, and tea. (1)

Are veneers permanent?

Veneers are usually a permanent procedure, which means that they last for a long time, unreversible or difficult to remove, and require peels in their place. (4)

Can I eat after applying veneers?

You may eat or drink immediately after your appointment but follow your doctor's instructions about restricted food and drinks. (4)

Does veneer break?

Veneers are durable and tough; however, they can crack when you bite down on hard objects or rub your teeth too hard and repeatedly and cannot be easily repaired. (2)

Can veneers be whitened?

No, veneer whitening will not work even if it is professionally done by a doctor, but your doctor can help you clean the surface stains on your teeth. Remember that veneer is resistant to stains with care and cleaning. (3)

Are dental veneers painful?

Applying veneers is not a painful procedure. It may cause a little pain for some, but it usually will not last more than 10-24 hours. If you feel pain, you can use analgesics, and consult your doctor if the pain persists. (6)

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