What to Expect When You Want to Get Dental Veneers for Your Teeth
Getting dental veneers is one possible solution for achieving the smile that you want. They can help people who have chipped teeth, gaps between the teeth or misshapen teeth. Learn more about veneers and what to expect if you decide to get them.
What are dental veneers?
A dental veneer is a very thin shell placed either on the front of the teeth or over the teeth. It can improve the way someone’s natural smile looks. Anyone can use dental veneers to cover teeth imperfections.
Who is a candidate for dental veneers?
Plenty of people consider dental veneers every day. Some of them want to improve their self-esteem by achieving the great-looking smile they have always wanted. People can use dental veneers for various reasons. These include teeth that are:
Cracked
Chipped
Worn down
Discolored
Misshaped
Spotted
Uneven
Unaligned
What types of dental veneers are there?
Dental veneers require that the dentist remove a thin layer of tooth enamel from the teeth receiving treatment. Dental veneers come in two types: porcelain and resin.
Porcelain veneers
Dental veneers made from porcelain reflect light in a similar manner to the tooth enamel. Veneers crafted from porcelain are durable and can be stain-resistant. Porcelain veneers are long-lasting and require little maintenance. The typical life span will be somewhere between 10-25 years.
Resin veneers
The other option for dental veneers is resin. The life span on a resin veneer is less than that of porcelain, lasting between 4-8 years. However, resin veneers cost less than porcelain ones. Dentists can apply and sculpt resin veneers on the same day.
What to expect when getting dental veneers
After the decision has been made to get new dental veneers, the dentist will begin preparing for the procedure. This includes taking X-rays of the mouth. Then, the dentist will shave off the tooth’s surface enamel to prepare the bonding of the dental veneers. Sometimes, a local anesthetic is used.
Impressions are made
The dentist creates an impression of the teeth and sends it to a lab. It can take two to four weeks to construct the dental veneers. During this period, the dentist may choose to provide a patient with temporary veneers that can offer protection for the chosen teeth.
Sizing the dental veneers
After the dentist receives the veneers, an appointment will be scheduled to shape the veneers to the patient’s desired smile. The new dental veneers will be taken in and out of the mouth several times to trim and size them appropriately.
Cementing the dental veneers in place
Once the veneers are the right size and shape, the dentist will clean the desired teeth and then etch them. This creates a surface that will be easier for the veneers to bond to. The new dental veneers will be put in place and cemented on. The cement used is light-activated and hardens and cures quickly. The dentist removes any excess cement, checks the alignment and makes the necessary adjustments.
Ready for your new dental veneers?
If you are tired of teeth that do not fit your idea of a beautiful smile, then consult with your dentist. They can help determine if you are the right candidate for dental veneers.
For cavities, a dental inlay may be a good option to treat the decayed tooth. Many people probably think of fillings when it comes to repairing cavities. While this treatment can be effective, it is worth considering inlays as well. Both have benefits and drawbacks. Your dentist can explain the process of each treatment to…
A visit to the kid-friendly dentist is no easy feat for many children, especially younger ones who are having their first appointment. You need to choose the right dentist for your child, and this means a dental professional with the right qualification, experience and character. This is important to ensure the child has a positive…
When a tooth shows signs of decay or damage, a dentist may recommend one or several dental restoration options. One of the more common options, aside from filling, is a dental inlay. For patients to make informed decisions regarding treatment, it is important to understand what an inlay is and how it differs from a…
If you are an individual who snores or wakes up gasping for air, a significant other may have suggested visiting a dental or medical provider to investigate the possibility of sleep apnea. A proper diagnosis is crucial for starting the right treatment. There are two main types of sleep apnea that have similar symptoms, but…
For cavities, a dental inlay may be a good option to treat the decayed tooth. Many people probably think of fillings when it comes to repairing cavities. While this treatment can be effective, it is worth considering inlays as well. Both have benefits and drawbacks. Your dentist can explain the process of each treatment to…
A visit to the kid-friendly dentist is no easy feat for many children, especially younger ones who are having their first appointment. You need to choose the right dentist for your child, and this means a dental professional with the right qualification, experience and character. This is important to ensure the child has a positive…