Veneers
should i get veneers?
Veneers have become extremely popular as they are used to help people achieve the beautiful smile they’ve always dreamed of. Porcelain veneers, as they are often referred to, can be used to correct discolored teeth as well as worn, chipped, or broken teeth. Even teeth that are uneven or irregularly shaped. They can also be used to fill in gaps between teeth.
If you’re wondering whether you need veneers or not, it’s important to understand that they are purely cosmetic. In other words, a veneer is not an essential component to your dental health. However, if you feel self-conscious about your teeth and feel uncomfortable smiling or laughing because your teeth are very dull or discolored, then you should seriously consider veneers.
what are cosmetic veneers?
Veneers are extremely thin shells made from tooth-colored materials. They are applied to the front surface or your teeth to improve their appearance. These shells can change everything from the size and length of your teeth to their color and shape.
Porcelain or resin composite materials are used to manufacture them and they are tailored to each patient. The type of the material used depends on the patient. Generally speaking, though, porcelain not only imitates the appearance of teeth better than other materials, but it also tends to be more resistant to stains. On the other hand, veneers made from a resin composite material are thinner, which means less of the tooth’s surface has to be removed before they are applied.
the procedure for getting veneers
Getting veneers usually involved three appointments. The first appointment will simply be a consultation in order for us to gauge your condition and to make notes for preparation. The second and third appointments will be used for making and applying the veneers.
During the first appointment, we will discuss exactly what you want to achieve. We will check your teeth to make sure veneers are an option for you and we will also go through everything you need to know about the procedure. X-rays might also be taken as well as an impression of your teeth and mouth.
At the next appointment, your teeth will be prepared to receive the veneers. This involves removing around 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the surface of your teeth, which is approximately how thick the veneer will be. Before we start trimming off the enamel, though, we will apply a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain. Afterwards, an impression of your teeth will be made. This will be used to as a foundation for the construction of your veneers. It might take up to two weeks to finish the construction of the veneers, but we can apply temporary veneers in the meantime.
The last step is to apply the veneers. First, the veneers will be examined to ensure a good fit and that the color is suitable. If necessary, the veneers will be trimmed until they fit properly. Color can be adjusted by changing the shade of the cement used to permanently attach the veneers.
Your teeth will be cleaned, polished and etched, which is a process that involves roughening the surface of the tooth to ensure a strong bond. We will then apply a special cement to your teeth and apply the veneers. Once the positioning is correct, a special light will be used to harden the cement.
Finally any excess cement will be removed, and we’ll make any other adjustments we feel are necessary to ensure your comfort. We will ask that you come back for a follow-up visit after a few weeks so we can ensure that your veneers are not irritating your gums and to be sure they are placed perfectly.
caring for your veneers
Your veneers will last up to 10 years, after which they will have to be replaced. In the meantime, they don’t need any special care other than good oral hygiene, which is something you already do. While porcelain veneers are resistant to stains, it is still a good idea to avoid foods and beverages that cause stains like red wine, coffee and tea as often as possible.
Veneers are one of the best options for anyone looking to achieve a beautiful smile, especially for those suffering with very discolored or dull teeth. However, not everyone is a candidate, as they are not a good idea for people who have weakened teeth or unhealthy teeth. To find out whether veneers are an option for you or not, book a free consultation today!