A dental veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that when applied to the front of your tooth can dramatically change the appearance of your look and smile for the better. Veneers can make your teeth whiter and brighter. They can also fix gaps, spacing, and the position of your natural teeth.
Because of the diversity of uses for dental veneers to improve the look of teeth, there are now more people than ever deciding to get this dental treatment. If you are one of the many people considering veneers it is important that you do your research before getting them to make sure they are the best option for you.
So, in order to help you decide if dental veneers are best for you we have put together some things to consider in the following article.
How Do Veneers Work?
As mentioned previously, dental veneers are thin, custom-designed ceramic shells that adhere to the front of your teeth and will last for decades if properly cared for.
The ceramic (porcelain) composite material will be tinted to the optimal shade of whiteness that looks best with your complexion. Recent advancements have allowed veneers to possess the same translucent quality as real teeth, so even brilliant white smiles can appear more natural.
Veneers are a great choice for people who want to keep their natural teeth but need more substantial correction than whitening can offer. Good candidates include people with significant staining, cracks or chips, short or mismatched teeth, or wear and tear from aging.
What does the process involve?
This first step involves explaining to our dentist the result that you are trying to achieve. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to ensure dental veneers will be the appropriate treatment for you and discuss what the procedure will involve. Our dental team may also take X-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth.
To prepare a tooth for a porcelain veneer, your dentist will remove about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is about the same thickness of the veneer to be added to your tooth’s surface. Before trimming off the enamel, you and your dentist will decide the need for a local anesthetic to numb the area.
Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. Temporary dental veneers can be placed in the interim.
Once they’re made, the final stage involves attaching the permanent veneers to the teeth. This is done using a dental cement-like paste, then UV light is used to harden it.
From the first consultation to final placement, the overall process usually takes around three to four weeks.
Are veneers permanent?
Veneers are stain-resistant and long-lasting if you follow a sensible hygiene routine – brushing twice a day, flossing and visiting the dentist regularly.
But while being very durable, they’re not permanent. With proper maintenance, veneers can last up to 15-20 years. The dentist and staff will give you clear guidelines on how to properly maintain your new teeth.
When veneers come near to the end of their life cycle, they’ll need to be replaced. The veneers are removed carefully, and new ones are created.
Schedule a Dental Veneer Consultation!
Schedule a dental veneer consultation today by calling our front desk at 915.566.3927, or send us an email by visiting our Contact Us page. We have a professional and patient staff that can answer any questions you have about treatment, insurance, or financial options. We can’t wait to see your new smile!
