Cosmetic Dental Veneers
Dental veneers, which dentists bond to the outer surface of your teeth, are thin shells made of either porcelain or a composite resin material. Dentists use little to no anesthesia to complete this simple procedure that can drastically improve the appearance of your smile. If you want to mask all of the discolorations in your mouth and brighten your teeth, dental veneers are a great option.
Why Choose a Dental Veneer Over Any Other Alternative
Many people who initially think of getting a crown ultimately decide to get a dental veneer instead. That’s because getting a dental veneer is an easier procedure and a cheaper option. Like crowns, dental veneers can also last 10 to 20 years, depending on the material your dentist uses and how well you take care of your teeth. Here are some of the most common reasons people get veneers.
- Stained teeth as a result of a tetracycline treatment
- General discolorations and undesirable defects
- Damage caused by an auto accident or a root-canal procedure
- Gapped, chipped or worn teeth
What Can You Expect During the Dental Veneer Procedure
Dental patients might need up to three appointments to complete the procedure - or more, if you’re shopping around for the best cosmetic dentist in the area. First, your dentist will diagnose your broken smile and figure out a treatment plan to reinvigorate it. Afterward, he or she will make final preparations and proceed with the bonding process. It’s important you tell your dentist exactly what you expect once he or she completes the procedure. After all, it’s your smile - not his or hers.
During the procedure, your dentist will lightly buff your tooth to make room for the dental veneer. Dentists usually remove about half a millimeter of the tooth, and this part of the procedure sometimes requires an anesthetic. For dental veneers made of composite resin, you usually only need one appointment to complete the bonding and sculpting process. For dental veneers made of porcelain, your dentist will take a mold of your tooth and send it to the lab to make the veneer. Once your porcelain veneer is ready, your dentist will fit it in and make the necessary adjustments.
It’ll take a few weeks to adjust to your new dental veneer. It’s important that you brush your teeth and floss daily. After two weeks, your dentist should complete a follow-up examine to ensure your dental veneer fits properly. Once that happens, you’re ready to show off that new smile.