Dental Veneers (วีเนียร์, เคลือบฟันเทียม)

Veneers are a thin coating applied to the tooth surface using materials that resemble natural enamel in thinness and color, bonded only to the front surface of the tooth. They help cover problematic tooth structure to correct color, shape, size, and alignment issues. Additionally, veneers protect the tooth surface and reduce potential future damage. The lifespan of veneers can last 10-15 years if treated by an expert dentist and properly maintained by the patient.

Suitable tooth conditions for veneers include:

• Cracked or chipped teeth

• Teeth with poor or abnormal alignment, slight twisting or crowding

• Excessive gaps between teeth

• Abnormal tooth shape or size, such as small or incomplete teeth

• Worn teeth

• Discolored or dark teeth, such as those affected by root canal treatment or tetracycline medication causing dark yellow and uneven coloring

Veneers are divided into 2 types:

• Composite veneers use tooth-colored filling material bonded directly on the front tooth surface to change shape and color. This method requires the dentist’s expertise. Advantages include minimal tooth reduction, but disadvantages include longer treatment time and possible bad breath or gum inflammation if margins are not well controlled. The material used is composite resin, which is less durable in color stability and smoothness than porcelain.

• Ceramic veneers require the dentist to trim the original tooth surface, then take an impression or digital scan to produce ceramic veneers. Advantages include strength, natural tooth-like gloss, and color durability, with very low stain adhesion.

Tooth Whitening 

Tooth whitening is a procedure that lightens teeth with intrinsic discoloration, such as stains formed inside the tooth during development or in cases of dead teeth, to make them appear whiter.

At-home whitening:
Using a low-concentration whitening gel, the treatment takes 7-14 days. The whitening effect is gradual and not immediate. Patients must be patient and disciplined to wear the whitening trays daily.

In-clinic whitening:
Using a high-concentration whitening gel combined with high-intensity LED light stimulation at a specific wavelength, the treatment takes 45-60 minutes. The teeth become visibly whiter immediately after treatment. This method is convenient, safe, performed by expert dentists, and suitable for those with limited time.

How long does the whitening last?

1. Teeth can remain white for 1-2 years depending on care, cleaning, and diet.

2. To maintain results, it is recommended to avoid smoking and drinking tea or coffee.

3. Whitening results depend on the original tooth color and individual response to treatment.

How to maintain long-lasting whiteness?

1. Brush teeth and tongue thoroughly every morning and night to remove plaque and stains from food, ensuring all areas are cleaned.

2. Drink water frequently to dilute the acid-base balance in the mouth. After consuming colored food or drinks, rinse or drink water to reduce stain buildup on teeth.

3. Use at-home whitening kits occasionally (1-2 times per month) to maintain long-lasting whiteness.