by LUCAS RAVEN
Thanks to new technology, you can now skip most stages of teeth treatment and get a perfect smile by installing cosmetic dental veneers and their most natural and up-to-date counterparts — porcelain veneers. These are thin yet hard porcelain laminates that can completely change the shape and color of a tooth or the whole dental arch. Porcelain veneers are used to eliminate the visual impacts of tooth decay and disease, or simply to achieve a more beautiful smile. Porcelain veneers placed by professionals at British International Dental Centre in Qatar, founded by Dr. Sarah Aalders, last decades and don’t cause any inconvenience either during the placement process or during their use.
I’ve had the opportunity to interview my very own dentist, BIDC Qatar’s Veneer Specialist, Prosthodontist, and newfound friend, Dr. Anu Rengit:
1. What is the most important thing one should know, before getting porcelain veneers?
A. Porcelain veneers are an excellent way to improve your smile and your self esteem. Your new smile does not take long to make and is hard wearing with limited removal of tooth tissue. They are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the enamel of your teeth. There are several things to know before getting started with veneers. The most important thing is to have a consultation with your dentist to know if you are an ideal candidate for veneers and discuss all your expectations. In addition ask for all alternative options. You need to know that once you have veneers you will always have veneers.
2. Has creating beautiful veneers been a rewarding mission for you in terms of inspiring confidence in your patients?
A. Yes . I love to see the transformation of my patient’s smiles, facial features and their profile. The genuine smile warms my heart every time I show my patients their new smile. This is the highlight of my day.
3. Are veneers high maintenance? What does one need to do to maintain them well?
A. Maintaining your veneers is simple. They are meant to feel as natural as they look, so caring for them is as easy as following these tips:
a) Keep them clean: Brushing twice daily and using a dental floss are great ways to maintain optimal dental health.
b) Use the right tooth paste: some tooth pastes may contain ingredients that are too abrasive for your teeth and veneers.
c) Do not bite in to very hard objects : Very hard objects, such as metal caps and glass bottles can chip the porcelain of the veneer . If you have a habit of biting into random things, such as pencils, pens or even ice, it would be helpful if you can take steps to end the mannerism.
d) Watch what you eat: The rule against biting hard things also applies to food such as raw carrots, raw apples, hard chips and meat cuts that contain bone. Aside from watching out for tough food items, you must also be wary of eating too much food containing sugar and acid. These items contribute to tooth decay and erosion which not are good for your veneers either.
e) Address teeth grinding: Teeth grinding damages veneers. If you grind your teeth when you are asleep, check with your doctor on what can you do to manage the issue. You will most probably be told to wear a mouth guard while sleeping.
f) Choose your tooth brush: Brushing your teeth does wonders for your oral health and your veneer’s longevity. Settle for a tooth brush that has soft bristles as hard bristles can scratch the surface of your veneers.
g) Wear a mouth guard: If you engage in contact sports like boxing, taekwondo, wrestling etc. be sure to wear a mouth guard as this will minimize the impact of any strong force you may encounter.
h) Visit your dentist regularly: Your dentist can help you avoid gum and dental infections that can adversely affect the quality and state of your veneers.
They can detect early problems and treat them before the problems get worse.
4. What are the main do’s and dont’s when you have veneers?
Do’s:
Your new smile needs the same good care as natural teeth.
• Use a soft to ultra soft tooth brush either electric or manual
• Brush lightly in circular motions
• Use a non abrasive tooth paste
• Floss daily
• Use your night guard every night
• See your dentist every 6 months
Don’ts:
Like natural teeth, certain things can alter the way your teeth look and feel. Please avoid the following:
• Grinding or clenching
• Biting things that may chip your teeth (hard candy, ice, fingernails, bobby pins etc.)
• Opening packages with your teeth as this may cause teeth to twist and loosen.
5. Do veneers last forever? What’s the lifespan like?
A. There is no expiration date or arbitrary time that states when veneers need to be replaced. With the advancement of bonding agents and cements over the past decade, there may never be a reason for the work to be redone.
One of biggest factors influencing the longevity for your veneers is ensuring they fit perfectly, and that they can function in your mouth.
Having a good hygiene and wearing a nightguard will also help increase the lifespan of veneers. I recommend that you see your dentist for a professional cleaning every 6 months. This will help ensure you have healthy gums, and minimize any unsightly recession which can contribute to needing to replace your veneers.
6. What are the preparations one must do before the process of getting veneers on?
A. Before you receive your veneers, you will have a preliminary appointment with your dentist to discuss which options are right for you and how many veneers need to be placed. In some cases, if teeth are crooked or uneven, you may need to have braces before your dentist can place the veneers.
Your dentist will often take x-rays at this stage to evaluate the health of your teeth. Your teeth should be healthy prior to veneer placement.
7. Veneers or crowns?
A. Both crowns and veneers are forms of dental restoration. They work by adding a covering to an existing tooth to improve its appearance or function. The main differences between a veneer and a crown is how much of the original tooth is removed, how thick the material covering the tooth is , and how much of the tooth is covered. Both crowns and veneers are effective in improving the aesthetic appearance of teeth.
Veneers are a great choice when the issues you want to address are relatively minor and aesthetic in nature. Veneers are an excellent solution for problems such as badly stained teeth, chipped teeth, minor cracks in teeth, small gaps between the teeth and superficial misalignment. In these cases, veneers can significantly improve the overall color and regularity in appearance of the teeth, delivering a much improved smile.
Crowns are typically needed instead of a veneer when there are more fundamental issues with existing teeth. These situations include teeth that are badly broken or cracked, or where root canal treatment has been done. The crown is used to keep the tooth intact and protect it from any further damage.
8. What inspired you to become a dentist?
A. Pursuing a career that would challenge my technical ability as well as my creative talent was a requirement for me. The best of both worlds came together when I discovered dentistry, a profession demanding both scientific skill and inventive thinking. I consider myself lucky to be doing what I believe I was called to do.
The joy of changing a person`s life by creating a beautiful, healthy smile is one of the intangible rewards of being a dentist that can`t be measured.
9. A message to those who have been thinking about getting veneers.
Having a beautiful smile is no longer simply an issue of vanity; finding the confidence to express yourself candidly often begins with the appearance of your teeth. Feeling comfortable enough to laugh, smile, and speak your mind without having to hide less-than-perfect teeth can help you get ahead in your professional, social, and personal circles. Porcelain veneers helps patients struggling with flawed smiles to achieve the look they really want. If you think you may be a candidate for porcelain veneers, contact us in British International Dental Centre today, because we believe in creating beautiful smiles with exceptional dentistry.
*Dr Anu believes The joy of changing a person`s life by creating a beautiful, healthy smile is one of the intangible rewards of being a dentist, that can`t be measured.
For more information and to book your appointments, visit: www.qatardental.net
