Veneers
What to Know Before You Get Dental Veneers
Discover the transformative power of dental veneers – ultra-thin, tooth-colored shells meticulously affixed to the front surface of teeth, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. Ideal for addressing cosmetic concerns such as chipped, broken, discolored, or undersized teeth, these veneers are crafted from durable porcelain or resin-composite materials and permanently bonded to your teeth.
Whether correcting a single damaged tooth or enhancing the overall symmetry of your smile, dental veneers offer a customizable solution. Many individuals opt for six to eight veneers, focusing on the top front eight teeth for a harmonious and radiant smile.
What are the different types of veneers?
Dental veneers, commonly crafted from porcelain or composite resin, usually involve extensive preparation. Traditional veneers necessitate grinding down tooth structure, potentially removing enamel and requiring irreversible procedures. This process can be uncomfortable and often requires a local anesthetic. The extent of tooth reduction depends on your dental needs and the number of teeth involved. Sometimes, a dentist may create a wax model to illustrate the veneers’ appearance.
Porcelain veneers
Dental procedures for porcelain veneers vary. Some dentists grind down teeth, create a mold, and send it to a lab for veneer production. Once ready, the dentist cements the veneer onto the prepared tooth. Temporary veneers may be used until the permanent ones arrive. Alternatively, dentists employ CAD/CAM technology design and create veneers in-office, streamlining the process.
Composite resin veneers
Opting for composite resin veneers involves your dentist delicately etching the tooth surface and applying a slim composite material layer. If needed, additional composite layers are added to achieve your desired appearance. The process concludes with your dentist using a special light to cure and harden the composite veneer.
What are the benefits of dental veneers?
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Severe discoloration or uneven coloring resistant to whitening
- Gaps between teeth
- Smaller-than-average teeth
- Pointed or unusually shaped teeth
Choose from our durable veneer options for a semi-permanent investment in your confidence and a radiant smile that will last over a decade.
How to take care of your veneers after they’re placed
After the application of veneers, the recovery period is minimal. Once the veneers are securely cemented and any anesthetic has worn off, you can resume your normal eating and chewing habits. During the anesthetic wearing off, avoid chewing on your cheeks or tongue.
Occasionally, you may feel some roughness immediately after the veneers are applied, often due to excess cement. These rough spots typically smooth out within a few days of regular eating and teeth brushing. If they persist, your dentist can address them.
Traditional porcelain veneers have a lifespan of at least ten years, with some studies suggesting they can last up to 20 years. To maximize their longevity, follow these precautions:
- Avoid chewing on hard objects such as pens, ice, or fingernails.
- Refrain from using your teeth to open packaging.
- Opt to chew harder foods with your back teeth; consider cutting up hard foods to facilitate this.
- If you grind or clench your teeth at night, consider using a splint or retainer to protect your veneers.
- Wear a mouth guard during sports activities.
- If you grind or clench your teeth, consider using a mouth guard or retainer.
