Veneers

Introduction to Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are custom made to fit over teeth, providing a natural, attractive look. They can be used to fix chipped, stained, misaligned, worn down, uneven, or abnormally spaced teeth. Because they are designed to cover the front surface of teeth, veneers are a popular solution for enhancing the appearance of your smile.

Benefits of Veneers

• Aesthetic Enhancement: Veneers dramatically improve the look of your teeth, giving you a brighter and more even smile.
• Durability: Made from strong materials, veneers are durable and can last many years with proper care.
• Minimal Tooth Preparation: Veneers require a minimal amount of tooth reshaping compared to crowns, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
• Stain Resistance: Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining, which helps maintain a whiter smile.
• Quick Transformation: Veneers typically require only a few visits to complete, making them a quick way to transform your smile.

Types of Veneers

There are primarily two types of veneers – porcelain and composite resin:

• Porcelain Veneers: Known for their durability and strength, porcelain veneers also closely mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.
• Composite Resin Veneers: These are less expensive and require fewer visits to apply. They can be bonded to your teeth in a single appointment and are easier to repair if damaged.

What to Expect During the Veneer Procedure

The process of getting veneers usually involves the following steps:

1. Consultation and Planning: Discuss your goals and the dentist evaluates your teeth to determine if veneers are appropriate. Your dentist might also take X-rays and make impressions of your mouth and teeth.
2. Preparation: To prepare for veneers, your dentist will remove about 0.5 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is roughly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added. Depending on the type of veneer, a local anesthetic may be used to numb the area.
3. Impression: After the tooth is prepared, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which constructs your veneer. It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory.
4. Bonding: 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 will then remove and trim the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit; the tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched to ensure a strong bonding process.
5. Follow-Up: A follow-up visit is usually scheduled for a couple of weeks later to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer's placement.

Aftercare for Veneers

While veneers are relatively easy to care for, good oral hygiene practices are essential to prolong their life:

• Maintaining Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash as you normally would.
• Avoiding Hard Foods: Avoid chewing on hard objects like pens, ice, or your fingernails, especially if you have veneers on fragile teeth.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to the dentist are necessary to keep your veneers in good condition.

Schedule Your Veneers Consultation

If you're considering veneers to enhance your smile, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile with custom veneers designed to meet your aesthetic goals.