Hollywood smiles are achieved by using a combination of all or some of the following: tooth whitening, crowns, veneers, and orthodontics.
Veneers are very commonly used to enhance the smile. To put things into perspective, for example, when an actor or an actress has had their teeth done, they have probably had veneers fitted. Laminate veneers can be used in a variety of clinical situations e.g. color defects or abnormalities in enamel can be masked. These veneers allow changing the length, width, color and shape of tooth although not exhaustive; the following list gives a range of situations in which veneers can be used.
Intrinsic staining or surface defects caused by:
-aging
-accidents
-medication (e.g. tetracycline),
-lack of mineralization
-improper natural development
-erosion and abrasion
-fluorosis
-extrinsic permanent staining not amendable to tooth whitening procedures
-misalignment of the teeth
-improper teeth morphology, to improve the esthetics
We have here three kinds of veneers:
Ceramic veneers
They are ceramic laminates which are approximately 1 1.5mm thin and are bonded over the front surfaces of teeth after drilling. They provide a dramatic aesthetic enhancement. After assessment and approval the teeth are prepared to accept the veneers. When teeth do require preparation, the facing surface of the teeth is re-contoured by 1-1.5 mm. Impressions are then taken from which the ceramist can construct the veneers. Temporary veneers are immediately placed over the teeth to protect them and maintain the smile. Once fabricated (in the laboratory) the temporary veneers are removed and the ceramic veneers are fitted. This procedure takes around 3 sessions. And their life span is around 10 to 15 years.
Composite veneers
They depend on the dentist skills and are directly bonded to the teeth in one session.
They are cheaper than the ceramic veneers and require polishing every 4 to 5 months.
Their life span is around 5 years.
Lumineers
Lumineers are unique in that they are ultra-thin (approximately 0.2 mm) and highly translucent, allowing them to replicate the natural appearance of enamel. While traditional veneers are much thicker, requiring the grinding down of your original tooth structure, Lumineers are so thin that little to no tooth reduction is necessary. Additionally, the durability of Lumineers allows them to resist wear and remain resilient to last over 20 years.
While traditional veneers involve a much longer, more painful process that can take months, Lumineers placement is quick and painless. In contrast to traditional veneers, Lumineers don t require shots or drilling of sensitive tooth structure, and that means no pain. That s because Lumineers are ultra-thin so they can be applied seamlessly over your existing teeth in only two easy visits to your dentist.
The Lumineers procedure is a completely pain-free way to reshape and permanently whiten your teeth. Because they are ultra-thin, in most cases you will get a perfect fit without shots or grinding down of the original tooth structure. Once the procedure is completed, there is no post placement discomfort or sensitivity, which means Lumineers, will look natural and feel comfortable from the moment they are placed.
