A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Dental Veneers

Are you thinking of improving the appearance of your teeth? There is hope for you in cosmetic dentistry, with solutions like dental veneers that have proven very effective for improving various dental flaws.

Before making any cosmetic decisions about your teeth, visit us today at Concord Woods Dental Group to learn more about whether dental veneers are right for you.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shell-like oral materials that are used in cosmetic and restorative dentistry to repair and restore teeth. Dental veneer treatment is commonly used as a measure to improve the appearance of teeth by masking the external flaws.

The thin material used to create dental veneers is called porcelain. This material can be picked depending on the shade of your natural teeth because it is tooth colored. Once selected, the veneer will be applied only to the front surface of your teeth instead of on your entire tooth, as is the case with dental crowns. It is why veneers are best for front teeth, more than the back teeth.

How Do Dental Veneers Work?

First, visit a dental office that offers quality dental veneers for a consultation. The dentist will then inform you about your options regarding restoring your teeth. Usually, dental veneers are used to mask the following dental issues:

1. Tooth discoloration – Veneers dental is most often the best way for people to whiten their teeth, especially when the stains are too stubborn to come out with typical whitening methods.
2. For cracked, chipped, and broken teeth – A veneer is applied to disfigured teeth to cover any flaws related to cracks or breaks.
3. For unusually shaped teeth – It is often the case when teeth are too pointy or unusually short. Such issues can be rectified by placing a veneer that is just the right shape for the type of tooth in question.
4. For small spaces between teeth – A dentist can be strategic about placing dental veneers in your mouth in such a way as to close any small spaces between your teeth. This would be an alternative to orthodontic treatments that will have you on braces for several months to years.

Once your dentist has determined that you have any of the mentioned dental issues, you will be cleared for the procedure. Dental veneers are usually only placed on the front surfaces of teeth, which is why they are perfect for masking dental flaws.

What Is the Procedure for Getting Dental Veneers?

The procedure is similar to getting a dental crown. The only difference is during the preparation of your tooth. Before the procedure, your dentist can administer local anesthesia to numb your mouth and ensure you have a virtually painless procedure. The steps that follow afterward are:

1. Preparing your tooth – Your dentist will trim off part of your tooth enamel. The amount of enamel removed will be equivalent to the size of the veneer you get. Since veneers are technically thin porcelain materials, not a lot of your enamel will be removed during your treatment.
2. Getting impressions – Your dentist will make a mold out of the impressions of your mouth, which will be used to create your veneers.
3. Temporary crowning – Veneers must be made in a dental laboratory. Unless you are getting same-day veneers, you will need a temporary crown. This will ensure your tooth is protected in the few days it takes to prepare your veneer.
4. Installation – A veneer is attached to your teeth through a dental bonding process. Special dental cement is applied to your teeth to adhere to the tooth veneers. To dry the cement quickly, a dentist will use a laser. If any shaping and adjustments are necessary, the dentist will do them before completing the procedure.

Summary

Dental veneers are oral appliances used by many patients in cosmetic dentistry. They immediately transform the appearance of your smile regarding color, size, and shape. However, other dental procedures in cosmetic dentistry can be employed instead of dental veneers. Be sure to talk to your dentist at length about your options. It would be best to book an appointment at Concord Woods Dental Group for a consultation with one of our dentists.