Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of your teeth and smile. While general dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, cosmetic procedures are elective treatments that improve aesthetics. Individuals with stained, chipped, or misaligned teeth seek these services to restore their smiles; veneers are one option within this field, offering a long-term solution for various dental concerns.
Understanding Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells crafted from tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth; these shells bond to the front of the teeth, changing their color, shape, size, or length. Porcelain and resin composite materials are the most common substances used to create them. While porcelain veneers resist stains, they also mimic the look of natural teeth.
Explaining the Procedure
Getting dental veneers usually requires multiple trips to the dentist; at least one appointment is a consultation, and then other appointments are for the fabrication and application of the veneers. One tooth or many teeth can undergo the veneering process simultaneously. The process can vary depending on the material type you choose and the extent of the treatment.
Planning the Treatment
During the initial appointment, your dentist examines your teeth, and they determine if dental veneers are appropriate for you. Then, they may discuss what the procedure involves and some of its limitations. The dentist may need to correct underlying issues like cavities before proceeding with the veneers.
Preparing the Teeth
To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will reshape the tooth surface, removing an amount of enamel that accommodates the thickness of the veneer. Next, your dentist will make a model or an impression of your teeth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which creates your veneer. It usually takes a few weeks for the veneers to come back from the laboratory, so temporary dental veneers may be applied to your teeth in the interim.
Bonding the Veneers
Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color. They may repeatedly trim and shape the veneer to achieve the proper fit; the veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched. Etching roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process.
Once they properly position the veneer, the dentist cements the it to the tooth. Then, they apply a specialized light beam to the dental veneer, and this light causes the cement to harden very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, checking your bite, and making any needed adjustments. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer’s placement.
Exploring the Results
Veneers can result in an enhanced but natural appearance, and with optimal hygiene practices, can last many years. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and can make dark teeth appear whiter. Although veneers are durable, they are not indestructible. Avoid biting your fingernails and chewing on pens, ice, or other hard objects; these habits can cause the veneers to chip or crack. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, your dentist might recommend a bite guard to protect your veneers while you sleep.
Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry
Veneers are a versatile tool in cosmetic dentistry, and they are capable of addressing multiple aesthetic concerns simultaneously. From correcting discoloration to fixing chips and gaps, this procedure offers a durable and natural-looking solution. If you want to learn more about the results veneers can achieve, consult a dentist near you.