Why have dental veneers?
Dental veneers are intended for ‘smile teeth’. “That is to say, those that go from one canine to another,” explains Dr. Lequart, dental surgeon, spokesperson for the French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD). This makes a maximum total of six teeth at the top and six teeth at the bottom: 4 incisors and 2 canines at the level of the lower jaw and 4 incisors and 2 canines at the level of the upper jaw .
Of course, the installation of dental veneers is only done on teeth free from cavities, specifies the dental surgeon.
restore a smile
“Dental veneers are intended to give a more aesthetic smile to a person who complains of having one or more unsightly teeth by their shape, their slight overlap, their color”, explains the dental surgeon. This may be, for example, to hide an incisor in the shape of a ‘grain of rice’.
When should you give up dental veneers?
Dental veneers are not for everyone. It is, of course, necessary to have a rigorous dental hygiene “but also not to bite your nails or nibble your pencil permanently”, warns the dental surgeon.
Which dental veneers to choose?
The dental veneer is a thin ceramic film , bonded to the visible face of the teeth of the smile.
There are two types of techniques for the placement of dental veneers.
Dental veneers with preparation
“Before the dental veneers are placed, the tooth is roughened and a thin layer of enamel is removed in order to have room to bond the ceramic veneer,” explains Dr. Lequart. This is the most aesthetic technique. »
Dental veneers without preparation
- This technique does not require any work on the teeth, before the placement of dental veneers. But, it is not without drawbacks. “You can have an over-contour at the level of the neck of the tooth, explains the dental surgeon. Over-contouring that can trap bacteria and lead to gum inflammation .
How to place dental veneers?
This purely aesthetic treatment requires several appointments, warns the dental surgeon.
So you have to be patient! Before any placement of dental veneers, the good health of the mouth is checked.
Who does dental veneers?
The dental surgeon makes an impression that will serve as a study model. “Then a mock-up (preview model) is made by the dental technician in order to simulate the shape that you want to give to the teeth,” explains Dr. Lequart. This is the subject of a first date.
How are dental veneers prepared?
After the impression has been made at the first appointment with the dentist and the mock-up by the prosthetist, during a second appointment with the dentist (there is no need to consult another dental specialist) , “temporary veneers make it possible to simulate the final result in the mouth, and to make modifications if necessary, explains the dental surgeon. Either, they are just tried on and removed, or, when there has been preparation of the tooth or teeth, they can be kept temporarily. This can allow the patient to get used to the new shape of his teeth (square, longer, more triangular, etc.), as well as to their color.
And, finally, during the last appointment, the final facet(s) are bonded to the teeth.
Except for the first session, which is shorter, for the other appointments it takes between 45 minutes and an hour, warns the dental surgeon.
How are dental veneers placed?
These are glued to the enamel of the teeth using a specific glue. “Dental veneers are intended to be kept for life,” says Dr. Lequart. It sometimes happens that a facet comes off. It can then be reattached by the dental surgeon. »
Dental veneers and damaged teeth
- The installation of dental veneers does not protect the teeth from cavities ! “In case of simple caries, it can be treated without removing the dental veneer.
How to maintain dental veneers?
By brushing your teeth twice a day , morning and evening, for at least two minutes.
You can use a manual or electric toothbrush, equipped with a soft brush, advises Dr. Lequart. And, we complete the brushing of the teeth by cleaning between the teeth using a thread and a dental brush.
Should we be careful while eating?
Dental veneers allow normal eating. However, you have to be more careful with certain foods . This is the case of caramels , “but also artichoke leaves , warns the dental surgeon. Indeed, when you eat artichoke leaves, you pull with your teeth from the back to the front, which risks taking off the facets. »
What are the disadvantages of dental veneers?
There are several of them. “It’s rare, but one or more dental veneers can come off and cause temporary discomfort until the dental surgeon re-glues it or them,” explains Dr. Lequart.
There is a much greater drawback because it is irremediable! “If the patient has chosen dental veneers with tooth preparation , it is impossible to go back,” warns the dental surgeon.
The placement of dental veneers must therefore be carefully considered.
How much does a dental veneer cost?
For the placement of dental veneers, the fees are free . “You have to count between 700 euros and 1,200 euros per facet “, specifies the dental surgeon. A total cost that can quickly become very high if you decide to have veneers placed on all the teeth of your smile.
What reimbursement by Social Security?
Dental veneers are considered cosmetic dentistry , and like anything cosmetic, there is no Social Security coverage.
Which health insurance reimburses dental veneers?
Coverage by mutuals remains exceptional, warns Dr. Lequart.
It is often necessary to contact specialized dental mutuals.
Some mutuals (Cocoon, Sérénis Assurances, Generali, April, etc.) offer reimbursements for dental veneers, even if they are acts outside the nomenclature. The reimbursement amount varies depending on the chosen contract.
Dental veneers abroad
Faced with the cost of a dental veneer, some patients are tempted to engage in ‘dental tourism’. Indeed, in Hungary , the cost of a dental veneer is around 380 euros and in Spain from 500 euros. However, when you don’t know the practitioners, don’t you take a risk abroad? What if there are problems afterwards? It is better to think carefully beforehand!
And for those who hesitate, there is still the possibility of using orthotics that clip onto the teeth and which are sold on the Internet, aesthetics will not necessarily be there…
